Barahona is a coastal city in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, the capital of Barahona Province. It is best known as a gateway to the quiet southwestern coast, where mountains and sea meet in dramatic scenery and where many beaches still feel unspoiled. The city is also known by its fuller name, Santa Cruz de Barahona.
What the visit offers
Most travellers come to Barahona for the landscape and for the natural places within reach of the city. Its setting, with steep mountains on one side and the sea on the other, gives the area a character quite different from the busier resort coasts further east. Visitors who enjoy wild shorelines and open views will find much to appreciate here.
- Bahía de las Águilas, one of the region's best-known natural attractions, lies within reach of the city and is often the reason people make the journey.
- Untouched beaches along the southwestern coast, which suit travellers looking for calm and space rather than crowds.
- Mountain and sea scenery, which rewards slow exploration and unhurried drives.
Planning a trip
Barahona suits a visit built around nature more than around city sights. Allow time to move between the city and the coast, as distances in this part of the country can take longer than the map suggests. Those who value quiet beaches and dramatic landscapes are likely to find the trip worthwhile, while travellers wanting a lively nightlife scene may prefer to spend their time elsewhere.