This guide to the Dominican Republic covers all the major sights, area by area, in an easily navigable format. Descriptions of tourist attractions include the island's best beaches, stunning natural areas, and places for hiking, white-water rafting and snorkelling. A guide is given to sights in Santo Domingo such as the Cathedral, Ozama Fortress and Alcazar de Colon Palace. The book also contains background historical information, advice on shopping and entertainment and the low-down on eating out. There is an A-Z of practical information, listings of recommended hotels and restaurants and useful expressions in Spanish. The guide also contains special features on topics ranging from whale watching to the merengue dance and Columbus' bones to festivals. Maps show the Dominican Republic, Santa Domingo and the Zona Colonial, and there are dozens of colour photographs throughout.