Dominican Republic Travel OverviewThe Dominican Republic covers the eastern half of Hispaniola; it has the share the beauty of the islands with Haiti. 'The most beautiful island man has ever seen' is what Columbus said when he landed here in 1492. He was of course prejudiced in desperate need of a small success and hadn't seen any land for some time then; but there is still quite a bit of truth in his observation. & One of the first things the Spaniards did in this charming new discovery of theirs is massacre all the inhabitants. Within 13 years 600;00 Taino indians were killed. Santo domingo de los colorados is the chief city of the Dominican Republic; the colonial zone is absolutely worth a visit -it features the Calle de las Damas; the oldest street in the new world. Unfortunately many tourists don't come farther than Puerto Plata City with its fabulous beaches.... Popular Destinations | 