The beaches of the Dominican Republic are dazzling unspoiled jewels that sparkle in the Caribbean sun. With nearly 800 glorious miles of beautiful coastline, the country boasts some of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean. With so many beaches on one island, it can be difficult to plan a vacation around them. So, to help you out, I have outlined below a list of ten of my favorite beaches in the Dominican Republic.

10. Coson Beach, Las Terrenas

The magnificent beach of Playa Cosón in Bahía de Samaná stretches for more than three glorious miles and is home to a number of vacation villas, as well as restaurants and a large resort. It is a place of stunning natural beauty characterized by crystal clear waters and a medium grain type of sand that is a rich golden tan color. A great place to sunbathe, Playa Cosón is also a good place to enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving.

9. Big Beach

Located between Cabrera and Río San Juan, Playa Grande is a true gem. Offering great views located in a cove surrounded by cliffs, the beach has more of a desert island feel. The clear water and beautiful beautiful sand complete the perfect scene that stands out as a very relaxing place to swim, snorkel and sunbathe.

8. Saona Island

Part of the Parque Nacional del Este, just across from Catalinita Bay, this is a very popular island beach. With over a thousand tourists visiting every day, you certainly won’t be alone if you go here, but you’ll soon see why everyone does. Reached by catamaran, sailboat or speedboat, the beach boasts magnificent turquoise waters that contrast with the rugged beauty of the limestone cliffs. A place where dolphins are often seen, the 22 kilometers of white sand and idyllic palm trees that surround this island provide the perfect place to relax while waiting for them to appear.

7. Cosambar Beach

One of the best beaches in Puerto Plata, Cosamber Beach is a calm crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand. A popular hotspot where semi-permanent snowbirds and tourists try to escape the winter chill of home, this beach has a laid-back vibe and nature paradise. A decent place to snorkel, the best part about this beach is that although the area has a decent number of holiday accommodation units, the region has not yet fully developed to the point where it is overrun with tourists.

6. Cove Beach

One of the most spectacular beaches in the entire Dominican Republic, Playa Caleta in La Romana has a very friendly atmosphere. A great beach for children as the water is quite shallow and there is plenty of shade from the tall palm trees that line the golden sand, the presence of small fishing boats only adds to its charm.

5. Levantado Key

Another Samaná beauty, Cayo Levantado is another little slice of paradise boasting clean, pristine beaches lined with giant coconut palms interspersed with lush flower gardens. With warm water and a mostly calm environment, this is a fantastic place to enjoy a bit of solitude.

4. Luperon Beach

Lined with beautiful coconut palms and stretching for more than a mile in length, the beach of Playa Luperón sits on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great place to dive, snorkel or windsurf, though not really for swimming. But with plenty of umbrellas, beach loungers, bars, and water sports equipment available to rent, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.

3.Punta Cana

Perhaps the most famous beach in the Dominican Republic, this pristine, private beach of white sand, azure waters, and verdant tropical scenery is as beautiful as it is enjoyable. As well as being a great place to soak up the sun, for those who like to be a little more active, catamaran trips, speed boats, banana boats and party boats are available here. The marine life in this area, which can be seen more closely by snorkeling or on a glass-bottom boat tour, is also particularly impressive.

2. Beach Lady

Wild, yet pristine, this secluded little beach could easily sell a million postcards. A beautiful golden beach surrounded by jagged cliffs and lush forested foliage, this little gem, although difficult to get to at the end of the very bumpy road that leads to it, is well worth the trip. Especially since you can explore some of the wonderful caves and lagoons it houses.

1. Macau Beach

Rightly acclaimed by UNESCO, Playa Beach is a fantastic beach. Home to the picturesque fishing village of El Macao, which is located just south of Uvero Alto in Punta Cana, the beach has bright white sand and is highlighted by an offshore shipwreck that is a popular dive site. The rough waters create good surfing conditions and the views of and over the cliffs that loom over the beach are simply stunning.