Share this article
Las Terrenas, located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, is a popular destination for those seeking a tropical getaway. With its stunning beaches, lush green forests, and vibrant local culture, it's no wonder this town is growing in popularity as a destination for tourists and expatriates alike.
With so many different areas to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the right fit for you, especially if you are new in town. There are so many different ways to live, from beachfront communities to hills with million-dollar views all around town. In this article, we will be exploring the various neighborhoods of Las Terrenas, including Las Ballenas, Bonita, Punta Popy, El Portillo, Center Town, Abra Grande, Coson, and the hills around town, to help you make an informed decision about where to stay. We will rate each area based on the most important factors - proximity to shops and restaurants, how peaceful and quiet it is, and how beautiful it is. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape, a bustling social scene, or a mix of both, this guide will give you the information you need to choose the perfect Las Terrenas area for you.
List of Las Terrenas neighborhoods:
- Las Ballenas
- Bonita
- Punta Popy
- El Portillo
- Abra Grande
- Center Town
- Coson
- The hills
- Las Terrenas Real Estate Discovery Tour
Las Ballenas
Playa Las Ballenas is the most beautiful and quiet place in the western part of the resort town of Las Terrenas in the north of the Dominican Republic. Every morning on the beach you can buy fresh fish and lobster from local fishermen. Las Ballenas is an incredible combination of a quiet vacation by the ocean and the opportunity to visit the best restaurants and hotels, which are a couple of minutes walk from the beach. Check out this happy client interview with someone who bought her first beachfront condo on Las Ballenas beach.
The length of Las Ballenas is 2.5 km, although the coast seems endless. The atmosphere of this place is calm and relaxing, many come to Las Ballenas to enjoy the enchanting sunset. And the shallow water and the absence of waves on this beach allow families with young children to spend time comfortably.
On the west side of the beach, there is a dead end and an oasis formed by a river flowing into the ocean and the cliff rocks. Bonita Village is an exclusive residence that is worth checking out if you are looking for a gorgeous peaceful family-friendly place to live.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: There are plenty of restaurants all along the beach. There are no grocery stores, but the area is adjacent to the center of town, so the main supermarkets are closed, and the rumor is that the area may soon welcome their new little supermarket. 4/5
Peace and quiet: It is a very popular area among tourists and weekend visitors, so it can get quite crowded and noisy at peak times. 2/5
Beauty: The beach is wide and beautiful, and there are rocks and a river to explore. Also great snorkeling! 5/5
Click here to search for available properties in the Las Ballenas area.
Bonita
Playa Bonita is as pretty as its name suggests – a crescent-shaped, cozy white sand beach lined with a variety of boutique hotels, villas, and restaurants. It has made it into the top most beautiful beaches in the world, according to National Geographic. The beach's western edge is as still as a swimming pool, attracting families, while the eastern side–facing hotels and a surfing school offers active waves for the adventurous. Pair a day at the beach with lunch at the excellent Hotel Atlantis’s beachfront restaurant, for French and Caribbean cuisine by the sea.
There are a few small restaurants and bars located along the beach, offering fresh seafood, cold drinks, and snacks. There are also a few vendors selling souvenirs, jewelry, and other beach gear. For those looking for adventure, several water sports activities are available, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, with local fishermen often casting their lines just offshore.
Playa Bonita is a long and wide beach, so even on busy days, it's never too crowded. The water is warm and inviting, and the waves are generally calm, making it a great spot for families with children. Bonita is considered to be on the higher end when it comes to real estate. Property prices here may be higher than the average in Las Terrenas, and the place attracts a great crowd of investors.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: There are plenty of restaurants all along the beach and beyond. There are no supermarkets in the area, the nearest one is in town about 10 minutes away by car, so a vehicle is a must. 3/5
Peace and quiet: Even though the beach can get crowded on weekends and national holidays, the residential areas are generally considered to be quiet and peaceful with plenty of security guarding the peace of their residents. 5/5
Beauty: With a secluded wild Playa Escondida on one side and a point looking out over the entire length of Playa Coson, wherever you look, this beach beats all expectations of beauty. 5/5
Click here to search for available properties in the Bonita area.
Punta Popy
Playa Punta Popy is an area in Las Terrenas that offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere with a stunning beachfront. The white sand shores of Punta Popy provide ideal wind and wave conditions for kite surfing, which makes it a popular spot for both new and experienced surfers. For those looking for a calmer swimming experience, the western side of the beach offers peaceful waters perfect for paddleboarding or swimming.
The area has a wide range of restaurants and bars offering international cuisine, providing a perfect spot to enjoy the daily sunset views while sipping on a cocktail and indulging in delicious food. With a range of accommodation options, including residential projects and private villas, there is something for everyone in Punta Popy.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: Everything you need can be found within walking distance. 5/5
Peace and quiet: It is a popular tourist area that gets lots of traffic at peak times, but the residences are kept nice and quiet. 4/5
Beauty: The beach in Punta Popy is undoubtedly beautiful and calm, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a day in the sun. However, some may find the fact that the beach is adjacent to the main road a downside. 4/5
Click here to search for available properties in the Punta Popy area.
El Portillo
Playa el Portillo is a tranquil and picturesque destination in Las Terrenas that offers a perfect getaway for families and solo travelers. The beach is characterized by calm and warm waters with little waves, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation. The stunning white sands, along with the surrounding leafy trees and palm trees, create a paradisiacal environment that is worth admiring.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: While the area has a few restaurants and a minimarket, depending on your location, you may need a vehicle to access them due to the vast distances. 3/5
Peace and quiet: The area is generally considered high-end and does not get too crowded even during peak times, providing a peaceful and secure environment for your enjoyment. 5/5
Beauty: Playa el Portillo is its beautiful and uncrowded beach that stretches for a considerable length. The peaceful atmosphere provides an ideal setting for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural beauty around you. 5/5
Click here to search for available properties in the El Portillo area.
Abra Grande
Abra Grande is an area located in Las Terrenas that offers a unique blend of tranquil surroundings and natural beauty. The area is characterized by lush greenery, rolling hills, and breathtaking ocean views, making it an ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is adjacent to the center of town, making it very close to all the amenities and beaches, yet away from the constant noise of the main roads.
In Abra Grande, you will find a mix of residential condos and villas, providing a range of options to suit various preferences and budgets.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: The area is centrally located and is directly adjacent to the central area of Las Terrenas, so most amenities can be found only a short walk away. 4/5
Peace and quiet: Despite its central location, Abra Grande is quieter and more peaceful, as it is a residential area with less vehicle traffic. 4/5
Beauty: Abra Grande is a natural area that is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. With its lush greenery and oceanview hills, this area is a true gem in Las Terrenas. 4/5
Click here to search for available properties in the Abra Grande area.
Center Town
The town of Las Terrenas is a lively bustling area full of shops, restaurants, residences, and all kinds of businesses concentrated in the center. One of the best things about living in town is you may ever hardly need a vehicle - everything is within walking distance and when you don't want to walk, you can take a moto concho - a quick and cheap way to get around.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: You're literally in the center of everything! No vehicle is required. 5/5
Peace and quiet: What's that? 1/5
Beauty: With dense urban development, the beauty of nature may be less apparent, but just wait till you get to the beach. It is beautiful no matter where you go! 3/5
Click here to search for available properties in the Center Town area.
Coson
Playa Cosón is a 7-mile / 11-km long beach perfect for swimming, taking long walks, and enjoying life feet in the sand. There, you truly are on one of the most exclusive and beautiful beaches of Las Terrenas well known for its unforgettable sunsets and fine sands. “El Catey” International Airport is 20 minutes away by car.
Coson is also home to Los Nomadas, a 12-hectare beachfront estate composed nearly entirely of the typical Caribbean-style villas with thatched roofs (also known as palapa roofs), vegetal fences between the properties, beautiful tropical gardens, and interiors made with natural materials like coral stones and acacia wood. The community has 14 beachfront villas as well as several private accesses to reach the beach.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: There are a few restaurants scattered around the area, but considering the size of the beach, they are all a little way from one another. A vehicle is required. 2/5
Peace and quiet: With very little development and a long distance from town, this area is very peaceful and rejuvenating. 5/5
Beauty: Gorgeous vast wild beach! 5/5
Click here to search for available properties in the Coson area.
The Hills
Many different neighborhoods can be put in this category, including names like El Ajogao, La Barbacoa, Coson Hills, and El Jamito to name a few. They all offer million-dollar ocean views and the freedom of building the house of your dreams away from the hustle and bustle of the town. If you love nature, prefer to live away from crowds, and do not mind a short drive to get to the town, this may be the best choice for you.
Proximity to shops & restaurants: Be prepared to have to drive anywhere you need to go, anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes at a time. 1/5
Peace and quiet: Hear the birds chirping and not the sound of motorcycles in the morning. 5/5
Beauty: Gorgeous ocean views and heart-stopping sunsets are guaranteed! 5/5
Click here to see unique oceanfront and ocean-view building lots available for sale.
Las Terrenas Real Estate Discovery Tour
Las Terrenas Real Estate Discovery Tour is our VIP Pack or the perfect toolbox for people who are serious about their plan to invest or live in Las Terrenas. It includes every paid resource and service our agency offers and will definitively help you save time and money by knowing if this is the right place for you.
Book Now
Rate this page
Click on star to rate it
Average rating 0/5. Vote count 0