Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas, an idyllic village located on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic in the Samaná province, is an undiscovered treasure that enchants travelers with its breathtaking scenery, immaculate white sand beaches, and transparent seas. Over the years, it has transformed from a charming fishing village into a dynamic tourism attraction, drawing both domestic and foreign tourists. The town’s metamorphosis is mostly attributable to substantial expenditures in tourism infrastructure, encompassing hotels, clubs, restaurants, and retail malls such as the esteemed “Puerto Plaza Las Terrenas.”

Las Terrenas is distinguished by its cosmopolitan society, significantly shaped by its French residents referred to as “les terrestres.” This French community has been essential to the town from its inception, enhancing its cultural richness and establishing French as the second most prevalent language in the region. Consequently, several Dominicans and Dominican-French inhabitants are progressively acquiring proficiency in French, enhancing the town’s diverse linguistic fabric.

The history of Las Terrenas started in 1946 when President Rafael Leonidas Trujillo mandated the relocation of rural residents from Santo Domingo to this seaside region. Originally a small, secluded fishing village, it has gradually evolved into a vibrant tourist destination, with the fishermen’s cottages converted into appealing pubs, restaurants, and stores.

The Samaná area, home to Las Terrenas, possesses a multifaceted historical heritage. In the early seventeenth century, it functioned as a slave trading harbor for the British. Currently, the population comprises a diverse amalgamation of Taino, Spanish, West Indian, and African slave descendants, resulting in a dynamic cultural mosaic seen in the town’s customs, traditions, and food.

The designation “Las Terrenas” originates from the French phrase “la terrienne,” or “the landlord,” reflecting the town’s historical connections to French colonists. The 2002 Population and Housing Census recorded Las Terrenas’ population as 13,869, with a roughly equal gender distribution. This demographic equilibrium fosters a peaceful community, whereby natives and expats cohabit and engage together in diverse economic endeavors.

Las Terrenas is especially favored by Dominicans from the capital, Santo Domingo, and by international tourists. The inauguration of a new highway in 2012 connecting Santo Domingo with Santa Bárbara de Samaná has markedly enhanced accessibility, decreasing travel time to only two hours. This advancement has enhanced tourism, facilitating guest exploration of the town’s attractions and natural splendor.

The economy of Las Terrenas is mostly propelled by tourism, trade, and fishing. The town’s picturesque beaches and lively nightlife draw tourists throughout the year, while local enterprises prosper from the flood of visitors. Fishing is an essential component of the local economy, with fresh seafood serving as a fundamental element of the town’s cuisine.

In 1977, Las Terrenas achieved a notable milestone when Adelphia Dane Bowen Jr., an Economic Officer at the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, became the inaugural foreigner to construct a private residence in the community. This event marked the commencement of a new age, drawing an increased number of expatriates and investors to the region, hence augmenting its attractiveness as a sought-after locale for residence and recreation.