Dominican Republic things to see and do

Affectionately known as ‘pelota’, baseball isn't so much the Dominican national sport as the national obsession – male and female, young and old, they're all hooked. The professional domestic season, featuring six teams from across the country, runs from mid-October through late January, providing visitors a chance to experience the game in all its glory.

Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is a World Heritage Site, where you can explore some of the most historic buildings in Americas. Completed in 1514, the Alcazar de Colón was the palatial residence of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus. Equally unmissable is the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the oldest Cathedral in Americas, completed in 1540. The cathedral is known as Christopher Columbus’ resting place, and outside stands a bronze statue of the explorer overlooking Plaza de Colon.

This historical northern city has an absorbing Old Town, centred around Fortaleza San Felipe, which was constructed by the Spanish as both a defensive outpost and a keep for captured smugglers. If you’re looking for adrenalin action though, the nearby beaches are superb, particularly Sosua and Cabarete, whose big surf and powerful breezes create some of the world’s best windsurfing and kite-boarding conditions.

The Museum of Dominican Man (Museo del Hombre Dominicano) is Santo Domingo's best museum, devoted to the country's anthropology. Its sculptures and artefacts offer a fascinating insight on the Tainos, the island’s earliest settlers. You can also see colourful carnival costumes and masks here, as well as exhibits of the Voodoo cult religion that once dominated the Caribbean.

Arguably the most authentic Dominican souvenir on the market, amber is widely available at reasonable prices. The northern coastline is known for producing some of the finest amber in the world. You can visit an amber museum (www.ambermuseum.com) in Puerto Plata, or tour the mines in the hills of La Cumbre (about 43km/28m from Puerto Plata). Keep a look out for blue amber which is found only in Dominican Republic. You can purchase them raw on the mining sites and get them polished, carved and set in jewellery later. However, be mindful of fakery.

Close to Puerto Plata on the north coast, Mount Isabela de Torres provides awesome views of the ocean and surrounding national parks. If you feel adventurous you can climb to the top in a few hours, if not the cable car will whisk you up in minutes from Monday to Saturday. A replica of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ Redeemer statue stands on the peak; there’s also a botanical garden.