Playa El Valle

The journey 42-kilometer (26 miles) north of Santa Bárbara de Samaná leads to this 4 kilometers (1.2 miles) long golden stretch surrounded by a lush valley, flanked by towering bluffs, and dotted with fishermen canoes. Rustic and overwhelming in its green to turquoise scenery, the undeveloped Playa El Valle is a great spot to get away from the crowds. Take a stroll along its length, where you’ll spot fishermen bringing in the catch or heading out to sea. Enjoy a seafood lunch on the beach, and take long hikes amid this rugged landscape. When swimming, do stick close to shore as there are rip currents, particularly in the winter season. Even if you don’t swim, it’s a spectacular spot to take in the beauty of the Samaná Peninsula.