Punta Cana is among the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. Located on the easternmost tip of the island, it is the Caribbean's single largest tourist destination, comprising the areas of Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro, Bavaro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto. Famous for its long stretches of white sand beach, night life, and restaurants, Punta Cana is also the largest golf destination in the Caribbean.
The last two decades has seen Punta Cana transformed, as mostly European hotel chains acquired sugar plantation estates and pasture lands to build vacation homes and resort hotels. Favored by many celebrities, Punta Cana has a decidedly European ambiance.
Some of the best known beaches are Cabeza de Toro, Bavaro - the most developed beach strip with numerous shops, resorts and restaurants -- Uvero Alto, Macao, and the Saona Islands' pristine beaches, untouched by commercial activity. Punta Cana is also a major Caribbean diving and deep sea fishing destination.
Worth a visit is Altos de Chavon, an artisan village with galleries, shops and open artists' ateliers all devoted to Dominican Republic's rich cultural heritage, past and present. Among the region's natural attractions are the Marinarium, Manati Park Bavaro, Punta Cana Ecological Reserve, Los Haitises National Park, and the Dolphin Island Park, where visitors swim with the dolphins and sea-lions.