Whether you're dreaming of lazing on bright white beaches and listening to the calming Caribbean Sea or pulling on your walking boots and exploring the islands lush mangroves, Puerto Plata holidays serve up plenty of diversity. Known as the silver city on the amber coast, this all-round destination in the Dominican Republic is loved for its pearly sands and swaying palms, which stretch for miles.

Soak up a little Spanish culture and head to El Morro San Felipe, a historic fortress built to protect the city from pirates – if not for the insightful museum, it's sure to impress with its hilltop views over the Atlantic. Go kite-boarding in neighbouring Cabarete, ride a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, marvel over the waterfalls of Damajagua or visit the land of cigars in Santiago, roughly 38km away, on your holidays to Puerto Plata. Lush forests with swaying coconut trees and swathes of grey sands welcome you to this Dominican Republic hotspot, particularly at the famous Playa Dorada beach, which also promises gorgeous sunsets. Puerto Plata is often confused with Punta Cana, at just a short flight away it's a more laid-back choice for a beach holiday with the family.

April is a great time to visit Puerto Plata, since the temperatures are high touching averages of 30°C, though there can be some rainfall. Overall, the weather is tropically warm, though the months from May to June and November to December may witness rain. To get there, fly to Santo Domingo airport, from where Puerto Plata is about four hours by road.