Is Las Galeras the Dominican Republic’s Best-Kept Secret?

Earlier this year, I spent two weeks over New Year’s exploring Las Galeras, a laid-back beach town at the edge of the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. After driving across the country from Punta Cana and settling into a rental just off the main beach, I quickly realized this place is nothing like the tourist-heavy areas most Canadians and Americans are familiar with.

Las Galeras is quiet, authentic, and naturally beautiful—and it might just be one of the most underrated places to buy property in the Dominican Republic.

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What Makes Las Galeras Unique

Unlike Punta Cana or Las Terrenas, Las Galeras hasn’t been built up with resorts, big hotels, or crowded beaches. It still feels untouched. What you will find is a mix of small local restaurants, a growing expat presence, and plenty of friendly locals going about their daily lives.

Every morning, I started the day with a cappuccino and pastry at the local French bakery, then wandered the beach road to scout new viewpoints. The pace is slower here, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing to a certain type of buyer: someone looking to disconnect without sacrificing basic comfort.

You still have access to grocery stores, pharmacies, and Wi-Fi. But instead of traffic and concrete, you get jungle, ocean, and peace.

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Exploring the Beaches of Las Galeras

Las Galeras is home to some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, especially if you value quiet and natural surroundings. Over the course of two weeks, I explored:

• Playa Frontón – a dramatic beach surrounded by cliffs, only accessible by boat
• Playa Madama – a smaller, jungle-framed cove with unreal turquoise water
• Playa Rincón – a popular favorite with long waves, perfect for swimming

But one of my personal favorite beaches was actually one most people haven’t heard of: Playa del Aserradero.

Located just a short walk from town, Playa del Aserradero is a quiet, white-sand beach that’s ideal for swimming or just sitting under a palm tree with no one else around. It’s not busy, not overdeveloped, and not flashy — just beautiful, simple, and completely relaxing. It’s the kind of beach you imagine owning a home near and walking to every morning.

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Is Las Galeras a Good Place to Invest?

This depends on what kind of buyer you are. Las Galeras isn’t Punta Cana — and that’s a good thing for the right person. If you’re looking to flip pre-construction or generate quick rental income, this isn’t the place.

But if you’re the kind of buyer who wants:

• A future retirement spot
• A long-term vacation home
• To own land or a villa in a peaceful area

Then Las Galeras is absolutely worth your attention.

There are a few emerging pre-construction projects in the area, including boutique villas and gated communities being built with sustainability and privacy in mind. And because the region is still developing, prices remain lower than the more saturated coastal towns.

It reminds me of what Las Terrenas used to be 10+ years ago.

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My Role: Helping North Americans Invest Smart, Not Blindly

I’m Derek C., a Canadian-licensed REALTOR® and founder of Own Dominican. I don’t sell property in the Dominican Republic. What I do is help Canadians and Americans:

• Understand where and what to buy
• Avoid sketchy or overhyped projects
• Connect with vetted developers and legal professionals
• Build a plan that matches their goals

My service is simple: clear, honest guidance for people who want to explore real estate in the Dominican Republic without getting overwhelmed or misled.

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Book a Free Call

If you’re interested in exploring places like Las Galeras — or want help figuring out whether the DR makes sense for your goals — book a free 15-minute call.

There’s no pressure. I’ll answer your questions, explain how the process works, and if it feels like a fit, I’ll connect you with trusted people on the ground.

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