Capital of the province, Santa Bárbara boasts a splendid geographic location. Surrounded by the greenest and smoothes hills, seems to hug its precious Bay, where upon arrival one can observe the famous Cayo Levantado, a small barren island surrounded by tranquil green-blue waters, that contrast with the white sand that borders it.

Santa Bárbara de Samaná was built in 1756 by the Spanish Brigadier Francisco Rubio Peñaranda, then governor of the island. At the beginning of the 20th century, a fire destroyed its beautiful colonial architecture. Today, this modern city grows parallel to its bay and to the long bridge built by the dictator Trujillo, it follows the horizon line and offers uninterrupted fun to children and adults. Above, an urbanite anachronism can be observed, a building out of place. Is a temple brought from England to house the Methodist community. It is known as “La Churcha” by the locals, which provides an insight to the Dominican sense of humor.

The main tourist attraction of this city resides, nevertheless, in the visitors that come every year during the months of January to March: the humpback whales, a surprising parade that catches experts and profanes.

The recent interest showed by important investors has woken up a city, which until a few years ago, seemed to have abandoned itself. There are three newly restored hotels, one in Cayo Levantado, a seaside shopping center, a marina and port project… and not to mention the many real estate projects to build villas, apartments, shops…

The future has arrived to this city that already possessed the body and today it has finally found its soul.