Marina Casa de Campo is the crown jewel of La Romana: a Mediterranean-inspired harbor with 350+ slips, cobblestone piazzas, designer boutiques and some of the best sunsets in the Dominican Republic. This is the complete guide to what to do, see and eat when you spend a day (or an evening) at the Marina.
1. Walk the Paseo del Mar boardwalk
The heart of the Marina is the Paseo del Mar, a waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, moored megayachts and open-air terraces. It's flat, stroller-friendly and the ideal first stop to get your bearings. Start at Plaza Portofino and walk toward the lighthouse — about 15 minutes end to end.
2. Explore Plaza Portofino
Modeled after the Italian Riviera, Plaza Portofino is the Marina's main gathering square. Pastel façades, boutique shops, gelaterias and cafés surround a central fountain. It's the best spot for people-watching at golden hour and the natural meeting point before dinner.
3. Shopping in the Marina
The Marina's boutique circuit is small but curated: Italian leather goods, resortwear, artisan jewelry, cigars and a well-stocked wine shop. Prices are marina-level, but the selection is unlike anything else in La Romana.
4. Charter a boat or catamaran
The Marina is the launch point for the best day trips on the south coast: Isla Saona, Isla Catalina, snorkeling at Catalina Wall, sport fishing and sunset catamaran cruises. Most charters depart between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and return before 5:00 PM — perfect timing for an early dinner back at the Marina.
5. Sunset at the lighthouse
The small lighthouse at the mouth of the Marina is the local sunset ritual. Arrive 20 minutes before sundown, grab a bench and watch the sky turn pink over the Caribbean.
6. Altos de Chavón (10 minutes away)
A recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón river, with cobblestone streets, an art gallery, a school of design and a 5,000-seat Greek-style amphitheater. Combine it with the Marina in a single afternoon.
7. Golf at Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore
Two of the top-ranked courses in the Caribbean sit inside Casa de Campo Resort, both a 5-minute drive from the Marina. Tee times fill up fast in high season — book two weeks ahead.
8. Minitas Beach
The resort's private beach is a short shuttle from the Marina. White sand, calm turquoise water, beach service and water sports.
9. Cigar rolling demo
La Romana is cigar country. Several Marina tobacco shops offer live rolling demonstrations with a complimentary tasting.
10. Where to eat: Dolce Italia at the Marina
After a long day of sightseeing, the natural place to end the evening is Dolce Italia Casa de Campo — authentic Italian cuisine right at the Marina. Handmade pasta, traditional Italian-oven pizza, Italian wines and desserts. Reservations recommended on weekends.
- Marina Casa de Campo, La Romana
- WhatsApp: +1 (809) 658-6532
- View menu · Book a table · How to get there
Suggested itinerary: one perfect day at the Marina
- Morning: Minitas Beach or a Saona catamaran trip.
- Afternoon: Late lunch on the boardwalk, shopping at Plaza Portofino.
- Golden hour: Walk to the lighthouse for sunset.
- Evening: Aperitivo in Plaza Portofino, then dinner at Dolce Italia.
Practical tips
- Access: Casa de Campo is a private resort; non-guests need a reservation at a Marina restaurant or shop to enter — message us on WhatsApp and we will add you to the access list.
- Dress code: Smart casual in the evening.
- Payment: USD and DOP accepted; cards widely used.
- Getting around: Golf carts and taxis inside the resort. From La Romana city, 10-minute drive.