Shopping

Compared to Las Galeras [1] and Samaná [2], Las Terrenas [3] has more to offer to those who want to spend their money on things to take home. Three shopping plazas all have the same hours of operation (9 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun.) and are very close to one another along Avenida Duarte.

Plaza Taína holds a cambio, Mini-Market Ray, a newsstand, and clothing and other stores. The shops of El Paseo include a film store, Farmacia Hemaopatia (for sunscreen and medications), Deci’s (shoes and clothing), an ATM, Terrenas En Plata (a high quality jewelry store filled with works by Dominican artisans), and an Internet access center. Casa Linda has yet more souvenir and clothing shops.

Haitian Caraibes Art Gallery (Av. Duarte 159, tel. 809/240-6250, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–8 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) offers a fantastic selection of good quality Haitian paintings, cigars, art, clothing, and jewelry.

La Cueva de Los Indios (Plaza Taína, tel. 809/240-5168) has typical artwork from the island as well as a nice array of amber, larimar, and black coral jewelry. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. English, French, German, and Italian are spoken.

Along Calle Libertad, on the water’s side toward Calle Francisco Caamaño Deño there are many secondhand and knockoff clothing vendors tucked into small buildings and in alleys. Haggling is expected. You can buy everything from sandals and purses to blazers and bathing suits. It is surprising the deals you can get.