If you take Highway 44 heading south out of Barahona, the main town in the southwest region, you’ll traverse a scenic coastal road that trades off between winding cliffs and low-lying areas. All along this route are several pristine beaches.
One to look out for is San Rafael, more popular for a rambling waterfall forming a natural swimming pool at its base than the rocky beach itself.
Even prettier, Los Patos, just six miles further along the same highway, is framed by a healthy mangrove. Here, a river meets the ocean, also forming a natural pool. Swimmers should be mindful of a strong undertow at both beaches.