Things to see and do in Dominican Republic

Baseball isn't so much the national sport as the national obsession - male and female, young and old, they're all hooked. The domestic seasons lasts from October until late January, providing a chance to experience the game in all its noisy, rum-fuelled glory (www.lidom.com).

Throw yourself into Santo Domingo's nightlife by dancing to down-and-dirty merengue with the locals along Avenida Venezuela's row of nightclubs and 'super-colmadons'. City boardwalk the Malecon has a number of further lively options.

The city of La Vega bursts to life each February for its annual carnival, renowned as the most colourful and raucous in the country. More than 100,000 people cram the streets over the last weekend of the month.

Close to Puerto Plata, Mount Isabela de Torres provides exceptional views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Adventurous sorts can climb it under their own steam; others might prefer the cable-car.

Santo Domingo's best museum gives a fascinating look at the country's anthropology, with a focus on sculptures and artefacts relating to the Tainos, the island's original inhabitants (www.museodelhombredominicano.org.do).

Arguably the most authentic Dominican souvenir on the market, amber is widely available at reasonable prices; the semi-precious stone is usually set in jewellery. Be mindful, however, of fakery.

Enjoy a round of golf under the Caribbean sun. Several of the country's courses enjoy dramatic ocean-facing settings. For more information, contact the Federation of Dominican Golf (FEDOGOLF) (www.golfdominicano.com).

The waters around Cabarate on the north coast are said to offer the best windsurfing in the Americas. Equipment can be easily rented - beginners are best off taking to the sea in the early morning.