Over the last five years, Las Terrenas has transformed with new roads, modern utilities, better healthcare, education, and public spaces — becoming one of the Dominican Republic’s fastest-evolving coastal towns.
Roads & Mobility:
Smoother, Safer, Better Connected
Since 2020, Las Terrenas has seen an ambitious effort to modernize its road network.
New asphalt, sidewalks, and drainage have reshaped local mobility — especially across Abra Grande, La Playa, and Pueblo de los Pescadores, where six key axes (2.38 km total) were completed in 2023.
In 2024, new works in La Granja, Cosón, and Ramal Viva continued the transformation, backed by RD$ 120 million in public investment.
Impact:
- Easier access to residential and tourist areas
- Safer pedestrian paths and improved drainage
- Enhanced property values and tourism appeal
Challenge: Urban growth now calls for a full mobility plan including parking, traffic lights, and public transport.
Electricity & Energy:
Powering a Growing Community
Las Terrenas’ integration into the national grid (SENI) brought more stable energy and lower tariffs in 2015.
Although occasional outages still occur, ongoing upgrades to transmission lines are improving reliability. The entire electrical network is being reengineered in 2025.
A notable work was the installation of street lights along Las Ballenas beach and in center town to improve safety and mobility at night.
Impact:
- Stronger capacity for residential and commercial expansion
- Reinforced investor confidence in stable infrastructure
Challenge: Continued maintenance and network redundancy are essential as demand rises
Wastewater & Drainage:
Cleaner and Greener
The wastewater treatment plant inaugurated in 2020 set a new environmental standard for Las Terrenas.
Complementary drainage improvements in 2023 — more than 4 km of new channels — now help protect roads and beaches from flooding.
Impact:
- Cleaner coastal waters and better public health
- Stronger resilience to heavy rains
Challenge: Expanding connections to all neighborhoods and sustaining system maintenance
Health Infrastructure:
A Modern Municipal Hospital
The Hospital Municipal Pablo Antonio Paulino, inaugurated in 2020 with an investment of RD$ 426 million, now serves roughly 45,000 residents and visitors.
Equipped for emergency care, diagnostics, and maternity, it represents a major leap in local healthcare access.
Impact: Reliable medical service within town limits
Challenge: Recruiting and retaining qualified staff and ensuring ongoing equipment upgrades
Commerce & Public Spaces:
A More Vibrant Town Center
The rejuvenation of Pueblo de los Pescadores — a 4,930 m² waterfront plaza completed for RD$ 293 million — stands out as one of Las Terrenas’ signature upgrades.
Alongside the construction of a Jumbo hypermarket and Sirena retail plaza at the entrance Las Terrenas, it reflects the town’s growing mix of local life and cosmopolitan flair.
Impact:
- More shops, restaurants, and nightlife for residents and tourists
- Strengthened small-business ecosystem
Challenge: Managing parking and preserving the area’s original charm amid growth
Sports & Recreation:
Health and Community Spirit
The Sporting Club Las Terrenas has become a social and athletic hub, offering tennis, swimming, fitness programs, and children’s summer camps.
These activities blend sports, arts, and nature — supporting local community life beyond tourism.
Other notable works include the renovation of the public sports center and new covered stands at the Portillo Baseball club.
Impact:
- Enriched lifestyle for families and expatriates
- Expanded opportunities for youth and children
Challenge: Expanding access to affordable public recreation areas
Education & Learning:
Building the Next Generation
At ISLA Academy Las Terrenas, bilingual and project-based education from Pre-K to Grade 12 attracts both local and international families.
Combined with extracurricular programs and summer camps, education is becoming one of the town’s cornerstones of stability and growth.
Impact:
- Encourages long-term family residency.
- Raises the overall quality of education in the region.
Challenge: Upgrading public-school facilities to match population growth.
El Catey International Airport:
Expanding Horizons
Located just 30 minutes from town, Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) has quietly evolved into a regional gateway.
In recent years, the airport has:
- Expanded charter and seasonal routes to North America and Europe.
- Begun construction of a new FBO terminal for private aviation (opening mid-2025).
- Continued receiving investment under VINCI Airports’ long-term concession for modernization and sustainability.
Impact:
- Stronger air connectivity boosts tourism, business, and real estate.
- Encourages higher-value travel and international exposure.
Regional Context:
Samaná’s Wider Transformation
Across the peninsula, complementary projects reinforce Las Terrenas’ development:
- New Samaná Malecón: 1.3 km seafront renovation with drainage, lighting, and bike paths.
- Samaná Bayport Cruise Terminal: a new facility to host up to 500,000 passengers annually.
- Las Galeras Improvements: new roads, beach access, vendors’ plaza, and sanitation systems.
These initiatives elevate the entire region’s profile, linking Las Terrenas to a stronger tourism and infrastructure ecosystem.
Summary & Outlook:
Las Terrenas Leading the Way
Over the last five years, Las Terrenas has transitioned from a laid-back fishing village to one of the Dominican Republic’s most forward-looking coastal communities.
Strengths:
- Modernized roads, drainage, and public spaces
- New hospitals and expanded education options
- Steady energy upgrades and stronger air connectivity
- A flourishing private sector driving recreation and quality of life
Challenges:
- Keeping pace with population growth and infrastructure maintenance
- Managing sustainable urban expansion
- Ensuring inclusivity for local residents amid rapid investment
Looking ahead:
Las Terrenas is positioned to become a model for sustainable coastal living — blending nature, culture, and modern infrastructure.
While the wider Samaná Peninsula continues its impressive modernization, Las Terrenas remains the heart of this evolution: a place where community, comfort, and Caribbean charm coexist.
Article written by the Ocean Edge Real Estate team,
Trust & Value in Las Terrenas
