The queen of the “Silver Coast”, Puerto Plata is treasured for her soaring cloud-shrouded peaks and stunning shining beaches. Once famously plundered by pirates — you too can storm the 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe fort — now is coveted by modern-day aficionados seeking her bounty of aged rum, robust cigars, and rich chocolate. Adventurers can soar to the top of the Pico Isabel de Torres 793 mt (2,602 ft), dare to off-road to the Waterfalls of Damajagua, or kite-surf, catamaran, and zip-line over the ocean. Pro tip: save time for a buzzy beach club to chill with coconut-fused libations.