Visible from the clubhouse terrace at Las Cuevas, Cabo Francés Viejo isn’t just a scenic lookout—it’s a piece of living history carved into the cliffs of the north coast. Just a 2-minute drive away, this protected national park offers gentle walking trails, hidden lighthouse ruins, sweeping sea views.

Just minutes from Las Cuevas in Cabrera, Cabo Francés Viejo is a peaceful national park featuring shaded coastal trails, historic lighthouses, and golden sea cliffs. Discover one of the Dominican Republic’s most scenic walks—ideal for nature lovers, families, and dog-friendly adventures.

A Peaceful Walk Beneath the Trees

No need to gear up for a trek—this isn’t a hike. The path through Cabo Francés Viejo is a shaded, coastal walk, easy underfoot and perfect for a peaceful morning, escaping the mid day heat or a sunset stroll. You’ll pass the ruins of two lighthouses, softened by sea air and time, standing watch over the coast much like they did over a century ago.

It’s also a perfect spot for a dog walk—cool, breezy, and quiet. Locals love bringing their pups here for a stretch beneath the trees with the Atlantic wind in their hair (and fur).

Where History Whispers Through the Wind

Long before this area became a national monument, it was known as Tres Amarras—“three moorings.” Local legend tells that Christopher Columbus stopped here to repair his ship, drawn in by the shelter of the cliffs and the promise of fresh water.

It’s easy to see why. From the edge of the bluff, your eyes sweep across the vast Atlantic, and it’s almost impossible not to imagine Spanish galleons, merchant ships, and pirate vessels sailing these very waters centuries ago. With Cabrera once an important coastal point, this stretch of ocean saw its share of privateers, explorers, and smugglers slipping past under moonlight.

Today, all is quiet—but the stories still linger in the salt air.

Beautiful beach named playa Breton at the national park Cabo Frances viejo in cabrera

A Hidden Beach Below the Cliffs

For those craving a bit more adventure, a set of stone steps leads down from the trail to a secluded palm-fringed beach. Nestled beneath golden cliffs, this small cove is a favorite among those who know where to look. Looking up from the sand, the cliffside glows in the afternoon sun—majestic and wild.

It’s the kind of place you might stumble upon in a storybook, or imagine pirates once anchoring offshore to rest, repair, or regroup.

And It’s All Right Next Door

From the Las Cuevas clubhouse, you can actually spot the point of Cabo Francés Viejo and one of the lighthouses in the distance—proof of just how close this magical place truly is. In under five minutes, you can go from your morning coffee to standing on a trail surrounded by sea air and history.