Barahona is a seaside town that was founded in 1802. Most people make a living from mining and sugarcane farming, instead of tourism, although eco-tourism is becoming popular. It sits on a bay, on the Pedernales Peninsula and is backed by the Sierra de Neiba.

Barahona is the only place in the Dominican Republic, where rare Larimar stone can be found.

There are only a few hotels and restaurants in Barahona. The town is located in the southwest of the Dominican Republic and about 130 km west of Santo Domingo.