To the north, nestled along the more than 125-kilometer long Atlantic shore (from Monte Cristi to Playa Grande) is a thriving assortment of beach towns, resorts and communities. There, Dominicans and thousands of foreigners from dozens of countries have settled in over the past 100 years enticed by the relaxed lifestyle. Land of the rich deposits of the lustrous semi-precious amber, the north oceanside region is cradled by a chain of majestic coastal mountains. It was here that Columbus landed on his first voyage of discovery, and it is here where visitors will discover the same natural beauty and turquoise waters that enchanted the Genoese adventurer more than 500 years ago.