Welcome to Puerto Plata, this city is also known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata. The name means The Port of Silver. Its first European visitor was Christopher Columbus, in 1493. The city was founded by Fray Nicolas de Ovando in 1502. Puerto Plata city has been destroyed on two separate occasions: Once in 1605 due to intensive attacks by pirates, corsairs, and buccaneers; and then was burnt by a fleeing Spaniard Army during the Restoration War of 1863. Puerto Plata is located on the north coast of Hispaniola, bathed by the constant breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. Its citizens are a hearty, kind and friendly people. And, of course, they always welcome visitors with a big smile.