the oldest harbour in the world

Harbors have long been of great strategic naval and economic importance, and many great cities of the world are located on them. The port of Jaffa, on the Mediterranean is an old one, claims to be the oldest harbour in the world. Jaffa is mentioned several times in the bible and its history is spanning more than 3000 years.

Jaffa had been conquered more than 20 times in the history: by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Babylonians, Philistines, Assyrians, Maccabeans, Seleucids, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Mongols, Mamluks, Ottomans, French and British. All realized the military strategic importance of the seaside city and each conquered it in order to gain control and approach to the holy land of Israel and especially to Jerusalem.

Many legends are related to Jaffa from Greek mythology of the beautiful Andromeda who was chained to the rocks near Jaffa, to the story of Jonah and the whale, but the most important story of the foundation of Jaffa by the son of Noah, the captain of the most famous arks in history.

the old city of Jaffa

The port is still functional today as a small fishing port, and currently serves as a recreational zone featuring cool restaurants and bars, a seaside promenade surrounded with walls of the old city and a vibrant flea market.

The old city of Jaffa with its narrow alleyways now house the picturesque artists quarter and is a goldmine for visitors with a unique atmosphere and historic attractions, museums and galleries.

There is a perfect summer weather at Jaffa all year round which makes is a fantastic place to visit.