According to ancient tradition, passed down by Philinius, Jaffa was said to have existed “before the flood” Its foundation is deeply tied to its identity as a port city, which has played a crucial role throughout the ages. In ancient times, the port of Jaffa wasn’t the busy marina we know today. Instead, it was more of a shallow sea inlet, naturally protected by dense reefs that formed a kind of breakwater. These reefs made Jaffa a relatively safe place for small vessels to dock. Even back then, Jaffa was significant for its connection to the sea, serving as a gateway for ships entering through narrow passages between the reefs. Larger ships would also find their way into the port, which was strategically located between the Phoenician cities to the north and the mouth of the Nile to the west.
I (Maayan) used to work next to the port and to take lunch breaks at Abulafia – the best sandwiches of Jaffa . To this day – I feel a deep connection to Jaffa’s rich history. I had the privilege of visiting the Port of Jaffa countless times, and it never ceases to amaze me. It is located in the western part of the ancient city, and this harbor is one of Jaffa’s most beautiful spots.
The Story of the Port of Jaffa
Jaffa’s historical importance stretches as far back as the Canaanite period, when it was under Egyptian rule. It was more than just a port; it was a stop along the ancient “sea route”—what the Bible calls the road of the Philistines, later known by the Romans as “Via Maris.” This was one of the busiest trade routes in the ancient world, stretching all the way from Gibraltar to China. Jaffa’s port played a significant role in this bustling network, serving as a critical link in the transport of goods to cities like Jerusalem and Nablus. Its semi-natural port held onto this status until modern times, connecting Jaffa to inland trade routes that sustained its importance for centuries.
Working in Jaffa, I have always been surrounded by its mythological stories, adding a mystical layer to its historical narrative. Tales of Andromeda and Perseus, and of the sea monster that roamed the waters near Jaffa, are part of the local folklore. The legend of Jonah being swallowed by the great fish when he sailed from Jaffa is one we grew up with, as every local knows these stories symbolize the port’s ancient maritime significance.
The Port of Jaffa is one of the oldest ports in the world, as it was built 4,000 years ago when it served the Phoenicians and Egyptians in their trades in the region. From those early times, the Jaffa Port was operating almost nonstop until 1799, when the Port was completely destroyed by Napoleon, and was only rebuilt much later by the Ottomans.
With the beginning of the Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel, the Jaffa Port was the major gateway for Jews to the Land of Israel. Many of the immigrants of the first, second, third, and fourth immigration waves of Jewish people to Israel, from the end of the 1800s to 1928, got here through the Port. Since the port of Jaffa is a shallow water port, the ships anchored west of the coastal rocks and the immigrants were taken from the ships to the shore in boats.
Since the establishment of the Haifa Port in 1933, Jaffa Port has begun losing its importance as a trade center, and in 1965, with the opening of the Ashdod Port, it was completely shut down as a trading port. With the closure of the Port of Jaffa as a shipping port, it became a major fishing port.
Today, the Jaffa Port mostly serves as a historical and touristic site. You can find several attractions here, such as guided tours in the old city, group cruises, restaurants and bars, a fish market established in collaboration with the Old Fishermen’s Committee, permanent and changing art galleries, an urban maritime education center, and the Jaffa Sea Scouts tribe, located near the northern entrance to the port
Best things to do in the Port of Jaffa
Wander around the Jaffa Port alleys
The beautiful Jaffa Port is a great place to just wander around in. The best way to experience this place is to just walk around the great old alleys, visit the boutique artisan shops and galleries, and enjoy the port’s unique atmosphere. Pro tip: make sure to be here for sunset, to enjoy the magnificent colorful skies, and stay until dark, for an impressive view of the Tel Aviv city lights.
Try the great multicultural cuisine
The Port of Jaffa features a multitude of great dining options, with mostly international cuisine, including Japanese and Italian restaurants, along with the popular seafood restaurant “The Fisherman’s restaurant“. Dining here in the evening, with the great sea breeze, the delicious food options, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Port, is a great experience to remember, and one of the best ways to experience this wonderful site.
Visit NaLaga’at Center
The Nalaga’at Center is a cultural and creative arts center and the only one of its kind in the world. The center is a leading and innovative model of integration of people with disabilities in society and provides a platform for an equal meeting and interaction between deaf people, blind people, deaf-blind people, and the general public. The Nalaga’at center is divided into two major parts:
Na Laga’at Theater – a one-of-a-kind theater that gives the audience a powerful artistic and social experience. Here, you will get to see incredible shows and plays, made and acted by creative, independent, and joyful deaf, blind, and deaf-blind actors.
Blackout restaurant – a high-quality chef’s restaurant, where you eat in complete darkness. The dishes here are served by blind/visually impaired waiters, and The combination of the delicious dishes, the complete darkness and creative ways to get over it, and the meeting with the waiters and their life stories, creates an unforgettable inspiring experience.
Whether you’re interested in the Blackout Restaurant or the theatre, a visit to Nalaga’at is certainly one of the most unique experiences you can ever get, and an incredible opportunity to learn more about the life of people with disabilities.
Where to stay in Jaffa?
Numa Hotel Jaffa
A Stylish, Fun, and Affordable Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Jaffa!
We recently had the pleasure of staying at Noma Hotel in Jaffa, and we are excited to share our experience:
Accessibility:
One of Noma Hotel’s standout features is its excellent accessibility. With a light rail station conveniently located right outside, getting around the city via public transport couldn’t be easier. Plus, Jaffa’s key attractions are just a short walk away—the vibrant flea market is about 5 minutes on foot, and the historic Jaffa Port is just 12 minutes away. Everything is within easy walking distance.
Rooms:
While the rooms aren’t large, they’re beautifully decorated and incredibly functional. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and convenience.
Parking:
The hotel offers parking for a reasonable NIS 50 per day.
Dining:
Fantastic food and outstanding service! While the breakfast bufe isn’t massive, it’s more than enough to start the day off right, offering a nice variety of dishes.
Noma Hotel in Jaffa is a fantastic blend of comfort, stylish design, and prime location, all at an accessible price. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, I highly recommend this boutique gem.
