Jaffa Port In Tel Aviv

Jaffa Port in Tel Aviv is an extraordinarily suggestive place. The first feature of this beautiful place is that it is the most ancient harbour in the world. Moreover, Jaffa Port is a multicultural and multiethnic junction where Christians, Jews and Muslims cohabit together. Its old name was Namal Yafo, and it is close to Tel Aviv. Indeed, it is a delight to have a walk from Tel Aviv centre to Jaffa. This place has a vibrant energy and always good vibes also because of its unique history.

View of Jaffa with Tel Aviv in the background

The Legendary Jaffa Port In Tel Aviv

Jaffa’s name might be due to Yaphet, one of Noah’s sons, who would have built Jaffa after the flood. Another hypothesis is that the name comes from Yofi, which means beauty in Hebrew. Jaffa’s archaeological remains date back to more than 4000 years ago. It is a mythical port where the cedars of King Salomon’s Temple came through. Additionally, the legendary sea rock of Andromeda fantastical tale is in Jaffa; for instance, another legendary event took place in the ancient historical port, i.e., Apostle Peter’s miracle. Furthermore, in this port, the prophet Jonah began his journey, in which he faced a whale.

The City Of Tel Aviv
The City Of Tel Aviv – Jaffa port

A Multi-Cultural Historic Crossroads

The old port of Jaffa was a multi-cultural historic crossroads. Indeed, it an international trade centre of the Eastern Mediterranean. For several centuries, Jaffa’s ancient port was one of the most important trade centres exchanging goods exported to Egypt, Israel, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and other countries. Indeed, this harbour was famous for the trade of citrus fruit besides clothes, perfumes, carpets and fish. Nowadays, Jaffa Port keeps its multicultural profile, and its illustrious and beautiful archaeological relics testify to its glorious and ancient past. This suggestive place had seen several cultures in its old streets such as ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Crusaders, and Sultans from Turkey. Napoleon and General Allenby walked in Jaffa streets when Jaffa’s capture took place at the British Mandate’s beginning.

Amazing combination of medieval artillery and a modern Tel Aviv-Yafo.

Jaffa Port After Israel’s Independence

Starting from 1948, after Israel’s Independence, Jaffa became a small town where the principal inhabitants were Arabs and Jews who immigrated from Arab countries. In 1968, in a restoration of the city, the old alleys and historical buildings had been renowned. Shortly, it became an artistic and cultural centre where many artists opened their galleries and studios. Additionally, the beaches became a fantastic tourist destination together with the new gardens and parks. Shops and art gallery display and sell original handmade artworks. The ancient alleys, with the Zodiac sign names, preserve the blend of old multicultural dominations.

Old street of Jaffa city, Tel Aviv in the night, Israel

Landmarks Of Jaffa Port In Tel Aviv

Being one of Israel’s most touristic cities, Jaffa never disappoints its visitors being full of landmarks such as the Libyan Synagogue, St. Peter’s Monastery, the Mahmudiye Mosque, HaPisgah Gardens and the House of Simon the Tanner, for instance. Other notable landmarks are the very famous Clock Tower, the Carmel Market, the artistic Ilana Goor Museum, and the Old Train Station. The wonderful and relaxing promenade from Jaffa to Tel Aviv conducts to a stunning ensemble of beaches. The Jaffa Flea Market is one of Israel’s historical markets, where antique furniture, Kilim rugs, and vintage clothes are on sale.

Old town of Jaffa on sunset, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Typical Israeli Food In Jaffa

Some of Jaffa’s typical Israeli food is Shakshuka, Labneh, and Sabich, which are vegetarians. Hummus, Falafel, Lablabi and Baba Ganoush are some of the best well-known vegan dishes served with the fragrant pita bread. Additionally, Shawarma and Israeli barbeques offer a tasty option for meat lovers. Burekas are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. And among the several desserts halva is the most popular.