Haifa
Haifa

Cruises in the area

Haifa / Israel

On the northwestern coast of Israel , near the border with Lebanon, lies Haifa on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Today, it is an important maritime port and a popular stop for cruise ships traveling to the Middle East. Haifa is the gateway to the Sea of Galilee and places known from the Bible - such as the holy and eternal city of Jerusalem, as well as the charming Crusader city of Akko, located just half an hour's drive north. Those who want to take a break from the sights can head to a total of 5 kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches.

 

What to taste in Haifa?

Haifa's restaurants are famous throughout the country and offer a wide range of Israeli and international specialties, definitely worth tasting:

  • Chickpea pancakes
  • Falafel – a fried ball or patty made from chickpeas or beans, with coriander, chili, and other spices
  • Hummus – a spread or dip made from chickpeas, sesame paste (tahini), lemon juice, and olive oil
  • Baklava – a dessert made from phyllo dough, with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey.

 

Practical tips:

  • Official language: Hebrew, Arabic, most Israelis also speak English
  • Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS)
  • Opening hours: Shops are open from Sunday to Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm, in summer until 8:30 pm, on Friday from 8 am to 2 pm. In tourist areas, some shops are open 24/7. Restaurants open at sunset on Saturday, after the end of the Sabbath. In large cities, such as Tel Aviv or Haifa, restaurants are open all the time.
  • Public transport: Most of the city and surroundings are covered by bus transport – which can also be used from the port. Travel between Haifa and other parts of Israel is provided by the railway network, and a unique transport system connecting the lower and upper parts of the city is the underground cable car – Carmelit, named after Mount Carmel.
  • Weather: Haifa has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. During summer, average temperatures are around 26 °C, while in winter they drop to approximately 12 °C. 

       

History of Haifa:

The history of the city on the slopes of Mount Carmel dates back to 3,000 years ago, when a small port was founded here in the late Bronze Age. Over the centuries and millennia, the rule of Haifa has changed hands among Israelites, Phoenicians, Persians, as well as Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and finally the British. In 1948, the city became part of independent Israel.

Useful information

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Lodě kotví v přístavu Port of Haifa, přístup k terminálu je možný přes vstupní most, který začíná na ulici: HaAtsmaut 65, Haifa. K dispozici je čekárna, kavárny, taxislužba, bezcelní obchody a další. Mostní spojení s centrem Haify vede na hlavní dopravní tepnu a na vlakové nádraží (Haifa Merkaz Hashmona), které je od terminálu vzdálené 5 minut chůze.