Tucked between wealthy Caesarea and the Taninim Stream Nature Preserve, lies Jisr Az-Zarqa, an arab Muslim village showcasing resilience and tradition. Meaning “bridge over the blue river” (refering to the Ottoman bridge that crossed Taninim stream) in Arabic, Jisr Az-Zarqa holds the unique distinction of being the sole remaining Arab town on Israel’s Mediterranean shoreline.

Unlike the many tourists heading to Caesarea, Jisr Az-Zarqa offers a glimpse into a quieter, more local life. Bedouin communities resided here long before the establishment of Israel, and after 1948, the predominantly Muslim population remained, continuing their trade with neighboring Jewish towns. Today, Jisr Az-Zarqa grapples with being one of Israel’s poorest Arab communities. Revitalization efforts are underway, with the opening of a social guesthouse and its inclusion on the Israel National Trail which attracts new kinds of visitors and travellers.

The heart of Jisr Az-Zarqa lies at the water’s edge. Following the main street to its end, you’ll be rewarded with a sight both ancient and modern. A fragment of a historical aqueduct stands on the shoreline, a testament to the area’s rich heritage.  The true local treasure, however, is the fisherman’s village. This village was established in 1922 when local families cast their nets and plied the local waters. Unique homes, some even built on the water itself, paint a picture of a lifestyle rarely seen in modern Israel, as around thirty families still make a living off of fishing. 

Jisr Az-Zarqa offers a chance to step off the beaten path in the area, and connect with a special community.