Port Isaac, was a busy coastal port from the Middle Ages to the mid 19th. century when it was an active harbour where cargoes like stone, coal, timber and pottery were loaded and unloaded.
Fishing and fish-processing were also important and today there are still fishermen working from here although tourism plays an increasingly important role.
Most of the old centre of the village consists of 18th. and 19th. century cottages, many officially listed as of architectural or historic importance, along narrow alleys and 'opes' winding down steep hillsides.
