The North of Israel is otherwise known as the Galilee. It is often slightly overshadowed by some of the other places to visit in Israel. But, with so much beauty, history, culture, and, of course, adventure awaiting you in the North of Israel, it shouldn’t be that way. No matter what your interests, you should have a problem narrowing down what to do in the north, rather than finding things to do. Here, we’ll give you five great places to visit in the North of Israel. They range from the city of Haifa to the Sea of Galilee to the beautiful nature and leisure spots. It’s also filled with amazing parks and nature reserves.
Haifa
Haifa is the ‘Capital of the North of Israel’. It is Israel’s third largest city. It occupies a beautiful position on the slopes of Mount Carmel, which has led to many dubbing it the ‘San Francisco of Israel’. But it is often overshadowed by its rivals, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There are, however, loads of things to do in Haifa. These include visiting the amazing Bahai Gardens which straddle the slopes of Mount Carmel. Or stroll through the restored Haifa German Colony. The city has many museums and other attractions, see our guide to what to do in Haifa. It’s one of the great places to visit in the North of Israel.
Sea of Galilee
For millennia, the Sea of Galilee and area around it has been inhabited and it shows! This lake, one of the lowest in the world, and its surroundings are literally flooded with history. As well as its obvious importance in Christianity as the site of many of the stories in the New Testament, and resulting Christian like Capernaum, there is much more to do at the Sea of Galilee. For starters, you can take a boat trip on the lake, or engage in some watersports. Alternatively, bike around the Sea of Galilee, or take a hike in the hills above which provide amazing panoramas. If you are interested in the Cultures or Flavors of the Galilee, take a day tour delving into each sector. To gain more insight into the many important sites surrounding this freshwater lake, a tour is your best option.
Israel’s Mountains
There are too many scenic spots in the north of Israel to give each one its own space here. But here are some highlights. Mount Arbel stands tall aside the Sea of Galilee, gracefully providing incredible views across the land. It’s also full of opportunities for hiking, and the only place in Israel to go for base jumping. Mount Gilboa, slightly south of Arbel, is famed for its beautiful wildflowers in the spring. The Gilboa Scenic Road features hikes, viewpoints, picnic sites, bike paths, and stunning outlooks.
In the Golan Heights, on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Gamla is a spectacular nature reserve. As well as the views and history, Gamla is home to eagles, who nest here under the watchful eye of experts. And finally, there is Mount Hermon, the tallest peak in Israel – ski resort by winter, and hiking and biking resort by summer.
And, aside from the mountains, there’s the Hula Valley, one of the most important bird watching sites in the world located on the main bird migration route of the African Rift Valley.
Get Active in the North of Israel
Not a place in itself, but a tribute to the incredible array of activities that you can do in the north of Israel. Hiking and biking are amazingly popular in Israel. The Galilee is full of trails which are well maintained and very accessible. Many people like to explore on their own, but if you prefer, you can take a private hiking tour. For a small price, you get an expert guide who will enthrall you with the history and geology of the land. If you want something more extreme, you can go paragliding, caving, canyoning, skiing (at Mount Hermon), or head into the water (at the Sea of Galilee).
The Northern Coastline
The Western Galilee or Northern Mediterranean Coast is very different to the densely populated coastline that will be found further south, near Tel Aviv. Far scraggier, and less built up, the Western Galilee is full of beautiful coves and bays. It also houses towns such as Akko, a crusader port which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or visit Rosh Hanikra, where amazing grottoes have been carved into the cliffs by the forces of the sea. To make the most of a trip down the Northern Coast, take a guided tour that will give you all the history of this stunning stretch of land and sea.
Explore Great Places in the North of Israel
The North of Israel, as with the rest of the country has a great road network. Aside from Haifa and the Coastal Plain, the train service inland is currently not complete. As a result, buses cross the region. Many of the beauty spots, however, are not so easily accessible by bus because they are not on major roads, or within towns or cities. This doesn’t mean you should miss out on exploring amazing places like the mystical city of Safed. With our combined Safed and Golan Heights Tour, you can explore the region comfortably.
A great alternative to busing is driving across the Galilee with a rented car on our 7 Day Zimmer Tour guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. With a rented car, weave through the scenic routes and observe breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Enjoy the comfort and freedom and stay in nearby zimmers or kibbutzim for the night.
If not, consider joining a tour of the north of Israel, or alternatively hiring a private guide for a day or two who will have a vehicle, and, for an affordable amount, will take you on an even greater adventure. Exploring our 5 great places to visit in the North of Israel is a great start!
