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JPY (Â¥)The North of Israel, known as the Galilee, is often slightly overshadowed by some of the other places to visit in Israel. However, 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 your interests, you should have no problem narrowing down fantastic, epic activities in the North. Here, we provide 5 great places to visit in the North of Israel, from the remarkable city of Haifa and the picturesque Sea of Galilee to stunning nature spots and breathtaking nature reserves.
Haifa
Haifa is the ‘Capital of the North of Israel’ and 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. ‘ Although, the city is often overshadowed by its rivals, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Despite this, there is an array of incredible attractions to explore in Haifa. For example, visit the marvelous Bahai Gardens or the charming Haifa German Colony. The city also boasts captivating museums, like the Haifa City Museum, which you can find in our comprehensive guide on what to do in Haifa.
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee and the surrounding area are flooded with rich history. In addition to its obvious importance in Christianity as the site of many stories in the New Testament, 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 thrilling watersports. Alternatively, bike throughout the Sea of Galilee or embark on a gorgeous hike in the hills, which offer amazing panoramic views. To gain more insight into the significant landmarks surrounding this freshwater lake, a Galilee tour is the best option. Also, in the Western Galilee, we recommend visiting the fascinating Tefen Open Museum, located near the majestic mountains.
Israel’s Mountains
There are several scenic areas in the north of Israel, highlighted below:
Mount Arbel stands tall beside the Sea of Galilee, gracefully providing impressive views across the land. It’s also full of opportunities for hiking and 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 spots, bike paths, and stunning outlooks.
In the Golan Heights, on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Gamla is a spectacular nature reserve. Gamla is home to soars of eagles, who nest here under the watchful eye of experts. Another must-see nature spot is the Banias Nature Reserve, showcasing the serene Banias Waterfall. Finally, there is Mount Hermon, the tallest peak in Israel, a ski resort during the winter.
Additionally, aside from the mountains, there’s the Hula Valley, one of the most important bird-watching destinations in the world, located on the main bird migration route of the African Rift Valley.
Places to Hike and Bike in the North of Israel
There are numerous incredible activities available in the north of Israel. Hiking and biking are extremely popular, and the Galilee is brimming with well-maintained, accessible hiking trails. Explore at your own pace, or if you prefer, you can opt for a private hiking tour. For a small price, an expert guide will enthrall you with the history and geology of the land. If you want something more adventurous, you can go paragliding, caving, canyoning, or skiing at Mount Hermon.
Visiting the Northern Israel Coastline
The Western Galilee or Northern Mediterranean Coast is unique compared to the densely populated coastline further south, near Tel Aviv. Adorned with beautiful coves and bays, the Western Galilee is also home to quaint towns such as Akko, a crusader port that is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, Rosh Hanikra boasts intricate grottoes that have been carved into the cliffs by the forces of the sea. To make the most of a trip down the Northern Coast, join our Caesarea, Haifa, and Akko Tour, where you’ll discover all of the region’s thrilling highlights.
Explore Great Places in the North of Israel
Travelers tend to navigate the North of Israel by taking buses throughout the North of Israel. Several of the beauty spots, however, are not easily accessible by bus since they are not located on major roads or within towns or cities. This doesn’t mean you should miss out on touring must-see sites like the mystical city of Safed. That’s why we recommend opting for our combined Safed and Golan Heights Tour, in which you can immerse yourself in the region seamlessly.
Another option is driving across the Galilee with a rented car. This way, you’ll weave through scenic routes and observe breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Enjoy the comfort and freedom and stay in nearby zimmers or kibbutzim for the night. You can also join a tour of the north of Israel or hire a private guide who will take you on an even more extraordinary journey.
Great Places to Visit Beyond the North of Israel
Ultimately, our thoughtfully curated list of 5 great places to visit in the North of Israel is a terrific start when planning your adventure! For those interested in exploring other fascinating regions in Israel, our Israel Package Tours offer the ideal solution. You’ll discover all of Israel’s iconic landmarks from the serene Negev Desert to the historic old city of Jerusalem. Our package tours also eliminate the stress of organizing everything yourself since we manage all your inclusive transfers, expert tour guides, comfortable hotels, and thrilling activities.
