The Lower Galilee region of Israel is just a one hour drive from the main cities including Tel Aviv, yet is worlds away. The least hilly region of Galilee, the Lower Galilee stretches from the Jezreel Valley (Valley of the Armageddon in Christianity) on the eastern slopes of Mount Carmel across to the Sea of Galilee. It includes Mount Tabor, Megiddo, Zippori and Mount Gilboa, the city of Nazareth, and amazing numbers of outdoor and leisure pursuits.
Places to Visit in the Lower Galilee
Gan Hashlosha was chosen by TIME magazine as their favorite destination in Israel. The National Park offers a warm river where you can swim in a landscaped surround. As well as this is a small selection of archaeological sites and a heritage museum. The main draw, however, is the natural jacuzzi under a waterfall. Although busy in the summer, this is a great place to visit.
Zippori is home to amazing archaeological excavations, including the mosaics of an ancient Jewish city, which notably include the Mona Lisa of the Galilee. The city was described by the first century Jewish historian, Josephus Flavius, as “the ornament of all Galilee” and is a beautiful spot with beautiful things to see.
Nearby, another breathtaking experience can be found at Mount Gilboa. The Mount Gilboa Scenic Road winds across the peaks with places to stop off and hike, as well as an iris reserve. This is a great way to see the beautiful landscape of the Lower Galilee and Jezreel Valley.
Nazareth, is Israel’s largest Arab city, and also of obvious importance in Christianity. It has recently seen something of a tourism renaissance with large investments improving the facade of this city and its sites.
The Jezreel Valley covers a large area of the Lower Galilee and includes some of the most interesting sites in northern Israel including the archaeological site of Tel Jezreel.
Belvoir State Park is just 20 kilometers south of the Sea of Galilee and contains the well-preserved ruins of a crusader fortress, Belvoir Fortress. It’s position on the hill also gives visitors an amazing view of the Jordan Valley.
Mount Tabor stands tall amid the flat surrounding plain – it’s a beautiful contrast to the dominating landscape and offers numerous hiking trails as well as interesting history.
