8 Stunning Places to Visit in Northern Israel This Year

The weather is warming up in Israel, which means it’s time to explore the beautiful country. In my opinion, the North is the absolute best part of Israel to visit during you trip. Everything is covered in green fields of grass and blooming flowers, and the weather is perfect; not boiling hot like the summers in Tel Aviv, but not rainy and cold like the winters. Here are the top places to visit in Northern Israel this year.

8 Stunning Places to Visit in Northern Israel This Year

1. Arbel Cliffs

The Arbel Cliffs, also known as Mount Arbel, are right next to Tiberias in the lower Galilee. Visiting the Arbel Cliffs was my favorite activity in the North because of the amazing views of the Kinneret, Tiberias, and Mount Hermon. In the spring, everything is green and the cliffs are massive and breathtaking, like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie.

You can scale down the mountain and see a cave where Jews hid from the Romans, as well as an ancient synagogue. If you need a place to stay in the Kinneret, definitely stay in a zimmer (bed and breakfast).

2. Akko

If you are visiting Haifa, definitely take a day trip to Akko. It’s only a short train ride from the main station in Haifa. Akko, also spelled Acre, is north of Haifa and is one of the oldest continuously populated cities in the world; it has roots all the way back to Crusader times.

There is an amazing lookout onto the sea and an intricate bazaar where you can get some cool souvenirs. There are also a lot of historical places to visit, like the Jezzar Pasha Mosque, an important Baha’i Shrine, and an old prison. If you are planning to eat lunch there, definitely go to the famous Hummus Said.

3. Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor is located east of Haifa in the Lower Galilee region. The peak of the mountain is accessible by car or hiking. The hike to the top is actually part of the Israel National Trail. When I visited Mount Tabor I drove up and it was a pretty windy and steep drive, so be cautious.

There are a couple historic churches on the peak of the mountain, including the Church of the Transfiguration, a Roman Catholic church which dates back to the early 1900s. The top of the mountain also boasts some great views, making it worth the journey.

4. Haifa

Haifa is the biggest city in the north, and the third largest city in Israel. It is a must see if you are planning a trip to the north because of its eclectic atmosphere and multiculturalism. In fact, there are some bus lines that run on Friday evenings and Saturdays there, contrary to other major cities in Israel.

Some of the big spots to hit in Haifa are the Baha’i Gardens, the port area, the indoor elevator/subway to the top of Mount Carmel, and the German Colony. If you need a cheap place to stay while there, I highly recommend the Port Inn.

5. Agamon Hula

This is a giant bird reserve in the northern part of the Galilee where you can see huge flocks in the sky, like a scene out of Birds. When I visited Agamon Hula there weren’t many birds there, but the reserve itself is beautiful. Even without the birds, there are picturesque ponds, blooming flowers, and scenic views of Mount Hermon.

There is a giant path that goes around the whole area, which is about 5 miles around. You can rent a golf cart (150 shekels), rent a bike (50 shekels), or walk (5 shekels). We rented a golf cart when we went simply for the thrill of driving it, but it was definitely worth it because we didn’t realize how long the path was. If you are planning to walk or ride a bike, bring plenty of water with you because it’ll get hot.

6. Gan Garoo / The Monkey Forest

These are two great places to see some cool and exotic animals while traveling in the north. Gan Garoo isn’t that far north as it is located south of the Kinneret and near Beit She’an. However, it is definitely a good pit stop on your drive home. It’s an Australian-themed zoo where you can pet and feed kangaroos.

Although the kangaroos are the primary attraction, you can also see koalas, goats, and exotic birds. The Monkey Forest is located in Yodfat, almost directly between Tiberias and Haifa. The Monkey Forest is not really a zoo, rather more of a protected habitat for the monkeys, but you can walk around and have monkeys climb all over you. What could be better?

 

7. Montfort Castle in Park Goren

The Montfort Castle is an old fortress from the Crusader era that sits on top of a hill. It’s located north-east of Nahariya in the upper-western Galilee region. I’ve actually never gotten a chance to visit the castle but it’s on my to-do list before I leave Israel. You can hike up to the castle along a moderately difficult path, which takes about an hour each way.

8. Zavitan

This is a water hike located in the Golan Heights. You follow a pretty easy trail with natural pools and springs off of it, which are cold year round, so even in the summer you can take a nice break from the heat and relax in the water. Definitely wear some water shoes if you plan to do this hike so you can go in and out of the pools without having to put wet socks on after.

Related Reading

72 Hours in the Upper Galilee

Have you traveled to Northern Israel? What were your impressions? Email us at editor@pinkpangea.com for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. We can’t wait to hear from you!

8 Places to Visit in Northern Israel this Spring photo credits: pixabay and Molly Winik