Nahariya, Israel-a small provincial town in northern Israel, located near the northern border. Local residents speak about their city as follows: when Jerusalem prays, Tel Aviv earns money, Nahariya sunbathes. This is true, because many tourists come here to relax on the beach or take a course of healing and rejuvenating procedures.
There are not many attractions in the city, but they are still there – the embankment, the Crusader castle, caves, the Holocaust Museum. You can also go diving in Nahariya.
Interesting fact! The resort in Israel actively began to develop relatively recently – only in the 30s of the last century. At this time, the local population, which was mainly engaged in agriculture, lost ground to the Arabs, since their products were much cheaper. Tourism became the main source of income.
Photo: Nahariya, Israel
Tourist information about the city of Nahariya
Nahariya is a northern resort located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, 9 km from the border with Lebanon. The name of the settlement comes from the word “nahar” — this is the Hebrew word for a river. This refers to the Gaaton River, which flows in the locality.
In the past, the territory was owned by an Arab family, and in 1934 it was bought by private individuals who founded a farm here. Nahariya City Day – February 10, 1935, when two families from Germany came and settled here.
Nahariya is one of the most beautiful resorts in northern Israel. It offers tourists comfortable beaches, a rich underwater world. There are excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, surfing, you can visit saunas, relax in the pool. The Ahziv Nature Park is very popular, and there used to be a port in its place.
Please note! For those who appreciate diving, the ship Nitzan, built in the middle of the 20th century in Germany, was sunk near the city.
Nahariya Tourist Attractions
Of course, the northern part of Israel is not as rich in attractions as the central part of the country, but there is also something to see and see. Of course, getting to know the city is best to start with a walk along the embankment, where you can get into the spirit of the resort.
Nahariya Embankment
This is a typical resort promenade, with a beach on one side and a number of cafes and restaurants on the other. Strolling along the waterfront, you can admire the moored yachts, the rolling waves and the beautiful Mediterranean blue. There was also a place for fishermen, whose constant companions are cats, they patiently wait for their prey.
On the embankment there is a breakwater, pet owners, cyclists, athletes go in one direction, and in the other direction – fans of unhurried walks. Along the embankment there are flower beds, benches and even sports areas with exercise equipment.
Rosh Hashanah Caves
In Hebrew, the name of the attraction means-the beginning of the grottoes. The natural formation is located near Lebanon, on the Mediterranean coast, a little north of Nahariya.
The picturesque cave was formed naturally, as a result of the leaching of rock from Mount Rosh Hashanah.
Interesting fact! A tunnel was formed in the mountain, according to legend, it was dug by soldiers under the command of Alexander the Great.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the tunnel was equipped and paved with a road for the passage of the British army. Two decades later, the tunnel was equipped with a railway. Connecting Palestine and Lebanon. 6 years later, the tunnel was blown up by Haganah units.
Today, a 400-meter-long gallery was opened for travelers to the grotto. To descend from the top to the grottoes, it is best to use the cable car consisting of two trailers with a capacity of up to 15 passengers. By the way, the trailers descend at an angle of 60 degrees and this is the steepest descent in the world.
Useful to know! Today, Rosh Hashanah is a state-protected nature reserve.
Local residents warn tourists that the grottoes are periodically flooded with water, especially when the sea is raging. It is necessary to wait until the water subsides, and only then pass on. It is believed that it is in the grottoes of Rosh Hashanah that the mountains and the sea meet, this is their love story. There are also cute rock rabbits that love to bask in the sun and take pictures.
Ancient Ahziv
If you get tired of relaxing on the beach, you can visit Ahziv. The beaches of the national park are considered the most romantic in the world. Here you can feel the absolute harmony of man and nature. The main attraction is rocky coves and picturesque lagoons. In addition, there are natural and artificial pools filled with sea water. Adults can swim in the deep ones, and children can swim in the shallow ones.
In addition to beach holidays, the park is open to visit the ruins of the fortress built by the Crusaders, and admire the green lawns. The park has a rich underwater world – anemones, octopuses, sea urchins and turtles live here.
Achzibh used to be a port city ruled by King Tyre. The main sources of income are the production of purple paint from snails collected on the shore. Later, the Byzantines built a fortified settlement on this site.
On a note! Today, the park preserves the ruins of the fortress that Monarch Baldwin III presented as a gift to Knight Humbert. At the end of the 13th century, the fortress was conquered by Sultan Beibaras.
Along with the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Ahziv also disappeared, and an Arab settlement appeared in its place. In the mid-20th century, Arabs were forced to leave their homes as a result of the Arab-Israeli war. A small museum complex remained from the ancient settlement – a mosque and the headman’s house.
Practical information:
- admission fee-NIS 33 for adults, NIS 20 for children;
- opening hours: from April to June, in September and October – from 8-00 to 17-00, in July and August – from 8-00 to 19-00;
- how to get there – drive along highway 4 in a northerly direction from the city for 5 minutes.
Beaches in Nahariya
“Galey Galil” is the official beach in the city in Israel, which is recognized as one of the cleanest and most beautiful in the country. The city authorities take care of it throughout the year. Admission to the beach is free. In the warm season, there is a swimming pool complex on the shore, recreation here is paid, tickets are sold at the ticket offices next to the entrance. The complex consists of a sloping pool, a children’s pool and a pool for toddlers. There are tables for visitors nearby. Also at the entrance there are awnings installed on the lawns, where you can enjoy relaxing in the shade.
Other services:
- solarium;
- changing rooms;
- showers;
- toilets;
- rescue towers;
- restaurants.
On a note! Galey Galil is an embankment beach, considered the best in Nahariya. An ancient fortress dating back to 2200 BC is being excavated nearby.
Another picturesque beach in the northern city of Israel is Achziv. It is part of a national park and consists of several lagoons. Due to the shallow depth, the water warms up quickly. There are no waves here, so families with children often come here. The beach is paid-entrance costs NIS 30.
Useful to know! From Ahziv Beach, divers begin exploring the deep sea near Nahariya.
Diving
The northern coast is suitable for diving and snorkeling. At the depth, you can admire the picturesque underwater landscapes, rocks and grottoes, and at arm’s length you can see the rich underwater world. Diving and snorkeling in Nahariya can be done all year round – the water temperature varies from +17 to +30 degrees.
Vacation in Nahariya
This is not to say that the city has a huge selection of hotels, the best, according to tradition, are presented in the center and near the sea. In addition to hotels, there are also comfortable guest houses, you can rent a villa or apartment.
Useful to know! A few kilometers from the center of the apartment rental will cost several times cheaper.
A double room in a medium-class hotel with amenities will cost from NIS 315. Accommodation in an elite hotel will cost from NIS 900 per day. For this amount, you will be offered a room with a sea view, a Jacuzzi, a balcony.
As for the culinary traditions, Nahariya shows the influence of Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines. The restaurants offer a large selection of meat and fish dishes, rice, couscous, a variety of sauces and spices. A rich selection of first courses, desserts, hummus is common. You can also choose pizza, vegetable salads, and seafood dishes.
Useful to know! Coffee shops are common in Nahariya, where in addition to a fragrant drink, pastries and cakes are served. The city has a large selection of fast food restaurants.
A full meal at the restaurant will cost from NIS 70 to NIS 200. But a snack in a budget cafe will cost much cheaper – from 20 to 40 shekels per dish.
Weather and climate. When is the best time to arrive
The weather in the city of Nahariya in Israel is formed under the influence of the sea. The climate is mild throughout the year, with a high level of humidity. In summer, the air warms up to +30-+35 In winter, as a rule, it is not colder than +15 degrees. The water temperature is +30 in summer and +17 in winter.
The main problem in winter is a strong wind and frequent rains, so you need to take windproof and waterproof clothes on your trip, and always an umbrella. Locals usually make do with a windbreaker and running shoes during the winter months. However, in winter, roses bloom in the city and there is still a lot of diverse vegetation.
Useful to know! In Nahariya, there is no central heating in the houses, so when booking a hotel room, please specify how the room is heated.
In the spring, you can already take traditional clothes on a trip-shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops. The only thing that can overshadow the trip is sharavas – a hot wind from the desert.
It’s hot and dry in summer, and it doesn’t rain, so you can’t do without sunscreen and a headdress.
Autumn, especially the first half, is probably the best time to visit Nahariya. The season of festivals and holidays begins, the weather is quite mild, you can swim until winter.
How to get from Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv)
There is a direct railway line from the airport to Nahariya. On the official website of the Israeli railway, you can choose the appropriate date and time of departure, book a ticket. A full one-way ticket will cost NIS 48.50. You can also purchase a travel ticket for a different number of trips.
Buses leave for Nahariya once a week on Thursdays from the central bus station located in Jaffa. The journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The most expensive and at the same time the most comfortable way is a taxi or transfer. The trip will cost from 450 to 700 shekels.
Interesting facts
- The land where the city is located was bought by a famous engineer-Yosef Levi, who later became an outstanding farmer. In 1934, the state issued a permit to establish the city.
- According to one version, the locality is named after the Gaaton River, which flows through the city. However, there is another version – Nahariya comes from the name of a small Arab village Al-Nahariya.
- Initially, the city was created on an agricultural model, but funds were not enough, and local residents began to open hotels, boarding houses and earn money from tourists.
- About 53,000 people live in Nahariya.
- Today Nahariya is the capital of the Western Galilee, and this decision was made because the city plays a central role in the life of the entire region.
- Nahariya residents love sports – the city has a basketball club, three football teams, water sports associations, and a flying club.
- There is a well-developed bus service in Nahariya, as an alternative to the bus, Sheruta minibuses run around the city. For trips, it is best to purchase the Rav-Kav card, which is sold at railway and bus stations.
- Parking in the city is paid, with the exception of parking for restaurants and hotels.
- You can rent a bike or bicycle, pay with a bank card at a vending machine. If you do not return the transport in time, a large fine is automatically deducted from the card.
Nahariya, Israel is a small, welcoming town in northern Israel. Enjoy comfortable beaches and fascinating sights.
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