Netanya (Israel) is one of the most popular resorts in the state. It is located near the Mediterranean Sea, almost in the center of the Sharon Valley, at a distance of 30 km from Tel Aviv.
Netanya is quite young: in 1929 it was founded by immigrants from Eastern Europe and was then considered an agricultural settlement, and only in 1948 it was awarded the status of a city.
Netanya covers an area of 28,455 km2 with a population of 221,000, making it the seventh largest city in Israel by population.
Interesting! In the 1990s, Netanya was inhabited by 60,000 immigrants from the former USSR.
Netanya is not just a city, but a beautiful resort with modern buildings, promenades, a luxurious sea coast, numerous hangouts, and interesting natural attractions. Due to the well-developed infrastructure for recreation, it is popular among foreigners and citizens of Israel.
Interesting sights in Netanya
Since Netanya is a young city in Israel, there are fewer attractions here than in other cities of the country. Nevertheless, you can always diversify your vacation on the coast by visiting museums, walking through the city streets and parks, and even visiting ancient archaeological sites.
Independence Square
Nestania’s main square is Independence Square, which means “Kikar ha-Atzmaut”in Hebrew. After extensive renovation work, the square has become one of the main attractions of the city and its “heart”, where important events take place and where citizens come for recreation and walks.
A small pedestrian section of Herzl Street opens directly onto the square, and 4 bronze figures of Jewish musicians are installed on the site of this “exit”. This is the first place in the center of one of the most popular resorts in Israel – Netanya, where everyone takes a photo for memory.
The main pride of Independence Square is the fountain, which has the shape of a blooming lotus. In the evenings, it is illuminated with colorful lights and looks fantastic, and on hot summer days, children run under its jets with a squeal of joy.
Not far from the fountain there is a small pond inhabited by live exotic fish.
Yad leBanim Memorial Complex
No other country in the world except Israel has waged such a long and constant struggle to defend its right to exist in the last 500 years. Yad leBanim Park is dedicated to all those residents of Netanya who died in the wars for the freedom of Israel.
The Wall of Memory with the list of names of fallen soldiers is amazing, and the terrible thing is that new names are added here every year.
In memory of the Holocaust, a railway car with the number “Munchen 12 246” is installed in the park, which was used by the Nazis in World War II to transport Jews to concentration camps.
The park has a lot of very unusual sculptures, which are considered unique attractions. They may not have any artistic value, but they are notable for being created from parts of military equipment sent for scrap.
Caesarea National Park
The most significant historical attraction that you can see during your holiday in Netanya is the Caesarea National Park. His picturesque photos are a great advertisement for the city of Netanya in Israel.
Interesting! Caesarea Park, which has no analogues on our planet, in the early 2000s became the most visited tourist attraction in Israel.
Ancient Caesarea was founded and built by King Herod, and during Roman rule it became the main city of the Jewish autonomy. Here are just the most significant of those majestic archaeological sites that are now in the park:
- The Palace on the reef is the remains of a luxurious palace from the heyday of Byzantium and Rome. The structure stood on a peninsula that stretched far out to sea. The palace was connected to the mainland by a terrace with columns – they have survived to this day. And the palace itself is now almost completely under water, you can see very little: the great northern hall and the western chambers with adjacent corridors.
- The amphitheater is a well-preserved structure for public entertainment, consisting of an arena and 12 semicircular rows of stone seats for 10,000 spectators.
- The theater, designed for 6,000 people, is the oldest attraction of its kind in Israel.
In the National Park, you can find something to do and in addition to seeing historical sights, there are many different entertainment options and opportunities for interesting and informative recreation:
- A restored section of the park known as the “artists ‘ colony”. There are several art galleries, a wine house, a photo gallery and numerous souvenir shops.
- This is an international golf club that has no equal in Israel.
- The Underwater Archaeological Park is a very special attraction, which has no analogues not only in Israel, but also around the world. 4 dive stations are equipped here and 25 different ancient objects that have sunk under water are prepared for viewing.
- Showing the clip show “Journey through Time” – it lasts only 10 minutes, but manages to show the centuries-old history of Caesarea.
Caesarea Park is not far from the city, you can get there by car, bus or train. The most convenient way to get there is by train-they run from the Netanya railway station literally every 30 minutes, the journey time is about 20 minutes,and the ticket costs NIS 20.5.
The attraction is open to the public:
- in April-September from 9: 00 to 18: 00, on Fridays and holidays from 9: 00 to 16: 00, on Saturdays from 9: 00 to 18: 00;
- in October-March from 9: 00 to 16: 00, on Fridays and pre-holidays from 9: 00 to 15: 00, on Saturdays from 9: 00 to 16: 00.
Entrance to the territory of this attraction is paid: an adult ticket is 49 shekels, a student ticket is 33 shekels, a child ticket is 24 shekels. The ticket allows you to visit the National Park with a tour of ancient historical sites and watch the program “Journey through Time”.
Utopia Park
Another attraction located near Netanya is Utopia Park, which covers an area of 40,000 m2.
There is a lot of diverse tropical vegetation, and orchids bloom all year round. Because there are so many plants, and they all require different conditions for growth, that is, collections in buildings and on the street.
Children also have something to do: admire the musical fountain, take a walk in the butterfly garden and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the tropical zoo. Pet parrots live in the zoo, and one of them is a large blue – orange-talking parrot.
You can get to the park by bus number 33, which departs from the central bus station of Netanya. You need to get off at the last stop on this line “Kibbutz Bahan” (travel time is about an hour, the fare is 12 shekels). You can also visit the park with a group tour-they are conducted by all the tourist offices of the city for 165 shekels per person.
Entrance to the site of the attraction is paid: for adults 59 shekels, for children from 2 to 12 years – 44 shekels.
Working hours of the park (the last entrance is possible one and a half hours before closing):
- Sunday-Thursday, Saturday and public holidays – from 8: 30 to 17: 00;
- Fridays and days before holidays-from 8: 30 to 15: 00.
Features of a beach holiday
In terms of beaches, Netanya can be considered a kind of attraction in Israel: in terms of the length of the beach strip (14 km), it surpasses all other resorts. All coastal recreation areas – there are 9 of them-are municipal, and recreation on them is free for all visitors.
The city is located on a limestone cliff, which is 15-40 m above sea level, and to get to the sea, you have to go down from this cliff. For this purpose, comfortable stairs are equipped, there are elevators with panoramic windows.
Interesting! A high rocky cliff along the entire coastline is a kind of observation platform, from which you can see very attractive seascapes.
The sand on the coast is amazing-soft, shallow, and the entrance to the water is gentle and convenient. All the beaches are wide, very well maintained. Rescue stations are functioning everywhere, free changing booths, freshwater showers and toilets are installed. For a pleasant stay, you can always rent sun beds and umbrellas.
Interesting! The first people who rested at the resort were members of the British Army. And this is despite the fact that both Arabs and Jews saw them as occupiers.
Blue Bay Beach
Blue Bay occupies a northern position on the coast of Netanya. Along its perimeter there are rocks and small cozy coves. There are no waves here, it is always quiet, which is suitable for fishing.
Canz Beach
This beautiful beach is located next to Blue Bay, next to the water and motor sports club. It is fenced, constantly guarded, and convenient steps lead to the very shore from the cliff.
Recreation on Tsanz takes place under special conditions that meet the principles of believers. On Saturday, it is closed (in Israel, it is Shabbat), and on other days of the week, men and women are there at different times.
- Women: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 08: 30 to 13: 00, and on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13: 30 until almost sunset.
- Men: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 13: 30 to sunset, and Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 08: 30 to 13: 00.
A-onot Beach
Directly from the Shaked Alley, there are steps leading down to A-onot.
This holiday destination in Netanya is usually chosen by young people who like to listen to music and dance. There is an on-site restaurant with a dance mini-bar, whose management regularly organizes a variety of entertainment events.
Sironit Alef Beach
Sironit Alef, considered one of the central recreation areas, is open in high season from 06: 30 am.
Sports simulators are available on Sironit Alef. On Fridays, during the daytime, DJs perform here, salsa dances, and master classes in applied arts are held.
This beach is equipped for recreation of people with disabilities: special descents are provided, wheelchairs can be borrowed at the rescue station.
Sironit Bet Beach
This is one of the most popular beach areas of Netanya in Israel, attracting many visitors. Rest here is possible from 08: 30 and almost until sunset.
Nearby there is a spacious car park, where the following prices apply (for unlimited time during the day): on any day of the week 15 shekels, and on Saturdays and public holidays 25 shekels. From the central bus station of Netanya in June and August, you can get here by bus number 13, which runs from 6: 00 to 19: 00.
You can go down to the sea either on foot on the steps, or take the panoramic elevator for a modest fee of 2 shekels.
Breakwaters are installed on Sironit Bet, designed to protect the coastline from waves.
Herzl Beach
Herzl Beach is the most natural extension of Herzl Street, which reaches Independence Square and smoothly merges into the coastline. Due to the fact that Herzl is located north of Sironit Bet, its visitors have the opportunity to use both elevators for descending to the water and paid parking.
It is almost always crowded here. People who love sports and active pastime prefer to visit this recreation area. A free gym and basketball court are available on site.
Herzl Beach is accessible to people with disabilities: wheelchairs are available at the rescue station, special ramps are equipped.
Amphi Beach
Amphi, located in the neighborhood of Herzl, got its name from the amphitheater located above the beach.
It is allowed to come to the territory of Amphi with surfboards, catamarans, jet skis. Here you can also rent a kayak, jet ski, wind surf, “banana”.
From here, the fastest ship in Israel “Tornado” sails, designed for 12 passengers. On it, you can take a walk along the sea near Netanya, along the entire coastal strip from north to south and back.
There is a sea sports center “Tsvet Sinevy”, there is also a shop “Tseva a-thelet”, where they sell the necessary equipment and conduct diving and surfing lessons.
Argaman Beach
Very beautiful, rather modest size, sparsely populated beach. Ideal for lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday.
Poleg Beach
Poleg is located in the southern part of Netanya, where the cliff ends and you can go down to the water without unnecessary difficulties.
On the territory there are various sports equipment, mini-football and beach volleyball courts. In June and August, beach soccer competitions are held here on Fridays with the participation of the best athletes in Israel. The northern tip is usually used for water sports: yachts, jet skis, etc.
Prices for holidays in Netanya
Compared to other large cities in Israel, Netanya is a little cheaper. Prices for food and alcohol are quite reasonable (as for Israel), and hotel rooms too-this is one of the decisive factors why this resort is very popular with local youth.
Cost of accommodation
There are many hotels in Netanya, almost all of them are located near the sea: some in the first lane, some-across the road with quite high traffic. There are luxury 5* hotels in the city, but 2-3*hotels still prevail. The level of service is high, but generally slightly lower than in Tel Aviv. You can rent a double room for a night in high season for such money:
- at Leonardo Plaza Netanya, which is 350 m from the sea, prices start from $210;
- The 30-story Island Suites features a private pool and spacious suites starting from $215.;
- Kikar Hotel is located 200 m from the sea coast, near Independence Square-rooms from 110 $;
- for the same amount of money, you can stay in the Mizpe Yam hotel, located in the first line from the sea.
Many tourists who come to this resort in search of a relaxing holiday, prefer to settle in apartments, apartments or rooms in the private sector. The cost of short-term rental of such housing directly depends on its area and location. The most expensive housing will be in the most prestigious areas of Netanya, adjacent to the sea, with rich infrastructure: Kiryat Hasharon, Ir Yamim and Ramat Poleg. Half the price is available for renting apartments in more remote areas, for example, in Kiryat Nordau. Price of accommodation per night for two people:
- Located 1.5 km from the beach elevator, 1.6 km from Herzl 190 Beach, Luxury Rooftop Apartment in Netanya offers one – bedroom accommodation with free Wi-Fi. $;
- 5 Minutes From The Sea two-bedroom apartment located in the city center, 500 m from the beach elevator and the coast – 90 $;
- Netanya Sea One-bedroom studio apartment, less than 1 km from the beach elevator and the sea coast – $ 110.
When planning to go on vacation to Netanya, it is advisable to take care of your accommodation in advance.
Cost of meals
A huge number of cafes and restaurants are located in the area of the main square of the city – Independence Square. Very often, advertising boards at the entrance to Netanya’s public catering establishments post photos of ready meals and present a full menu with prices in Hebrew, English and Russian. Before ordering meals, it makes sense to evaluate the size of the portions – as a rule, they are large, because the meal in Israel is comparable to the national sport.
Estimated prices:
- food in a cheap restaurant for one person –15-17 $;
- 3-course lunch for two in a mid-level restaurant – $55;
- McMeal at McDonalds or a similar snack at a similar place – $14;
- cappuccino – $ 3.5.
Weather conditions at the resort
The city of Netanya in Israel attracts thousands of tourists with its mild and comfortable climate.
The biggest heat wave is observed here from the beginning of June to the end of September, when the air temperature reaches an average of +30 °C, and the sea warms up to +28 °C. Precipitation during this period is almost nonexistent. This is the high season when the beach holiday is in full swing.
For those who do not like extreme heat, it is best to come to Netanya in April-May or October. At this time it is warm, you can lie on the sand and bask in the sun, and it is quite possible to swim (the water temperature is +20…+23 °C), and it is very comfortable to take walks to the sights.
Even in winter, this resort in Israel is quite possible to relax. During the day, the air temperature is never less than +17 °C – for walking and exploring local attractions, it is quite comfortable. But it is worth considering that from November to March is the rainy season in Israel.
How to get to Netanya
Foreigners who plan to relax in Netanya usually fly to Ben Gurion Airport, and from there they get directly to the resort. Although you can first stop in Tel Aviv and get acquainted with its main attractions, and then go to Netanya from there.
How to get there from Ben Gurion Airport
From the airport, it is best to go by train, the railway station is located on the lower floor (S) of Terminal 3. There are 7 direct trains to Netanya per night, they run every hour, the first at 22.37, the last at 4.35. In the morning, departures are much more frequent, every 30 minutes, but you will have to make a transfer in Tel Aviv at the University station – the first such flight is at 5.35, the last at 21.37. Even with a transfer, the journey takes no more than an hour. The ticket costs NIS 24.5 and can be purchased at the station’s ticket office or ticket vending machine. Check the current schedule and prices on the Israel Railways website — www.rail.co.il/ru.
You can also take a bus to Netanya from the airport. Such a trip has only one advantage-it allows you to save a little, but there are more disadvantages: it takes twice as long in time, you have to make not very convenient transfers, and buses run much less frequently.
How to get there from Tel Aviv
From Tel Aviv to Netanya, it is convenient to travel by train or bus.
By train, you can go from different stations of the city: “ha-Haganah”, “ha-Shalom”, “Merkaz – Central”, “University”. At night, trains depart 1-2 times per hour, and from early morning they run much more often-there are flights every 10-30 minutes. The journey time is about 30 minutes. Travel from any station in Tel Aviv costs NIS 13.5 and can be purchased at the ticket office or ticket machine. Check that the timetable and fare are up-to-date on the official Israeli railway website — www.rail.co.il/.
The most convenient bus routes from Tel Aviv to Netanya (Israel) are offered by the Central bus Station of the city “Takhana Merkazit”. Buses 825, 852 and 910 go to Netanya Railway Station, and from there local buses 15, 22 and 23 go to the city center. There are also direct flights to the center of Netanya: Nos. 600, 602 and 605. Buses run with a frequency of 20 minutes, the ticket price is 10-17 shekels. When planning a trip, please note that buses do not run on Saturdays and other public holidays.
