Amos’s guidebook to Haifa and Beyond
City/town information
Acre (Ako עכו) like Haifa is a town characterized by a large intermingled Arab and Jewish population. This colorful coastal ancient town is situated only half an hour drive north-west from the apartment. Its narrow and iconic streets and vestiges from the Ottoman past, as well as the middle ages, are open to the visitor. The town includes the ancient port of Acre, a Crusader fortress (now a museum), a marketplace (Sook), and a preserved historic Turkish Bath (also a museum now) as well as a Turkish town square where locals gather on holidays and weekend nights.
Acre has a rich history. It used to be a hub and most renowned city of ancient times, drawing to it Phenicians, Jews, Greeks, Romans, and later Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans. It is a city layered with a history spanning from ancient times to today.
The Crusader fortress, now a subterranean complex is highly recommended, and you can get combined tickets to it, a secret escape tunnel to the beach used by the crusaders, and the Turkish Bathhouse. The Bathhouse is not operational, though there is a modern-day Turkish bath operating in town, though the pricing is a bit high to some tastes and one has to reserve a spot many months in advance.
To those interested in more recent history a museum right next to the fortress depicting the struggle between British mandate troops and the local Jewish resistance. This compound served as the prison in which many resistance fighters deemed terrorists by the Brits were imprisoned and later executed via hanging. Later in the '50s and '60s of the 20th Century, this compound was used as a mental institution, lending it an air of creepiness.
Going through the streets you will inevitably come across the Sook (marketplace) and perhaps the closed-door arcade marketplace. Generally, the prices here are going to be better than those in Jerusalem's old city marketplace, so if you want to buy any souvenirs you may fare better here.
Strolling through the picturesque streets of Ako you will find art galleries and workshops, as well as some of the best marine and middle eastern fair restaurants.
Ako also has a beach that is less developed than the Haifa beaches but makes up for it with the beautiful backdrop of the ancient town.
During summer times in non-pandemic times, local folks convene in and around the port in a festival-like atmosphere on Thursday nights before the weekend. Street vendors sell hot foul and beans to snack on, or other treats and tour boats can take one on a short excursion into the bay.
Some of the restaurants that come to mind are:
Flooka - offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly as well as seafood options
Maadali local kitchen - Exquisite local Mediterranian dishes, seafood, and even Vegan fair.
Uri Buri - Considered a must-visit for many diners. Specializes in seafood and local fairs. Many swear by this establishment and its culinary experiences.
Hummus Said - A restaurant specializing in one thing alone, but if you like Hummus and Foul, in all their forms, this is definitely the place to visit. It is simple and unassuming decore, but its quality of food always draws local dinners, filling the place to capacity in non-pandemic times. If there is one place you eat Hummus at, consider this place.
El Marsa - Another contender for Ako's best culinary establishments. Local middle easter food as well as seafood. The prices may be slightly elevated but the dishes and Mezzeh are large and satisfying. It is hard to say which is the best restaurant in Ako, though a lot of visitors claim it is #1.
Doniana - If the atmosphere is what you are looking for this restaurant has a beautiful view of the ancient port and is located next to the lighthouse. The food is generally good, though some people have reported misunderstandings relating to orders. Just be careful the waiter understands you are ordering an appetizer or lunch dish and not a dinner entree when you order.
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Acre
Acre (Ako עכו) like Haifa is a town characterized by a large intermingled Arab and Jewish population. This colorful coastal ancient town is situated only half an hour drive north-west from the apartment. Its narrow and iconic streets and vestiges from the Ottoman past, as well as the middle ages, are open to the visitor. The town includes the ancient port of Acre, a Crusader fortress (now a museum), a marketplace (Sook), and a preserved historic Turkish Bath (also a museum now) as well as a Turkish town square where locals gather on holidays and weekend nights.
Acre has a rich history. It used to be a hub and most renowned city of ancient times, drawing to it Phenicians, Jews, Greeks, Romans, and later Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans. It is a city layered with a history spanning from ancient times to today.
The Crusader fortress, now a subterranean complex is highly recommended, and you can get combined tickets to it, a secret escape tunnel to the beach used by the crusaders, and the Turkish Bathhouse. The Bathhouse is not operational, though there is a modern-day Turkish bath operating in town, though the pricing is a bit high to some tastes and one has to reserve a spot many months in advance.
To those interested in more recent history a museum right next to the fortress depicting the struggle between British mandate troops and the local Jewish resistance. This compound served as the prison in which many resistance fighters deemed terrorists by the Brits were imprisoned and later executed via hanging. Later in the '50s and '60s of the 20th Century, this compound was used as a mental institution, lending it an air of creepiness.
Going through the streets you will inevitably come across the Sook (marketplace) and perhaps the closed-door arcade marketplace. Generally, the prices here are going to be better than those in Jerusalem's old city marketplace, so if you want to buy any souvenirs you may fare better here.
Strolling through the picturesque streets of Ako you will find art galleries and workshops, as well as some of the best marine and middle eastern fair restaurants.
Ako also has a beach that is less developed than the Haifa beaches but makes up for it with the beautiful backdrop of the ancient town.
During summer times in non-pandemic times, local folks convene in and around the port in a festival-like atmosphere on Thursday nights before the weekend. Street vendors sell hot foul and beans to snack on, or other treats and tour boats can take one on a short excursion into the bay.
Some of the restaurants that come to mind are:
Flooka - offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly as well as seafood options
Maadali local kitchen - Exquisite local Mediterranian dishes, seafood, and even Vegan fair.
Uri Buri - Considered a must-visit for many diners. Specializes in seafood and local fairs. Many swear by this establishment and its culinary experiences.
Hummus Said - A restaurant specializing in one thing alone, but if you like Hummus and Foul, in all their forms, this is definitely the place to visit. It is simple and unassuming decore, but its quality of food always draws local dinners, filling the place to capacity in non-pandemic times. If there is one place you eat Hummus at, consider this place.
El Marsa - Another contender for Ako's best culinary establishments. Local middle easter food as well as seafood. The prices may be slightly elevated but the dishes and Mezzeh are large and satisfying. It is hard to say which is the best restaurant in Ako, though a lot of visitors claim it is #1.
Doniana - If the atmosphere is what you are looking for this restaurant has a beautiful view of the ancient port and is located next to the lighthouse. The food is generally good, though some people have reported misunderstandings relating to orders. Just be careful the waiter understands you are ordering an appetizer or lunch dish and not a dinner entree when you order.
This Drooz village at the feet of Biblical Mount Hermon is a prime spot to explore the Droz culture, and food, like Ussefiyeh and Daliat El Carmel, which are much closer to Haifa.
you may wish to combine a visit to the Galilee sea or Capernaum with this site for a day trip. Mt Hermon is roughly 2 hours from the apartment you are staying in.
What makes this village stand out is its proximity to Mt. Hermon, on the Israeli Syrian border. Mt. Hermon is the only skiing destination for Israelis in winter in Israel and is actually a militarized zone due to its location. Mt. Hermon is mentioned in the bible in relation to mystical forces and demons. On clear days it offers amazing views into Syria and Israel's north.
Passing Majdal Shams you will see remaining shelled ruins of local farmhouses still remaining from the battles between Israel and Syria over the Golan Heights. This area was strategically important due to Syria's attempt to take control over Israel's main water reservoir, the Galilee Sea, under Chavez El Assad (the current dictator's father). This has been depicted well in the Netflix series The Spy, acted brilliantly by Sasha Baron Cohen (Borat).
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Majdal Shams
This Drooz village at the feet of Biblical Mount Hermon is a prime spot to explore the Droz culture, and food, like Ussefiyeh and Daliat El Carmel, which are much closer to Haifa.
you may wish to combine a visit to the Galilee sea or Capernaum with this site for a day trip. Mt Hermon is roughly 2 hours from the apartment you are staying in.
What makes this village stand out is its proximity to Mt. Hermon, on the Israeli Syrian border. Mt. Hermon is the only skiing destination for Israelis in winter in Israel and is actually a militarized zone due to its location. Mt. Hermon is mentioned in the bible in relation to mystical forces and demons. On clear days it offers amazing views into Syria and Israel's north.
Passing Majdal Shams you will see remaining shelled ruins of local farmhouses still remaining from the battles between Israel and Syria over the Golan Heights. This area was strategically important due to Syria's attempt to take control over Israel's main water reservoir, the Galilee Sea, under Chavez El Assad (the current dictator's father). This has been depicted well in the Netflix series The Spy, acted brilliantly by Sasha Baron Cohen (Borat).
Safed, pronounced as Tzfat (צפת) has been the spiritual and mystic center of Judaism in the Galilee for the last millennia. This picturesque northern town has preserved an air of mysticism and a more esoteric flavor of its religious constituents than the norm. This has been the seat of Kabalistic through and study.
The historic city center is defined by its narrow streets and stone buildings. There are many kabbalistic yeshivas as well as art galleries there, and the panoramic view from certain spots to the valleys that lay beneath is breathtaking.
This town is about 1.25 hr from the apartment you are staying in, and a visit to it can be combined with a visit to the Galilee Sea, Capernaum, or Mt. Hermon, for a day trip.
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Safed
Safed, pronounced as Tzfat (צפת) has been the spiritual and mystic center of Judaism in the Galilee for the last millennia. This picturesque northern town has preserved an air of mysticism and a more esoteric flavor of its religious constituents than the norm. This has been the seat of Kabalistic through and study.
The historic city center is defined by its narrow streets and stone buildings. There are many kabbalistic yeshivas as well as art galleries there, and the panoramic view from certain spots to the valleys that lay beneath is breathtaking.
This town is about 1.25 hr from the apartment you are staying in, and a visit to it can be combined with a visit to the Galilee Sea, Capernaum, or Mt. Hermon, for a day trip.
Neighborhoods
Your apartment is located in the Ahuza, known as Horev today, neighborhood. The name is taken from its being the place of the estate of the British governor (Ahuza meaning estate in Hebrew).
This is a quiet and safe neighborhood that lends itself to pleasant evening strolls.
In recent years wildlife in Haifa has made a huge comeback, and as part of that the Boar population and Coyotee populations have become part of daily life in this and some other neighborhoods. Haifa is known as the town of the Boars by now and it has come to symbolize the city. You are likely to encounter a boar or a pack of boars making their way through the neighborhood streets. Don't worry, boars generally will not attack humans. If anything they are more likely to be shy of people, though that has been seen to get more and more used to the presence of humans and their pets. Like with bears it is not advisable to come between a boar mom and her cubs though.
In addition to boars, you may encounter fruit bat colonies flying around certain fruit trees. Bats are active in some seasons more than others. They are not harmful or dangerous. They are generally much larger than bats common in North America and parts of Europe.
You may also hear the coyotes whose habitat lays in the brush below the apartment (Vaddi). You may hear their howling late evenings. You are less likely to encounter one in person as they keep a good distance from humans, but it may happen nevertheless. Again, these wild animals are not seeking confrontation with humans and are generally not aggressive. I am unaware of any known attack on humans by this coyote ever.
Ahuza
Your apartment is located in the Ahuza, known as Horev today, neighborhood. The name is taken from its being the place of the estate of the British governor (Ahuza meaning estate in Hebrew).
This is a quiet and safe neighborhood that lends itself to pleasant evening strolls.
In recent years wildlife in Haifa has made a huge comeback, and as part of that the Boar population and Coyotee populations have become part of daily life in this and some other neighborhoods. Haifa is known as the town of the Boars by now and it has come to symbolize the city. You are likely to encounter a boar or a pack of boars making their way through the neighborhood streets. Don't worry, boars generally will not attack humans. If anything they are more likely to be shy of people, though that has been seen to get more and more used to the presence of humans and their pets. Like with bears it is not advisable to come between a boar mom and her cubs though.
In addition to boars, you may encounter fruit bat colonies flying around certain fruit trees. Bats are active in some seasons more than others. They are not harmful or dangerous. They are generally much larger than bats common in North America and parts of Europe.
You may also hear the coyotes whose habitat lays in the brush below the apartment (Vaddi). You may hear their howling late evenings. You are less likely to encounter one in person as they keep a good distance from humans, but it may happen nevertheless. Again, these wild animals are not seeking confrontation with humans and are generally not aggressive. I am unaware of any known attack on humans by this coyote ever.
Sightseeing
The Bahai falling gardens are part of the iconic feature of Carmel mountain. Haifa is considered the most sacred place for the Bahai sect whose roots are in Persia (Iran of today) but whose spread is all over the world.
The gardens and the golden domes temple are prominent features of the compound that you can visit, however, make sure you find out the public opening hours since they are very restrictive. It is well worth the visit though.
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Bahai Gardens/HaTsiyonut station
The Bahai falling gardens are part of the iconic feature of Carmel mountain. Haifa is considered the most sacred place for the Bahai sect whose roots are in Persia (Iran of today) but whose spread is all over the world.
The gardens and the golden domes temple are prominent features of the compound that you can visit, however, make sure you find out the public opening hours since they are very restrictive. It is well worth the visit though.
Dado beach is the closest of Haifa's beaches to the apartment (about 9 min drive door-to-door or 5.4 Km). Its beach remains one of Haifa's popular beaches due to its promenade and local food and bar establishments. Whether you wish to bathe, eat seafood feet away from the ocean waves, smoke a flavored Hooka curated for you by a Hooka master with friends, or sip some beer to the sounds of the sea, this is a great place to hang out at.
There are communal changing rooms, bungalows, and showers during daytime operating hours (changing rooms may be closed on weekends)
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Dado Beach
Dado beach is the closest of Haifa's beaches to the apartment (about 9 min drive door-to-door or 5.4 Km). Its beach remains one of Haifa's popular beaches due to its promenade and local food and bar establishments. Whether you wish to bathe, eat seafood feet away from the ocean waves, smoke a flavored Hooka curated for you by a Hooka master with friends, or sip some beer to the sounds of the sea, this is a great place to hang out at.
There are communal changing rooms, bungalows, and showers during daytime operating hours (changing rooms may be closed on weekends)
The historic German Colony, running along Ben Gurion Avenue (Shderot Ben Gurion) is a picturesque stone house and red shingle roof neighborhood. This is where members of the Templer order residents used to live up until the beginning of the 20th Century.
During the Christmas season, this street is closed to traffic and a bustling festive street fair takes place in the evening and draws residents from other Israeli towns to it. Haifa's lively Christian Arab residents make sure the holiday is marked in this lovely way. If you are in Israel during this time of year don't miss the fair on evenings around the holiday.
There are many exquisite restaurants along the avenue to choose from for a memorable experience.
Some of these noteworthy restaurants include:
Fattoush - Great food, lovely decor, and warm atmosphere. The portions are generous and the prices pretty fair. They have a menu just for tea.
Colony Grill - Haifa's best spot for those who must have meat. Not much for the vegetarian there though. If what you are looking for is expertly grilled meats, this is the prime spot for it.
Shtroudl - This unique restaurant includes garden seating and sports some amazing dishes in the tradition of new Israeli kitchen, which combines traditional dishes from the middle east and Europe. It has a selection of Syrian and Lebanese dishes as well as other cuisines. Everything is prepared with care and skill.
Douzan - Lovely middle eastern fusion restaurant. Worth the visit even if service can be slow at peak times.
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Sderot Ben Gurion
Sderot Ben GurionThe historic German Colony, running along Ben Gurion Avenue (Shderot Ben Gurion) is a picturesque stone house and red shingle roof neighborhood. This is where members of the Templer order residents used to live up until the beginning of the 20th Century.
During the Christmas season, this street is closed to traffic and a bustling festive street fair takes place in the evening and draws residents from other Israeli towns to it. Haifa's lively Christian Arab residents make sure the holiday is marked in this lovely way. If you are in Israel during this time of year don't miss the fair on evenings around the holiday.
There are many exquisite restaurants along the avenue to choose from for a memorable experience.
Some of these noteworthy restaurants include:
Fattoush - Great food, lovely decor, and warm atmosphere. The portions are generous and the prices pretty fair. They have a menu just for tea.
Colony Grill - Haifa's best spot for those who must have meat. Not much for the vegetarian there though. If what you are looking for is expertly grilled meats, this is the prime spot for it.
Shtroudl - This unique restaurant includes garden seating and sports some amazing dishes in the tradition of new Israeli kitchen, which combines traditional dishes from the middle east and Europe. It has a selection of Syrian and Lebanese dishes as well as other cuisines. Everything is prepared with care and skill.
Douzan - Lovely middle eastern fusion restaurant. Worth the visit even if service can be slow at peak times.
Stella Maris is a Carmelite order monastery. The compound encompasses a chapel and sanctuary dedicated to the Prophet Elijah, who hold a special place in Carmelite tradition. The name means 'star of the sea'. Its visibility from the ocean was the cause of locating a lighthouse on the top of the hill, which today sadly is within a military compound.
In the chapel, you will find a niche that is attributed to the prophet Elijah. Carmelites believe Elijah hid in it according to the scriptures.
Make sure you check the visiting hours before visiting the site as the chapel is open to visitors only in a limited capacity.
Nearby you will find a funicular that descends and ascends to and from the Bat Galim beach promenade.
You can also decide to take a short hike downhill passing the Holy Family chapel and then to Elijah's Cave, which Jews consider the real spot as opposed to the one inside the monastery. You can return to the spot using the funicular after ascending the hill.
Stella Maris Road
Stella Maris RoadStella Maris is a Carmelite order monastery. The compound encompasses a chapel and sanctuary dedicated to the Prophet Elijah, who hold a special place in Carmelite tradition. The name means 'star of the sea'. Its visibility from the ocean was the cause of locating a lighthouse on the top of the hill, which today sadly is within a military compound.
In the chapel, you will find a niche that is attributed to the prophet Elijah. Carmelites believe Elijah hid in it according to the scriptures.
Make sure you check the visiting hours before visiting the site as the chapel is open to visitors only in a limited capacity.
Nearby you will find a funicular that descends and ascends to and from the Bat Galim beach promenade.
You can also decide to take a short hike downhill passing the Holy Family chapel and then to Elijah's Cave, which Jews consider the real spot as opposed to the one inside the monastery. You can return to the spot using the funicular after ascending the hill.
The cable car connects the Stella Maris Monastery on the Carmel to the Bat Galim promenade and beach and is a lovely way to enjoy the vista and enjoy both attractions on the same visit.
This is a fun and very inexpenssive way to reach either one of the two locations from the other, especially when kids are involved.
A good way to make use of it is parking your car at the Monastery and after a visit to it descending the mountain via a trail in the brush, passing the tiny Holy Family chapel, and stopping at Elija's cave, believed to have been where the prophet Elijah lived in hiding. Then descending to the beach for a stroll or bathing. When done you could take the funicular back up to the starting point.
There are two restaurants by the name of Shawatina you may enjoy, one at the bottom of the cable car and one at the top, overlooking the ocean. It is up to you whether you prefer to be close to the ocean or overlooking it. The restaurants offer a range of Arabic authentic dishes and are highly rated by diners.
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Μονή Στέλλα Μαρίς
100 Stella Maris RdThe cable car connects the Stella Maris Monastery on the Carmel to the Bat Galim promenade and beach and is a lovely way to enjoy the vista and enjoy both attractions on the same visit.
This is a fun and very inexpenssive way to reach either one of the two locations from the other, especially when kids are involved.
A good way to make use of it is parking your car at the Monastery and after a visit to it descending the mountain via a trail in the brush, passing the tiny Holy Family chapel, and stopping at Elija's cave, believed to have been where the prophet Elijah lived in hiding. Then descending to the beach for a stroll or bathing. When done you could take the funicular back up to the starting point.
There are two restaurants by the name of Shawatina you may enjoy, one at the bottom of the cable car and one at the top, overlooking the ocean. It is up to you whether you prefer to be close to the ocean or overlooking it. The restaurants offer a range of Arabic authentic dishes and are highly rated by diners.
The Carmelit is one of Haifa's more hidden and lesser-known oddities. It is one of a handful of combination funicular and underground trains in the world. The other ones are in Istambul and the Alps. This is a public transportation method that uses tunnels dug up the hill in order to directly connect neighbourhoods from the Downtown harbour area to the uptown Merkaz Ha'Carmel area. It cuts through in a few minutes what would otherwise take 3/4 of an hour via winding bus routes. This funicular has been in continuous operation for decades.
Carmelit Haifa station
22 Ha-Nevi'im StThe Carmelit is one of Haifa's more hidden and lesser-known oddities. It is one of a handful of combination funicular and underground trains in the world. The other ones are in Istambul and the Alps. This is a public transportation method that uses tunnels dug up the hill in order to directly connect neighbourhoods from the Downtown harbour area to the uptown Merkaz Ha'Carmel area. It cuts through in a few minutes what would otherwise take 3/4 of an hour via winding bus routes. This funicular has been in continuous operation for decades.
Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art is one of these unexpected finds that may surprise you. You may ask why would you go see a Japanese art ifact museum in Israel, but counter intuitively this little humble museum contains one of the premier collections of Japanese art outside of Japan itself. It was curated by a holocaust survivor who has collected the best of Japanese art, including an amazing collection of miniatures. If you have the time, it is worth the visit.
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Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art
89 HaNassi BlvdTikotin Museum of Japanese Art is one of these unexpected finds that may surprise you. You may ask why would you go see a Japanese art ifact museum in Israel, but counter intuitively this little humble museum contains one of the premier collections of Japanese art outside of Japan itself. It was curated by a holocaust survivor who has collected the best of Japanese art, including an amazing collection of miniatures. If you have the time, it is worth the visit.
The University of Haifa is a great spot to breathe in the fresh mountain air and observe the amazing view. Its main tower is clearly visible from the coastal line and defines the skyline of mount Carmel. It is the highest point in the area and on clear days you can see Mount Hermon from it, along with Acre and the coast.
Nearby is a walk-through park of ancient ruins which were moved there from other locales, showing how certain architectural structures were constructed in ancient times.
Also nearby is the Chai-Bar, a wild animal reserve where animals like the Ibexhave been brought back from the brink of extinction.
If you are a history or archeology buff don't miss the Hecht Museum on the university grounds. This little hidden gem includes rare artifacts from pre-biblical, biblical, and new testament eras.
Haifa University/Eshkol A Building station
The University of Haifa is a great spot to breathe in the fresh mountain air and observe the amazing view. Its main tower is clearly visible from the coastal line and defines the skyline of mount Carmel. It is the highest point in the area and on clear days you can see Mount Hermon from it, along with Acre and the coast.
Nearby is a walk-through park of ancient ruins which were moved there from other locales, showing how certain architectural structures were constructed in ancient times.
Also nearby is the Chai-Bar, a wild animal reserve where animals like the Ibexhave been brought back from the brink of extinction.
If you are a history or archeology buff don't miss the Hecht Museum on the university grounds. This little hidden gem includes rare artifacts from pre-biblical, biblical, and new testament eras.
Also known as Banias (Panias בניאס) Falls is an amazing and beautiful attraction not to be missed. This site encompasses history, archeology, and beautiful nature in one trip.
In the winter the stream is flush with wildly streaming water, and in the summer it is an oasis of tranquility and beauty.
This spring and stream are rich with layered archeological remains of times past. Its earliest known use was by goat worshipping local religion. A few structures were built at the source of the spring among them a temple of the dancing goats. Goats were apparently taught to dance and were worshipped. This is where the name actually is derived from, Pan being a half-goat deity. Later the name was distorted, as is too often the case in this land (there is no P in Arabic), to Banias instead of Panias.
The people of the time used to predict the agricultural season to follow by tossing sacrifices inside the caves in the mountainside and looking for the blood in the waters streaming out of the spring at the foot of the hill.
Among other things, there are later Muslim archeological remains as well as an entire palace built by Agrippa II during the Hellenic domination. You will probably be surprised by the architectural sophistication of that era. There are also crusader archeological remains in the park.
The park is about 1.5 hr from the apartment you are staying in, and a trip to it can be combined with a visit to Nazaret, Galilee Sea, Capernaum, or Tzafeth for a day trip. Just be sure you check the seasonal opening hours ahead of time, as the park may close unusually early.
If you visit the place you may want to visit a small but unique nearby restaurant called Dag Al Ha'Dan (Fish on the Dan River). This place offers locally spawned Trout in a truly magical ambiance. Make sure you try their locally sourced wines.
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Φυσικό Αποθετικό Χερμόν Στρημ
Also known as Banias (Panias בניאס) Falls is an amazing and beautiful attraction not to be missed. This site encompasses history, archeology, and beautiful nature in one trip.
In the winter the stream is flush with wildly streaming water, and in the summer it is an oasis of tranquility and beauty.
This spring and stream are rich with layered archeological remains of times past. Its earliest known use was by goat worshipping local religion. A few structures were built at the source of the spring among them a temple of the dancing goats. Goats were apparently taught to dance and were worshipped. This is where the name actually is derived from, Pan being a half-goat deity. Later the name was distorted, as is too often the case in this land (there is no P in Arabic), to Banias instead of Panias.
The people of the time used to predict the agricultural season to follow by tossing sacrifices inside the caves in the mountainside and looking for the blood in the waters streaming out of the spring at the foot of the hill.
Among other things, there are later Muslim archeological remains as well as an entire palace built by Agrippa II during the Hellenic domination. You will probably be surprised by the architectural sophistication of that era. There are also crusader archeological remains in the park.
The park is about 1.5 hr from the apartment you are staying in, and a trip to it can be combined with a visit to Nazaret, Galilee Sea, Capernaum, or Tzafeth for a day trip. Just be sure you check the seasonal opening hours ahead of time, as the park may close unusually early.
If you visit the place you may want to visit a small but unique nearby restaurant called Dag Al Ha'Dan (Fish on the Dan River). This place offers locally spawned Trout in a truly magical ambiance. Make sure you try their locally sourced wines.
This is the biblical Armageddon, just half an hour from the apartment you are in. The name Armageddon simply was the ignorant distortion of the name Har Megido (Mount Megido). According to the scriptures, this is the site the war between good and evil at the end of days (Gog vs. Magog) would start according to prophecy. This site has historical and biblical importance.
Megiddo
This is the biblical Armageddon, just half an hour from the apartment you are in. The name Armageddon simply was the ignorant distortion of the name Har Megido (Mount Megido). According to the scriptures, this is the site the war between good and evil at the end of days (Gog vs. Magog) would start according to prophecy. This site has historical and biblical importance.
Carmel Center (Merkaz Ha'Carmel מרכז הכרמל) is a little urban center with stores, restaurants, and fast food joints, however, its attraction lies in an area called Panorama, which is a promenade with amazing views of the entire north-eastern part of Haifa and the coast. Most importantly it overlooks the amazing Bahai falling gardens. It makes for a lovely evening stroll as the sun sets and you see the vista change from daylight to lit night view. Hidden along the promenade is a memorial erected by Kaiser Wilhelm on his visit to the middle east towards the end of the 19th Century. A cannon marks the place on which he stood and was received. A nice little park called Gan Ha'Em (mother's park) is a nice place to rest your feet or view an open stage performance in the summer months.
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Merkaz HaKarmel
Carmel Center (Merkaz Ha'Carmel מרכז הכרמל) is a little urban center with stores, restaurants, and fast food joints, however, its attraction lies in an area called Panorama, which is a promenade with amazing views of the entire north-eastern part of Haifa and the coast. Most importantly it overlooks the amazing Bahai falling gardens. It makes for a lovely evening stroll as the sun sets and you see the vista change from daylight to lit night view. Hidden along the promenade is a memorial erected by Kaiser Wilhelm on his visit to the middle east towards the end of the 19th Century. A cannon marks the place on which he stood and was received. A nice little park called Gan Ha'Em (mother's park) is a nice place to rest your feet or view an open stage performance in the summer months.
While Tiberias (Tveriya טבריה) is a more famous spot on the Galilee Sea (Kinneret כינרת), Capernaum is much more interesting historically. Sadly Tiberias has become more of a tourist trap with no visible remains of its ancient past.
Capernaum, as it is commonly known in western Christian cultures, on the other hand, is an amazing snapshot of the past. Again as in Armageddon, the name is a botching of the Hebrew Kfar Nachum (כפר נחום), meaning the village of Nachum. If you are Christian this spot has significance because of the precise known location of Jesuses stay with his first disciple, Apostel Simon Peter (שמעון). The very home of Peter has been identified by archeologists and is visible from an overhead bridge constructed by the curch "sarcophagus" built over it. It stands to reason that Jesus visited or even stayed in that location 2,000 years ago, This fishing village is also known to have been the village where other apostles spent their lives, Andrew, James, and John.
If you are not Christian, the remains of this fishing village still has historic significance as it is a prime example of a preserved village from Roman and pre-Roman times. There are two synagogues in this archeological site that may surprise you in their layout.
This site is about 1 hr drive from the apartment you are staying in and well worth the visit. You may wish to combine a visit to it with a visit to Nazareth, which can be passed on the way. Alternatively, you could combine a visit to it with a visit to Israel's North-most spot, Mount Hermon, or the Banias reserve and archeological site. Keep in mind Mt. Hermon is another hour northward from Capernaum.
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Capernaum
While Tiberias (Tveriya טבריה) is a more famous spot on the Galilee Sea (Kinneret כינרת), Capernaum is much more interesting historically. Sadly Tiberias has become more of a tourist trap with no visible remains of its ancient past.
Capernaum, as it is commonly known in western Christian cultures, on the other hand, is an amazing snapshot of the past. Again as in Armageddon, the name is a botching of the Hebrew Kfar Nachum (כפר נחום), meaning the village of Nachum. If you are Christian this spot has significance because of the precise known location of Jesuses stay with his first disciple, Apostel Simon Peter (שמעון). The very home of Peter has been identified by archeologists and is visible from an overhead bridge constructed by the curch "sarcophagus" built over it. It stands to reason that Jesus visited or even stayed in that location 2,000 years ago, This fishing village is also known to have been the village where other apostles spent their lives, Andrew, James, and John.
If you are not Christian, the remains of this fishing village still has historic significance as it is a prime example of a preserved village from Roman and pre-Roman times. There are two synagogues in this archeological site that may surprise you in their layout.
This site is about 1 hr drive from the apartment you are staying in and well worth the visit. You may wish to combine a visit to it with a visit to Nazareth, which can be passed on the way. Alternatively, you could combine a visit to it with a visit to Israel's North-most spot, Mount Hermon, or the Banias reserve and archeological site. Keep in mind Mt. Hermon is another hour northward from Capernaum.
Mount Arbel is another must-see spot, especially if you are passing it on your way to the Galilee Sea or Mt. Hermon. It is mentioned in the bible and was also known to be a spot at which Jesus taught his disciples as a Rabi.
Primarily it is a site marked by its breathtaking panoramic view of the Galilee Sea and the valley beneath with its various Arab and Jewish villages.
If you are lucky you may be able to see a local Rock Hyrax, a slightly plumper relative of the Prairie Dog. These critters are vegetarian, so you have nothing to fear. They feed on the little bits of greenery growing between the rocks in this semi-arid environment. Look for them sunbathing on rocks, or standing curiously on their hind legs and calling to their buddies.
If you take a short hike down the mountainside you will see the caves on the steep rocky face of the mountain, where Hasmoneians evaded King Herod and Romans. It is hard to fathom how they were able to reach those caves, which naturally also presented a huge challenge for the forces that tried to combat these rebels.
Mount Arbel is a 55 min drive from the apartment you are staying in, and a visit to it could be combined with a visit to the Galilee sea.
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Mount Arbel
Mount Arbel is another must-see spot, especially if you are passing it on your way to the Galilee Sea or Mt. Hermon. It is mentioned in the bible and was also known to be a spot at which Jesus taught his disciples as a Rabi.
Primarily it is a site marked by its breathtaking panoramic view of the Galilee Sea and the valley beneath with its various Arab and Jewish villages.
If you are lucky you may be able to see a local Rock Hyrax, a slightly plumper relative of the Prairie Dog. These critters are vegetarian, so you have nothing to fear. They feed on the little bits of greenery growing between the rocks in this semi-arid environment. Look for them sunbathing on rocks, or standing curiously on their hind legs and calling to their buddies.
If you take a short hike down the mountainside you will see the caves on the steep rocky face of the mountain, where Hasmoneians evaded King Herod and Romans. It is hard to fathom how they were able to reach those caves, which naturally also presented a huge challenge for the forces that tried to combat these rebels.
Mount Arbel is a 55 min drive from the apartment you are staying in, and a visit to it could be combined with a visit to the Galilee sea.
If art is your thing you may enjoy an art colony near Haifa. This colony was pioneered by one of the most influential artists of the Dada movement, Marcel Janco, in 1953. It has remained an artist colony in spite of a major fire that decimated the village dwelling. It is a cool place to visit.
In the village center, you will find a community gallery where local residence showcase their work and a Marcel Janco Museum.
In addition, the Gertrud Kraus House sponsors a bi-weekly chamber music concert, as well as lectures. In the summer months, there are more outdoor performances well as Jazz sessions on Saturdays. It is worth inquiring about the program in non Pandemic times.
The village center is a 20 min drive from the apartment you are staying at.
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Ein Hod
If art is your thing you may enjoy an art colony near Haifa. This colony was pioneered by one of the most influential artists of the Dada movement, Marcel Janco, in 1953. It has remained an artist colony in spite of a major fire that decimated the village dwelling. It is a cool place to visit.
In the village center, you will find a community gallery where local residence showcase their work and a Marcel Janco Museum.
In addition, the Gertrud Kraus House sponsors a bi-weekly chamber music concert, as well as lectures. In the summer months, there are more outdoor performances well as Jazz sessions on Saturdays. It is worth inquiring about the program in non Pandemic times.
The village center is a 20 min drive from the apartment you are staying at.
Off the beaten tourist path is Maagan Michael, which is a large fish farm where waterfowl congregate. If you are a bird watcher or a natural person, you may want to visit this spot to watch large flocks of migratory birds passing over Israel on their way north and south at the appropriate migration seasons. Among the birds you may see are African Storks, Kormorans, Pelicans,
Ma'agan Michael
Off the beaten tourist path is Maagan Michael, which is a large fish farm where waterfowl congregate. If you are a bird watcher or a natural person, you may want to visit this spot to watch large flocks of migratory birds passing over Israel on their way north and south at the appropriate migration seasons. Among the birds you may see are African Storks, Kormorans, Pelicans,
Another hidden gem is this beautiful little nature reserve on the coast. The paths take you through cool structures on the water edge as well as a cave called the blue cave.
You can combine the visit with bathing at the adjacent beach favored by many as one of the best beaches in Israel.
This reserve is 40 min. drive from the apartment you are staying in.
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Φυσικό Απόθεμα Παραλίας Χαμπόνιμ
Another hidden gem is this beautiful little nature reserve on the coast. The paths take you through cool structures on the water edge as well as a cave called the blue cave.
You can combine the visit with bathing at the adjacent beach favored by many as one of the best beaches in Israel.
This reserve is 40 min. drive from the apartment you are staying in.
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Wildlife in Haifa
Due to the recent comeback of the local population of wild animals in and around Haifa, packs of boars are regularly seen in plain sight. The boars have become very accustomed to human presence, and the local population, by and large, has gotten accustomed to the boars' presence as well, albeit seen as more of a nuisance due to the damages they generate. Boars damage water pipes to get to the water, ransack garbage bags and strew them around, and decimate local gardens while foraging for food. All in all, in spite of their intimidating size, the boars are very seldom aggressive towards humans