Page 21 - Discover Israel Magazine - UK edition 2020

Israel's Four Seas

A bounty of adventures by the sea in one unforgettable trip
The Sea of Galilee by Tiberas. Photo: Itamar Grinberg
Leoni Jesner
or those who thought it impossible of Mount Carmel and surrounded by a curve hypersaline lake at over 430m below sea
to visit four seas in the one country, of almost 64km of coastline along the Bay level, is easily reachable. Year round, visitors
in one trip, think again. Israel, a of Haifa. The city has beaches to enjoy and flock to the region to soak up its purifying,
Fcompact, diversely populated a renowned port, where a wide selection oxygen rich air and mineral water, nourishing
and uniquely positioned country, is in fact of restaurants are for the choosing amid a mud – a nurturing treatment for the skin, and
bordered by four seas – the Mediterranean backdrop of sea vessels coming and going sweeping views of the mountainous terrain
Sea, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, throughout the day. beyond. Its salty waters allows swimmers
the Red Sea meaning it is more than possible to float on the surface for a deeply relaxing
to experience holy encounters, partake in The remainder of Israel’s coastline includes and unique moment of enjoyment under the
adventurous sports at sea, float on water, and the seaside towns of Netanya, Herzilya, Bat gentle rays of desert sun.
enjoy endless fun in the sun across four seas. Yam, Ashdod and of course, the city of Tel
Aviv, where fun in the sun is to be had all day
Whether it’s a few days or an extended trip in long. And for a contrast in backdrop, Jaffa, Many popular beaches surround the Dead
Israel, visitors can travel between seas with an ancient port city, inhabited by a diversity of Sea, including Ein Gedi’s turquoise water
ease and in next to no time. religious communities, is a must-visit, not least beach at the southern end, where thick
for its choice of seafront restaurants where the mud, straight from the sea floor, is ready for
The Mediterranean Sea catch of the day is always on the menu. lathering on the skin. Ein Bokek Beach by the
Israel’s coastline, spanning from the north hotel strip has a south and central beach, as
at Rosh Hanikra to the southern city of Sea of Galilee well as a renowned skin care centre which
Ashkelon, is home to a large percentage of the The Sea of Galilee is technically a freshwater treats people from all around the world.
population. A fascinating discovery of diverse lake better known as Lake Tiberias or the
coastal plain, Israel’s coastal expanse has it Kinneret. With an area size of 166km², it is
all, from packed beaches and remote sandy said to be the very site where Jesus walked Red Sea
hideaways, to seafront cultural landmarks on water. A beautiful geographical wonder, Eilat, the sunny, tax free shopping resort in the
and urban landscapes. the Sea of Galilee dates back to one of the desert, and Israel’s southernmost city is the
earliest settlements in Israel. perfect getaway at any time of year. Resting
In the north of Israel is the city of Nahariya, a on the shores of the Red Sea as an inlet of the
seaside town resting on the Mediterranean Encircling the lake at the north-western Arabian Ocean, Eilat is reachable in two hours
shore, which claims to have striking similarities shore are the biblical towns of Capernaum, by hours by car from the Dead Sea or in four
to Miami Beach. With palm tree lined streets, where Jesus performed many of his miracles; to six hours by car or bus from Tel Aviv. There
shops, restaurants and bars, coupled with Tabgha, the speculated fourth resurrection is also the option to catch a quick 50 minute
a year-round sunny climate, fishing pier and place of Jesus; and Ginosar, a Kibbutz with flight from Ben Gurion Airport, landing directly
popular beaches, Nahariya is a draw for a population of 600 people, where the Jesus into Eilat’s new Ramon International Airport.
tourists from all around the world. boat, a vessel discovered in 1986 made from
10 different types of wood is exhibited today. Beach promenades lead to the gleaming
A short journey 11km south is the picturesque waterfront where a sandy paradise stretches
town of Old Akko, a port city with a rich With much to do and see in the area, visitors can as far as the eye can see and where an
past, where Muslims, Christians and Jewish rent a bike to cycle around the lake, hike various underwater world is dominated by tropical fish
residents live in coexistence. Recognised as trails in the region and explore the southern and colourful coral. Experience the beauty of
a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remains point by canoe. It also worthwhile stopping by the reef up close in the 12 metre deep Coral
of the Crusader town resting on street level Kibbutz Degania, Israel’s first Kibbutz known World Underwater Observatory Marine Park,
and underground, Akko’s port is one of the as ‘The Mother of Kibbutzim.’ The site was a submarine offering crystal clear views of fish
oldest in the world where visitors can explore founded by a handful of idealistic visionary in their natural habitat and vibrant masses of
the sea by boat or enjoy Middle Eastern Zionist immigrants in 1909 who purchased land coral.
delights whilst watching the fishermen at from the Arab village of Umm Juni.
work. Four seas in one trip? It’s more than achievable
Dead Sea in Israel, a country of diverse landscapes
Further south yet is Haifa, Israel’s third most Located about a two hour drive from Tel where each stop en route is merely a short
populated city, a seaport built on the slopes Aviv, the Dead Sea, the world’s deepest drive away.

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