In the north of Israel, where it touches the Mediterranean sea, there is an amazing amount of history and nature to see. After exploring Galilee and its many religious sites along the Jesus Trail in Northern Israel I continued on to check out some historic and natural places to see in Northern Israel.
Three Faiths Lookout at Mount Precipice – Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel
Just 10 minutes out of Nazareth you will find yourself at the Three Faiths Lookout on the peak of Mount Precipice.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s the hill where an angry mob tried to throw Jesus off. Legend has it that he then leaped 9 kilometres over to Mount Tabor, which gave rise to its Arabic name Jebel al-Qafzeh (Mount of the leap).
The peak offers awesome panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley below. It would probably be quite amazing at sunrise and sunset.
Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel – Haifa
Haifa in Northern Israel is a beautiful port town looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the main attractions in the town, besides the sea, is the Baha’i Gardens.
These gardens are set on several levels, with many places for quiet contemplation.
They even have a place for worship.
You could easily spend an hour wandering around the gardens.
The best part is that despite their obvious beauty, the gardens were quite void of people. Which was lovely!
Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel – Stella Maris
Another attraction is the Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) Monastery on Mount Carmel. Just down the road from the gardens.
Its current incarnation was opened in 1836 by the ‘Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel’, commonly known as the Carmelites.
The history of the place is both sad and amazing. I’m not going to give too much away, but you can see some of it for yourself when inside.
And even outside you can find a memorial to those who helped defend the Carmelites.
Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel – Old Akko
Just 20 minutes north of Haifa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth. It has been known by many names throughout its history but is currently known as Acre. When it was founded in the Bronze Age, it was known as Akko. It is one of the Best historic and natural places to see in Northern Israel.
It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are many ruins to be found around town.
There’s even an old partially intact battlement with canons overlooking the sea.
Most people head to the Old Akko Market to get a little taste of yesteryear. The narrow, twisting and turning paths of the Market could easily lead you astray if you let them. Or you could just end up finding some really delicious food.
If you manage to find your way through the market, you might end up at the waterfront.
There are a few overpriced restaurants near the waterfront, but if you keep walking past them, you can enjoy a view of Haifa Bay.
Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel – Rosh Hanikra
Less than half an hour north of Akko is the beautiful coastal town of Rosh Hanikra. It’s set on cliffs high above the Mediterranean Sea. It is also on the Israeli border with Lebanon. But don’t think that means you can get a glimpse of Lebanon while you’re there. Given the animosity between Israel and Lebanon, the border is a no-go zone patrolled by UN peacekeepers.
That means the big white fence marks the start of the buffer zone between the two countries instead of the actual border. Not far from there, you can find a steep cable car that descends to the Rosh Hanikra Grottoes.
The area is known for its striking white cliffs and rock faces that are regularly kissed by the Mediterranean Sea. Over time, the power of the water caused caves to develop at the base of the cliffs.
You can walk around inside the caves and have a look around. There are several different caves, but the water is always amazingly blue.
Even as the caves get darker, you can still marvel at the blue waters.
Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel – The Golan Heights
The area spanning 1800 square kilometres east of the Sea of Galilee is known as the Golan Heights. Due to the fact that the area has been internationally recognised as Israeli occupied Syrian land since 1967, you could say you’ve been to Syria if you visit. Of course, that’s not the main reason to visit. The place is scenically amazing.
Firstly, there are the Banias Waterfalls in the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve. They are the biggest falls in Israel. The stream that creates the waterfalls is fed by glacial water from Mount Hermon, on the border of Lebanon and (occupied) Syria. Yes, glacial water! Isn’t it beautiful?
There are four trails in the Reserve that contain natural and historical wonders. If you just want to see the falls, you can access them from the trail that starts at the Waterfalls Car Park.
If you like hiking downhill, then you’ll love going to the falls. Just remember that you’ll need to walk back up that hill to get back to the car park. The sight of the falls makes it all worth it though.
Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel – Mount Bentai
A short distance from the Hermon Stream Reserve is a dormant volcano called Mt Bentai.
You might be thinking this is just another hill, but it’s definitely a bit different! Firstly, there’s no climbing required. You can drive almost all the way to the top. Secondly, they have pizza.
Of course, the view over into Syria is pretty amazing too.
They even have some art made out of recycled materials.
But things start getting a bit weird when you realise that there are barbed-wire fences with warning signs everywhere.
Then there’s this. Have you ever been on a hill that has a UN bunker on it? If that’s on your bucket list, then Mount Bentai is the place for you!
Just in case all the shenanigans on Mount Bentai confuse you, there are some signs to tell you where things are.
For more information about historic and natural places to see in Northern Israel, have look at the Israel Travel website
All articles in this series:
Interesting Sites in Southern Israel
Religious Sites and Nature of Northern Israel
Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel
What It Is Really Like In Palestine
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41 Replies to “Historic and Natural Places to See in Northern Israel”
What a great post! I love visiting Israel, but I’ve never been to any of these places. I’ve added many to my list. Rosh Hanikra sounds especially cool, those water caves looks incredible!
Israel is such a beautiful place. I loved those caves too!
Visiting historical sites is my favourite thing to do while travelling. I haven’t been to Israel yet so I’ll save this post for later reference!
There are so many historical sites in Israel! You’d need months to see them all!
I haven’t been to Israel, but it’s on my list. Your photos are beautiful! The view over into Syria is intriguing and very pretty!
I liked the view too. I remember thinking at the time, that when I finally make it to Syria, I can say that I sneaked a peak at it from Israel first.
I know very little about this area of the world, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it and seeing your pictures! Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you liked it! It’s an awesome region of the world!
I’d never really considered Northern Israel as a must-see destination but it looks absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing – the Banias Waterfalls are definitely on my list!
It’s pretty amazing! Waterfalls are awesome, right?
Beautiful virtual tour in Israel! I’d love to add this to the UNESCO sites I have been to in the future!
It’s a really lovely place to visit.
I have always wanted to visit Israel – it truly looks like a beautiful place. I will absolutely be referring back to this when I eventually visit the country!
It is such a beautiful place with so much nature and history packed into such a small area.
Gorgeous post! It’s my dream to come to Israel. My parents went a few years ago but sadly I couldn’t go at the time – it made me so envious. What a beautiful country. I’d love to explore all of the markets!
It’s a great place to visit and so easy to get around!
Beautiful post and a stunning place to visit! Thank you for the introduction, makes me want to travel again.
It is such a beautiful place. I can’t wait to travel again!
Amazing! Bookmarked for future trips!
It all looks beautiful. I want to go to the caves and the glacial pool. Pizza in a volcano sounds good too!😀
Pizza sounds good anywhere! Hehe.
What an interesting mix!
I love the gardens, those gorgeous caves and all the spectacular views from up high. It is just so sobering that nearby there is such a volatile boarder, all the barber wire and a UN bunker there too! I wish there was a way to wave a magic wand and start to heal the hurt of both sides and start to make peace.
Not just one volatile border, but two; Lebanon and Syria. Although the Syrian one is a little more subdued because of the DMZ near the Golan Heights. It was nice to look over Syria as it’s a place I want to visit in the future.
Wow – the view from Mount Bentai is beautiful! I’d love to visit Israel and explore all of these places. I fell in love with the area while in the Middle East last year. Thanks for sharing!
I love sweeping views like that! It is such a beautiful area and I definitely have plans to visit nearby countries soon.
Me and my family are thinking about moving to Northern Israel. I really enjoyed reading this post! Thanks Kez :)
Wow! I think it would be an awesome place to live! But I hope you like very hot summers. :o)
Looks like a great destination to visit !
It certainly is!
My sister and her family traveled to Israel a few years ago with their church, and I’m always interested in more photos of the place they enjoyed so much. Thanks.
It’s a beautiful place.
Such beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing about Northern Israel.
It really is a beautiful place. Thanks for your comment :o)
I’ve been to Egypt and Iraq but not Israel. I really need to check this out. Thanks.
I haven’t made it to Iraq yet. I had originally planned to go next year but looks like that will be postponed to the year after.
Outstanding photography, I would love to visit this place someday. Your blog is excellent for travel bloggers.
Thank you for your kind comment :o)
You always have such gorgeous photos. Forgive me if you mentioned this before but what camera do you use? Or is it just your mobile? Either way – stunning.
I just use my mobile. I was blessed with bright clear conditions for my whole trip through Israel, so that probably helped a bit!
The Baha’i Gardens look amazing!
I know! They are obviously lovingly tended to!