Western Galilee

The Western Galilee is the most northern coastal region of Israel.

Understand
The Western Galilee aka North Coast of Israel extends along the Mediterranean Sea shoreline for 40 km, from the Carmel Range to Rosh Haniqra on the Israeli border with Lebanon, and inland across the coastal plain for 5-10 km until it reaches the hills of the Upper Galilee and Lower Galilee. It is a relatively isolated and tranquil region of great natural beauty, great opportunities for outdoor fun and full of historical and cultural interest. The "Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee" in the region have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Most people speak Hebrew, but many residents also speak Arabic or English.

Get in
Train, bus, car or hitch-hiking into the Western Galilee are the options you have. See Akko on more specifics.

A train extension to get to and from Karmiel, in the central Galilee, is scheduled to open in 2017.

By bus
Regular bus services also run along the coast until Rosh Haniqra.

By car
You should take highways 2 (south of Haifa) or 22 (north of Haifa) which are motorways, or highway 4 which is a more local road.

By thumb
Hitch-hiking is also possible and relatively easy north of Akko.

See
Apart from the sights within Akko and Nahariyya and the dazzling Rosh Haniqra, the following are of interest.



Do

 * Sea to Sea hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee. A 3-4 day hike, and a pleasant way to experience the Upper Galilee.
 * Akhziv Field School runs a tour of the Akhziv lagoon, where you can find sea creatures (like crabs and starfish) and the guide explains the ecosystem. Goggles recommended. (See below for location.)

Sleep
Not many remote accommodation options. Have a look at the main cities to find a place to stay.



Go next

 * Carmel Range – a small yet diverse region of hills just south-east of and including Haifa.
 * Upper Galilee and Lower Galilee – just east, including the famous Nazareth – the largest Arab city in Israel and best known as the home of Joseph and Mary – and the religiously interesting Safed.
 * Tiberias – A large Israeli town in the east and great starting point for the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.