Want to choose something in between the pathos of bustling Tel Aviv and quiet coastal villages? Go to Nahariya. This is a wonderful Israeli town right on the azure coast of the Mediterranean with clean green streets and picturesque parks. Here, everyone will find the rest to their liking. Someone will be attracted by elite hotels on the first line to the sea, and someone will enjoy the fresh air and charming views from the windows in cozy guest houses on the outskirts of the city.
Few facts about the city
- year of foundation - 1935;
- the first inhabitants - two families of German refugees fleeing the oppression of Nazi Germany;
- the growth and development of the city were accompanied by various difficulties - it was very difficult to cultivate the land in this region, it was difficult to achieve a good harvest due to specific climatic conditions; in 1948, Nahariya experienced a prolonged blockade, and also a period of tense relations with nearby Arab settlements;
- the population is about 55,000 people (90% are Jews);
- the main denomination is Judaism;
- Nahariya has a high level of socio-economic development, education and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country;
- the name of the city comes from the word "Naariya", which means "river";
- industrial zone is mostly represented by light and food industry enterprises (cheeses and dairy products of the local plant "Strauss", as well as meat products of the factory "Zoglovek" are known throughout Israel);
- The status of the city of Nahariya was received in 1961;
- the beach on the beach is a fine fine sand.
sights
In itself, the city of Nahariya is a landmark of Israel . It is difficult to be confused with other settlements. Here you will hardly find a fence, a bench or curbs, painted in some other color, except white. The absolute majority of the buildings also have exceptionally white facades. The matter is in the special resolution of the head of the municipality of Jacqui Sabag, which he published almost 20 years ago. Thanks to his love for cleanliness and order, the city looks very fresh and tidy. Snow-white architectural objects are ideally complemented by compositions from green spaces and curly flower beds, which are also abundant here.
Nahariya is a city of young, ancient historical monuments here. But, nevertheless, it has its interesting history, which you can get acquainted with by visiting the municipal city museum located along Ha-Gdud street 21. It works only 4 times a week. On Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00, on Sundays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00.
Near the museum is the famous house of Lieberman . In addition to exhibition halls, tourists are offered an exciting multimedia program with interactive elements. From Sunday to Thursday, Lieberman's house is open to visitors from 09:00 to 13:00. On Mondays and Wednesdays, you can also get here in the evening (from 16:00 to 19:00). Saturday is a day off. On Friday, the entrance is open from 10:00 to 14:00.
Near Nahariya there are many interesting sights, which can be easily reached by public transport or car. It:
- grottos of Rosh-ha-Nikra ;
- the ruins of the castles of the crusaders of the Teutonic Order: Yehiam and Montfort ;
- the Achziv National Park ;
- the old town of Acre ;
- ruins of the Canaan Fortress .
You can also poison yourself on a one-day excursion to Safed , Haifa or Nazareth . All of them are within a radius of 60 km from Nahariya.
Things to do?
The main type of recreation in Israel and directly in Nahariya is, of course, the sea. Most of the tourists come here to enjoy a dip in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and sunbathing on sunny beaches.
The whole coastal zone of the city is equipped for comfortable rest. Municipal beaches are well-kept and clean, there is all the necessary infrastructure. Even better conditions on toll closed beaches. Everyone can choose a place to taste: with sun loungers, umbrellas, playgrounds, rental outlets for water sports, etc. As in any resort, you will be offered the whole range of water activities, from quiet sea walks to extreme flights over the sea by parachute.
But rest in Nahariya is not limited to beach leisure. In the city there are many more places that will be interesting to visit. Among them:
- children's entertainment center in the open air Park Promenade challenges ;
- Globus Max movie theater ;
- botanical garden Botanical and Zoological Garden ;
- sports park Gil Lechol Gil Park ;
- winery Achziv winery ;
- basketball court on Iris St 44 .
Shopping lovers will appreciate the large selection of shopping centers and local markets . The prices in shops are much lower than in Tel-Aviv Shopping Center, and the quality of goods is not inferior. Tourists often buy in Nahariya leather goods (shoes, bags), cosmetics of the Dead Sea and various souvenirs. The markets at any time of the year are full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Where to stay?
Nahariya is a resort town, so there are many places for tourists. You can rent a cheap house. These are modest apartments, small hotels and holiday houses with an average level of comfort, mainly in the eastern part of the city:
- Apartment A Cozy-Relaxing Home ;
- mini-hotel Amigo ;
- Hotel Sea ;
- Apartment Spacious Penthouse .
In the center of Nahariya are Israel hotels and apartments of a higher class:
- boutique-hotel Olive Nahariya ;
- Apartment Palm on the Beach ;
- hotel Carlton ;
- Apartment Mermaid Suite .
On the coast are mainly luxury hotels and premium class apartments:
- boutique hotel Shtarkman Erna ;
- villas on the beach Nahariya ;
- boutique-apartments Sokolov 35 ;
- hotel Madison Nahariya .
In the surrounding area of Nahariya there are also several accommodation options. Housing here is cheaper than in the city, and in terms of comfort is not inferior to good hotels.
Where to eat?
There are a lot of cafes and restaurants in Nahariya. In the center are more representative institutions, where usually residents and tourists gather in the evenings. On the beaches and on the outskirts there are more bistros, pizzerias and cafeterias for a light snack.
Popular cafes and restaurants of Nahariya:
- Cafe Penguin (Israeli and European cuisine);
- confectionery Blueberry ;
- ATZA Sushi Bar (Asian cuisine);
- steakhouse Morgenfeld ;
- Abou Rami (Arabic cuisine);
- pizzeria Donatella ;
- Chinese restaurant Pacific ;
- restaurant Alexander Local Diner (international cuisine).
Also, the city has many coffee shops , fast food cafes and trays with street food .
Weather in Nahariya
Tourists like Nahariya for a good, comfortable for a relaxing climate. It can not be too cold, windy or hot. The average summer temperature is + 26 ° C, winter + 14 ° C.
The weather in Nahariya, like throughout Mediterranean Israel , rarely presents surprises. In summer there is usually no rain, most of all it will rain in January.
How to get there?
Nahariya is located at the intersection of several transport nodes. Here you can easily get from major Israeli cities by bus:
- from Tel-Aviv № 271;
- from Jerusalem No. 480 or 960;
- from Nazareth No. 331, 332 or 371;
- from Afula No. 301 or 355.
Daily shuttle buses run from Nahariya to Akko and Haifa .
By highway number 4, which passes through the city, you will reach any coastal city or village (it stretches along the coast).
About 60 trains pass through the railway station in Nahariya every day. By train, you can get to / from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Beer Sheva , Ben Gurion Airport .