Haifa is the third largest city in Israel, which is also an industrial center. From the upper tier offers a magnificent view of the sea. Haifa is the world famous tourist center of Israel. There you can enjoy the beautiful nature, beaches, as well as cultural attractions.
Location
Where is he located, the city of Haifa? Located in the northern part of Israel at the foot of Mount Carmel and the southern part of the Zvulun Valley. From the southern and eastern sides, the city goes around the mountains and descends to the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in a wide cape and bay.
Haifa has a good location, thanks to which it has become a large port city, in which ships from different countries sail, maintaining trade relations between other countries. Tel Aviv, which is the economic center of Israel, is not so far located.
Haifa can be divided into three tiers - lower, middle and high. Nizhny is located on the coast and there are industrial enterprises, the Government quarter and beaches. The middle tier is very busy, because there are a large number of shops, markets, places for cultural entertainment and attractions. On the upper tier are the sleeping areas with comfortable hotels, holiday homes and villas.
Haifa was built from the bottom up, which is why old buildings are located at the very bottom. The uniqueness of this city is that there is the only metro in the country, that is, it connects the Lower Tier with the Upper.
How to get there
There are several ways you can get to this beautiful city. The most popular is airplane, although there is no airport in Haifa. All flights are made to Tel Aviv, from which you can reach the city in just an hour. The cost of a taxi ride from the international airport to Haifa is approximately $ 140.
You can get there by sea. But this opportunity, of course, is not for everyone, but only for those who have access to the sea by the city. Haifa can also be reached by car, but this is a more expensive way, because you need to cross Italy or Turkey, and then use the ferry. Therefore, the most convenient and economical way is a plane.
Climatic features
The weather in Haifa is warm all year round due to the peculiarities of the Mediterranean subtropical climate. But in winter, the temperature can drop to +13 ... 18 ° C. Since the end of February, the weather has been warm, and in spring and summer the air warms up to +25 ... 32 ° C.
If you want to come to sunbathe and swim, then you should come from mid-spring until the end of autumn, because during this period the weather in Haifa is hot. And if you do not like stuffiness, then you should relax in the spring and winter months. But keep in mind that from the end of autumn to the middle of winter there can be a rainy season, and sometimes a little snow can fall. Given all these climatic features, you can choose the most suitable time for the trip.
List of the best beaches
Haifa is not only the industrial center of Israel, but also the opportunity to relax on beautiful beaches.
- Bat Galim is the oldest beach in the city, relaxing on which you can enjoy surfing and diving. In addition to outdoor activities, on the beach there are a large number of cafes, restaurants and places for children's games. There is a funicular that takes travelers to the Upper Town. Entrance to Bat Galim is free, only you need to pay for the rental of the necessary equipment. And for the convenience of older vacationers, the descent into the sea is equipped with a railing.
- Dado Beach is considered the cleanest in Israel, its length is 3 km. There, not only clean, but all the conditions for a comfortable stay are created. On this beach there is a dance floor, an amphitheater, festivals are often held. The sea is equipped with a special place for children. So that vacationers do not burn themselves on the sand, a wooden flooring is made. There is a barbecue area. Attracting a large number of tourists, the Dado feature is Google’s office across the street from the beach.
- Kiryat Haim is located in the western part of Kiryat Haim. Its feature is a flat coastal strip with a length of 2.5 km. The northern part of the beach is fenced off for especially religious Israelis who bathe separately from other people. On Kiryat Haim there are "male" and "female" bathing days that you need to consider when visiting. There is free parking, a venue for concerts, a large number of pubs, cafes. Therefore, this beach is one of the most visited in Haifa.
- Neve Yam is located in the southwestern part of the settlement of Atlit. It is located in a quiet secluded bay, in September you can see the lilies blooming, and palm trees and rocks complement the beautiful landscape.
In total, there are more than 10 beaches in Haifa, and each vacationer will be able to find a place in accordance with their preferences. But all of them have clean sand, which makes the rest as comfortable as possible.
sights
In the city you can not only relax on the beach, but also get acquainted with the cultural life of Israel. What to see in Haifa?
- The cave of Elijah the prophet is the most revered shrine among the Israelites. The cave is surrounded by the Carmelite Monastery of the Order of the Crusaders.
- Bahai Temple - it was in this city that a new religious movement appeared about the unity of all religions. This temple is located on a mountain range, so it can be seen from all over the city. And its special architecture delights tourists.
- Seaport and maritime museum - since the city is built on the sea, it is not surprising that its entire history is connected with the water element. At the National Maritime Museum, his exhibit has antiques and unique items. This museum can be visited not only on weekdays, but also on weekends - it is also open on Shabbat.
- Bahai Gardens is a unique monument of garden architecture. They are located on Mount Carmel and descend several kilometers to the sea. There are not only exotic species of plants and trees, but also a large number of fountains, sculptures and arbors. To visit them, you must follow certain rules: turn off the phones, move only from top to bottom and follow the dress code (closed legs and long sleeves).
- The Stella Maris Monastery is one of the oldest structures located near the Bahai Terraces. It was founded in the 12th century, and its walls are decorated with paintings dedicated to the Order of the Carmelites. Also inside the monastery there are frescoes on religious subjects, and at the entrance there is one of the most ancient statues of the Virgin Mary in the country.
- Carmel National Park and Reserve. Tourists can enjoy amazingly beautiful flowers, steppe animals and a unique collection of water lilies, which is why biologists from all over the world come here. For a comfortable stay there are campsites and tent camps.
- Funicular Carmelit is the most visited place in the city. Despite the fact that there are only 6 stations, and the length is 2 km, it is decorated with special Arabic tiles and has a modern design. This metro connects all the main cultural attractions and the Lower City with the Upper.
There are more than 10 museums in Haifa, and more than 30 museums, a large number of temples. A large number of believers from all over the world come there every year.
Leisure
But not only lovers of cultural attractions will be able to find entertainment, but also those who like outdoor activities. In the center of Haifa is Hecht Park: there you can not only admire the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, but also ride along the bike paths.
Also in the park you can rent rollers, scooters and other means of transportation. There are also a large number of attractions: horseback riding, karting and others.
Fans of extreme entertainment need to go to the Ktktim shopping center and go climbing. There is also the opportunity to dive on the beach of Bat Galim or to conquer the slopes of Mount Carmel. The city has a large number of rope parks, pools and other entertainment.
Transport
Almost along the entire coast there is a railway, and trains always run on schedule. Metronites ply the city - these are twin buses that travel in a specially designated lane (even on Shabbat). The metro finishes work on Friday after 15:00 and resumes after sunset - on Shabbat it does not work.
It’s not worth renting a car in the city: there are practically no free parking lots. And after lunch, big traffic jams begin.
Night clubs
In Haifa, clubs and discos are open around the clock. The most famous are on the coast. In the city there are places where the "golden youth" is going. For example, Haifa Pub Crawl, which is considered the best in the city. There are elite drinks, cool DJs, but the entry cost is corresponding.
There are also clubs in Haifa, which are mainly attended by Russian-speaking youth. You can choose an institution with live music, delicious drinks. In Haifa, you can relax, because they are considered the safest. But almost all nightly entertainment venues are allowed only from 19 years old, and some even after 21. Therefore, you must have with you a document confirming age.
Hotels
On the territory of the city there are a large number of hotels, hotels, hostels for people with various financial capabilities and preferences. If you value comfort and homeliness most of all, it is worth renting apartments or apartments. The daily cost of an apartment in the coastal region is $ 25, and in the Upper Town - $ 12. Renting an apartment or apartment will be much cheaper than staying at a hotel.
When choosing a hotel, you need to consider that the most expensive ones are on the top of Mount Carmel, largely due to the amazing view. Hostels are the cheapest option, perfect for experienced travelers, youth. Tourists can easily choose the right hotel, taking into account their tastes and financial capabilities.
Cafes and restaurants
On the streets of Haifa there are a large number of shops. Especially there are many of them in the Lower City. Be sure to try corn sticks with the addition of peanut butter, which is called "bambo"; salty bisli snacks and crembo sweet cakes.
The hallmark of the city is halva of local production of more than 10 varieties. But Haifa is also a Mediterranean resort, so you should definitely go to restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to restaurants, there are cozy bars where you can try both classic cocktails and signature cocktails. Of course, you must definitely taste the local fast food.
Healthcare
Israeli medicine is considered one of the best in the world. Clinics in Haifa occupy a leading position among other medical institutions in the country. The hospitals have the most modern equipment, use advanced technology. One of the most famous clinics is Rambam, founded in 1938. She is known for advances in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
The Elisha Private Clinic is also popular. They offer a wide range of services and a high level of service. But not only in Haifa, but throughout the country, one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world has been developed.
What to buy
What is worth buying in Haifa stores as a gift to relatives and friends?
- Local wines made from grapes, pomegranates and currants.
- Date Paste.
- Coffee of different varieties, especially interesting - with cardamom.
- Chocolate Elite.
- Beautiful ladies will love the Dead Sea cosmetics.
- In search of souvenirs on the Arab theme Wadi Nisnas market.
- Gifts with the image of the city are better to buy in coastal shops.
Haifa stores also organize sales seasons: in spring and autumn, before the Passover and Sukkot holidays - they offer a good discount on many expensive goods.
Reviews
Tourists are delighted with a trip to the northern capital of Israel. There you can not only see cultural attractions, but also admire the beautiful nature. Vacationers say that in Haifa, despite the liveliness, it is safe. This city also attracts tourists due to the fact that on Shabbat there are a large number of shops, restaurants, beaches. The northern capital of Israel has a well-developed tourism infrastructure.
Haifa is one of the most famous cities in the country. There you can get acquainted with the history and culture of the state, there is so cozy and warm atmosphere that both tourists and locals like.