Israel Explorers
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Haifa – A Destination for All Seasons
Haifa – The City That Connects Nature, Culture, and Breathtaking Scenery
Haifa, the third-largest city in Israel, is a unique tourist gem that combines golden beaches, a green mountain, rich culture, and peaceful coexistence between different communities. Visitors to the city discover a fascinating blend of old and new, of holiness and modern everyday life, all infused with the scent of sea and mountains. If you’re looking for a travel destination that offers stunning views, historical sites, excellent cuisine, and unforgettable experiences – Haifa is the place for you.
The founding date of Haifa is unclear, and it is not mentioned in the Bible or in the Mishnah (the oral Torah from the 2nd century CE). However, the city is referenced in texts from the 1st century CE. For most of its history, Haifa was a small fishing village, while Acre (Akko) was the larger and more prosperous city. Acre is located at the opposite end of Haifa Bay, and both cities have historically competed for the same economic foundation: a seaport. This rivalry was settled by the British (who ruled the Land of Israel from 1917 to 1948), who chose to build the main modern port in Haifa, making it their central export hub from the Middle East to Britain. To this day, Haifa remains a transportation and maritime center, with one of Israel’s two main ports.
The origin of the name "Haifa" is not entirely clear and may be interpreted in two ways: “Beautiful Coast” or from the root כ.ס.ה = ח.פ.ה meaning "to cover," referring to the sand that covers the beach. Haifa is still known for its beautiful beaches and is the only place in Israel where the mountain meets the sea.
Haifa is the third-largest metropolitan area after Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with a population of about 300,000. The city is an example of good and peaceful coexistence between Jews and Arabs. During the War of Independence, the Jews of Haifa tried to convince the Arab residents not to leave the city, but were unsuccessful.
In the Zionist narrative, Haifa holds great importance as it represents the utopian model envisioned by Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement. Everything Herzl dreamed of for the Zionist movement was realized in Haifa. His vision is presented in his book Altneuland ("Old-New Land"), where Jews succeed in building a planned, clean city based on modern values, with cooperation and harmonious relations between Jews and Arabs. The city is also known as "Red Haifa" due to the significant power of labor unions (especially around the port). Additionally, the first modern university in Israel, the Technion, was established in Haifa in 1925.
First-time visitors to Israel often skip Haifa or only stop for a quick view of the Bahá'í Gardens. But for those who have the time, it's worth dedicating a day or two to explore the city at a moderate pace. Getting to Haifa from Tel Aviv is very easy via Israel Railways, with the main stop at "Haifa Merkaz HaShmona" station. It’s entirely possible to do a round-trip day tour from Tel Aviv. Haifa is a lesser-known tourism gem. So let’s begin.
The Port and the Downtown – Haifa’s Urban Renewal
The lower part of Haifa has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past decade, becoming a vibrant entertainment hub. The old port has been harmoniously integrated into the revitalized city, with trendy pubs, restaurants, art galleries, and colorful markets. The port promenade is the perfect place for a romantic evening walk along the waves, with a pleasant breeze and magical atmosphere. The vibe is youthful, relaxed, and intimate.
More info: Haifa Galleries and Art
Cable Car Ride Above Haifa's Metropolis
Haifa offers two cable car lines worth experiencing: one from Stella Maris to the beach (purely for tourism) and another from Haifa’s center to nearby metropolitan towns. These aim to ease the congestion entering and exiting the city during rush hours. Riding the cable car offers a unique and beautiful perspective of the city and its surroundings.
Tickets and more information (Hebrew only):
https://cableexpress.co/
https://cablecar-haifa.co.il/
Ahmadiyya Mosque – A Tolerant and Open Islam
Haifa is a model of religious and cultural coexistence in Israel, with a blend of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. One of the most unique communities in the city (and in all of Israel) is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, located in the Kababir neighborhood. The Ahmadiyya movement is a sect within Islam that promotes peace, modernity, helping others, and enlightenment.
You can visit their mosque and learn more about this little-known group. It’s recommended to call ahead:
https://ahmadiyyatmosques.wordpress.com/2017/11/02/mahmood-mosque-kababir-israel/
Stella Maris: Stunning Viewpoint, Monastery, and a Unique Story
One of Haifa’s most breathtaking viewpoints overlooks the entire Haifa Bay. This is also the location of the Israeli and British naval headquarters.
Stella Maris (Latin for "Star of the Sea") is a Catholic Christian monastery for Discalced Carmelite monks, located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is the oldest building on the Carmel mountain.
More info: Stella Maris Trail
Haifa’s Beaches – Paradise for Sea Lovers
Haifa boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Israel, with clean, wide shores and a relaxed vibe. Dado Beach is among the most popular, featuring beachside restaurants, a beautiful promenade, and clear blue water. Bat Galim Beach is known for great surfing and is especially loved by water sports enthusiasts.
Beach info: Haifa Beaches
Culture and Art in Haifa
For culture lovers, Haifa has a thriving art scene. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Haifa International Film Festival and the Holiday of Holidays Festival. You can also visit fascinating museums like the Haifa Museum of Art, the Clandestine Immigration and Navy Museum, and the only Japanese museum in Israel – Tikotin Museum.
City culture and events: Haifa Municipality – Culture
Elijah’s Cave
According to tradition, this cave is where the Prophet Elijah hid from King Ahab of Israel after opposing his corrupt rule. The cave is sacred to Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze alike. Many people of all faiths come to the cave to pray for blessings such as livelihood, love, and health.
Haifa’s Markets
The diverse mix of religions, ethnicities, and nationalities creates a rich and vibrant culinary culture. Haifa is home to several markets and culinary/art areas bursting with colors and flavors.
Market info: Haifa Markets
The German Colony
The German Colony:
The German Colony, also known as the Templer Colony in Haifa, was the first colony built by Christians—Protestants from southern Germany—who arrived in the city in 1868. They came both to promote the return of Jesus the Messiah and to escape religious persecution. Upon arriving in the Land of Israel, they recognized Haifa’s small harbor and flat coastal area as a prime location to develop their colony and import raw materials from Europe. (Note: These Templers should not be confused with the medieval Knights Templar from the Crusader period in the 11th–13th centuries.)
In the first generation, the Templers were mainly farmers, but by the second generation, they had become skilled professionals, craftsmen, and business owners. The quality of their work and products became renowned—especially in light of the underdeveloped economy of the region at the time. The Templers contributed significantly to the advancement of agriculture and industry in the area. They taught both Jewish and Arab locals modern work techniques, introduced new machinery, and helped turn the land into a fertile and flourishing region.
The Templers established both urban and agricultural colonies throughout the country: in Jerusalem, Sarona (modern-day Tel Aviv), and Jaffa. Alongside their urban settlements, they also founded farming villages such as Wilhelma and Waldheim. The Templer chapter in the Land of Israel ended in 1942 when the British authorities expelled them during World War II, as they were considered nationals of an enemy state.
The Templers built their colonies following the model of a typical German village: a straight, wide main street with private homes on either side, each with red-tiled roofs, several residential floors, and a basement for agricultural processing and machine storage. Above the entrance of each house, you would typically find the year of construction and a verse from the Old Testament. The Templers were deeply religious people who lived according to both the Old and New Testaments in heart and daily life.
More on the history and architecture of Haifa’s German Colony:
👉 Levantine Heritage – German Colony, Haifa
The Bahá’í Gardens
Haifa’s Iconic Wonder
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is undoubtedly the Bahá’í Gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These meticulously maintained gardens cascade down the slopes of Mount Carmel in a breathtaking symmetrical design. No matter how many times you visit, the gardens' beauty, combined with the stunning view of Haifa Bay, will always leave you in awe.
The gardens are the world center of the Bahá’í Faith, a monotheistic religion founded in 19th-century Iran. While the gardens themselves are closed to the public, there are three accessible viewpoints or entrances:
Lower Entrance (Hagefen Street 61)
Middle Entrance (Shrine of the Báb - Zionut Avenue 80)
Upper Entrance (Yefe Nof Street 61)
For more information, visit: Bahá’í Gardens Official Website
If you’re interested in a guided tour by a volunteer Bahá’í guide, you can register here: Guided Tours
Tip: Modest attire is recommended to avoid any entry restrictions. Also, if you’re parking in a blue-and-white zone, don’t forget to pay for parking via an app.
Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel – Nature Within the City
Haifa is one of the few cities in Israel where you can find natural forest within the urban landscape.
Mount Carmel is a mountain that forms part of the central mountain range of Israel, a continuation of the Judean Mountains in the south and the Samarian Hills in the north. It’s the only place in Israel where the mountain meets the sea, creating a breathtaking confluence of landscapes. Mount Carmel is divided into three main areas by elevation: Amir Ridge, the Menashe Heights, and the Carmel Ridge, which reaches up to 546 meters above sea level.
The vegetation on the Carmel is typical Mediterranean flora and includes oaks, terebinths, and pines. Thanks to its diverse vegetation, the Carmel was once a natural habitat for many species of wildlife such as the Persian fallow deer, the Carmel deer, the Israeli gazelle, the porcupine, the European badger, and birds of prey like vultures and eagle owls. Most of the mountain is composed of sedimentary rock.
The name Carmel means “a lush vineyard.” Throughout history, the region has been used agriculturally for vineyards and orchards.
The mountain is mentioned several times in the Bible, especially in the story of the prophet Elijah’s battle with the prophets of Baal. Because of this story, the Carmelites (a Catholic religious order) established their global headquarters at the top of Mount Carmel, in the Stella Maris Monastery, which also offers a spectacular panoramic view.
The Carmel Ridge offers beautiful hiking trails through the Carmel Forest Nature Reserve, along with scenic lookouts like Stella Maris and the Cave of Elijah the Prophet. If you’re a nature lover, it’s highly recommended to bring a backpack and water, and go on a hike into stunning scenery and pastoral tranquility.
Thanks to its lush landscapes and a famous Israeli folk song by a local kibbutz member, the mountain has earned the nickname: "The Green Mountain All Year Round."
For details on various trails on Mount Carmel, visit:
👉 https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/mount-carmel-national-park-and-nature-reserve/
We recommend a short and easy 3 km hike in Little Switzerland (Nahal Kalach).
Additional Attractions on Mount Carmel:
Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve
A wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center where you can see animals like Persian fallow deer (reintroduced after extinction in Israel), vultures (rescued from electrocution or poisoning), and other injured animals on their way back to the wild. Highly recommended for families with children:
👉 https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/hai-bar-carmel-nature-reserve/
Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve
A visit to prehistoric caves on Mount Carmel that were inhabited by early humans around 300,000 years ago.
👉 https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/nahal-mearot-nature-reserve/
Haifa Trail Website
More recommendations and trail info for exploring Haifa and its surroundings:
👉 https://www.haifatrail.com/haifa-trail-main-eng.htm
