Haifa, Israel has always been an important site to Christians and Jews around the world. But it’s also a great place to vacation, no matter what your religious beliefs are or aren’t! I’ve only been there once, and really didn’t get a chance to explore the city. We were there on a cruise and our excursion didn’t exactly go as planned. Instead of getting back in time to explore the city, we almost missed the ship, but that’s a longer story.
By day, Haifa is a city like any other. But when darkness falls and its 300 000-strong population begins streaming out of their offices and homes and off into nightlife venues such as pubs and restaurants or comedy clubs, you begin to see a different side of it: a fun city with fun people. It’s almost impossible not to smile in Haifa – everyone is happy there.
Haifa has mild temperatures throughout most of the year, it’s safe to say that you can wear your favorite spring dress during winter or shorts in December. You won’t have weather-related excuses anymore!
Unique Atmosphere
In a country as old and diverse as Israel, where settlers have been living for thousands of years and traditions date back millennia, it’s natural that each neighborhood in Haifa has its own special charm. Browse through our Top 10 list below to see what we mean!
Hahagana Bay and Ben Gurion University’s Golden Beach. The main beach of Haifa is Hahagana, which is open all year round. When you go there in summertime you can use several water sports like jetskiing and diving as well as enjoy swimming in crystal clear water on a huge sandy beach.
The coastline has always been a refuge for those seeking peace and tranquility in a chaotic world. As tourists discover Haifa’s dramatic seascapes, hidden beaches and picturesque coastlines, they are joining an illustrious cadre of artists, writers and philosophers who were inspired by its natural beauty.
The beaches of northern Israel are beautiful. You could spend an entire summer exploring all that these shores have to offer. With sandy beaches stretching out into azure seas, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving and even some nearby hot springs (including at least one where you can bathe in milk!), it’s hard not to fall in love with them.
What the City has to Offcer
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to ancient burial caves, there is no shortage of historic sites in Haifa. Whether you’re interested in maritime history or religious history, you will find something for everyone. The city also has plenty of modern attractions for those who want a taste of what life is like in present-day Israel. Hiking and biking enthusiasts can explore dozens of paths that wind through forests and along mountain trails.
Haifa is a bustling city by day and a fascinating cultural spot at night. It hosts many festivals throughout the year including literature fairs, theater festivals and film festivals. The annual holiday celebrations in Haifa are notable for their variety and originality with visitors from all over Israel (and even abroad) gathering here to celebrate these holidays together: The Festival of St.
Israeli cuisine is a melting pot of North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. In Tel Aviv you’ll find Arabic food stalls that sell hummus and shawarma by weight or fill a pita sandwich for less than $3. Plus there are great falafel restaurants where you can stuff your face with deep-fried chickpeas for as little as $1 per serving. And what are Israeli meals without dessert? There are some truly amazing ice cream shops in Tel Aviv!
Located on a coastal plain in northern Israel, Haifa is a geographically and economically central city that’s also close to several of Israel’s holy sites. Additionally, with cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv within driving distance, day trips are easy and worthwhile. In fact you can pack an entire vacation in just one day by visiting historical sites like Caesarea or taking an outing at any of Haifa’s beaches.
