Haifa is Israel’s third biggest city, and has plenty to offer visitors in terms of attractions, natural sites and history. It also features the country’s largest port and an attractive beach, which draws thousands of visitors who come to watch top sailing competitions, or take advantage of the excellent surfing conditions.
Located in a broad bay between the Mediterranean Sea and magnificent Mount Carmel, the city has a variety of inspiring panoramas which can be viewed from the surrounding terraced landscape.
Highlights of a Visit
There are many notable churches and religious sites to take in during a visit to Haifa, however a highlight has to be the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery which is situated atop Mount Carmel, containing a cave believed to be the grave of the Prophet Elijah.
Haifa is also home to the World Center of the Baha’i Faith, located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, famous for its spectacular ‘Hanging Gardens’ and gold shrine, which look especially impressive when lit in the evenings. The German Colony located at the foot of the gardens features pretty stone houses established by German Templars, and is recommended for a romantic walk and reminder of the past.
A cable car takes visitors up Mount Carmel and if desired, it’s possible to take a scenic nature trail which descends down the mountain to the rivers below. Back down in the city there are a host of museums to take in, while Haifa is also home to malls and has a good selection of restaurants especially in the chic Carmel area. Haifa, as you would expect of a big city features a wide variety of accommodation from upmarket hotels to comfortable B&Bs.