The Sea of Galilee: a first-timer's guide

Why go

The Galilee is Israel at its greenest and gentlest. In spring the hills fill with wildflowers, and the pace is slower than in the big cities. Pilgrims come for the Gospel sites, hikers for streams and nature reserves, and everyone for the lake views, fresh fish and the wineries of the Golan Heights.

Christian sites

On the northern shore, **Capernaum** has the remains of an ancient synagogue and the house traditionally linked to Saint Peter. Nearby **Tabgha** has the **Church of the Multiplication**, with its famous loaves and fishes mosaic, and the **Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter** on the water's edge. Above them, the **Mount of Beatitudes** church and gardens look over the lake. At the southern end, **Yardenit** is a baptismal site on the Jordan River. In **Magdala**, an excavated first century synagogue sits beside a modern spiritual centre. Dress modestly at all of them.

Tiberias

**Tiberias** is the main town on the western shore, one of Judaism's four holy cities, with a waterfront promenade, the **Tiberias Hot Springs**, the tombs of revered rabbis and boat trips on replica wooden boats. It is busy and practical rather than pretty, and a good base with plenty of hotels.

Nazareth

Thirty minutes west, **Nazareth** is the largest Arab city in Israel. The **Basilica of the Annunciation** dominates the old town, with mosaics of the Virgin Mary donated by countries around the world. Explore the market, the **Church of Saint Joseph**, **Mary's Well** and **Nazareth Village**, an open-air reconstruction of first century life. The old town has excellent guesthouses and some of the country's best Arab cooking.

The Golan and the upper Galilee

East of the lake, the **Golan Heights** offer the **Gamla** nature reserve with its griffon vultures, the **Banias** waterfall at the source of the Jordan, and wineries in and around **Katzrin**. Its status is disputed internationally, and some governments advise caution near the border with Syria, so read current advice. To the northwest, hilltop **Safed**, or Tzfat, is the city of Jewish mysticism, with blue-painted synagogues and an artists' quarter. Mount **Arbel** gives a fine hike with views over the whole lake.

The lake itself

Swim at the beaches around the shore, some with entry fees, kayak on the upper Jordan River, or cycle the paths. **Ein Gev** kibbutz on the eastern shore is known for its St Peter's fish restaurant.

Where to stay

Tiberias has the widest choice, from simple to large hotels. Kibbutz guesthouses around the lake offer gardens, pools and generous breakfasts. Nazareth's old town has characterful guesthouses in Ottoman houses, and the Golan has cabins called zimmers.

Getting there and around

Buses run from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa to Tiberias and Nazareth, but the sites around the lake are spread out with infrequent buses, so a guided tour or taxi makes it easier. Allow for Shabbat when buses stop.

Practical tips

Summer at lake level is hot and humid; start early and rest at midday. The north can come under warnings during conflicts with Lebanon, so check your government's travel advice before you go. Find more in our places to visit list.