The green Carmel, the beautiful Baha’i gardens and the sandy beaches of Haifa – Fun things to do in the northern Town on Carmel mountain
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Haifa is a home to some of the country’s most beautiful and unique tourist attractions, making it an attractive destinations for anyone visiting Israel.
Baha’i Gardens
Perhaps the most popular and unique of them all, are the Baha’i Gardens – A nineteen terrace-long breathtaking gardens, extending all the way up towards the northern slope of Mount Carmel. The gardens are an exquisite work of art, surrounding a beautiful Shrine of The B’ab – the international center of the Baha’i faith.
Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the gardens have a few entry points, and a stunning top view, overlooking the outer gardens, with Haifa’s stunning bay in the background. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the country, visually impressive as well as meditative and spiritual. The Baha’i Center also offers free tours of the inner gardens, which can be booked via the website.
Bahai Gardens in Haifa. Photo by Udi Goren
Haifa’s Transparent Cable Car
Equally popular among both locals and tourists alike, is Haifa’s transparent cable car. Three see-through large balls, travelling along from Bat Galim neighborhood all the way up towards the Carmel Ranges, then back. Passengers can enjoy a beautiful birds-eye view of the city, sprawling over the blue bay, and disappearing into the top of Mount Carmel. The ride takes about five minutes one-way, and on the way back it’s possible either to ride the cable car, or walk down the steep trail toward Elijah Cave. At the top of the cable car dock you can enjoy a myriad of restaurants, head to the beautiful Stella Maris church or simply enjoy the bay views. On a clear day it’s possible to see all the way up to Akko Bay.
Para diving at Hof Habonim beach
Here thrill seekers can experience one of the most magnificent skydiving sites in the world with amazing views of the sea and Mount Hermon. No previous experience is required to tandem jump. The facility provides everything you need for an adventure of a lifetime.
Stella Maris Lighthouse and Carmelite Monastery
This is a lovely place to admire the chapel and its paintings on the ceiling as well as catch a breathtaking view of the city, the sea and the north. You can see all the way to Lebanon and Rosh Hanikra. The chapel has audio channels in several languages so you can learn a bit of history while enjoying the sea view.
Wadi Nisnas
This neighborhood is a great example of the co-existence that is characteristic of Haifa. Christians, Muslims and Jews live together here in harmony, creating a wonderful atmosphere of hospitality where different cultures thrive. This neighborhood has lots of public art installed on its walls, which are marked with the Museum Without Walls (MWW) logo next to it. Keep your eyes open as you stroll and enjoy the area, which also has some great street food!
More Popular Attractions in Haifa
Segway Tours
Downtown Segway tours have also become popular in recent years, offering a new and exciting way to discover Haifa’s dynamic and magical downtown. Seasoned with stories from the city ancient times and recent history, the segway travel guide takes groups on unforgettable tours around Palmer Gate, Port Campus, The Turkish Market, Paris Square, Nisnas Valley, The German Colony and of course the Baha’i Gardens. A great, light and fun way to explore Haifa’s diverse downtown.
Kramer’s Yachts
For an unforgettable experience look no further than the Kramer’s Yachts, inviting you for a relaxing, romantic, day and night cruises. The calm waters of the Mediterranean make for a perfect setup for an easy, laid back cruise, lead by a team of professional skippers (+972-52-4320549).
And while at sea, why not go for a scuba-dive or surf sessions? Some of the country’s most popular beaches, scuba dive locations and surf clubs are located in Haifa and around the area, definitely worth looking into.
Carmel Park
Every visit to Haifa must include a few hours to spend in the tranquil Carmel Park. Known as Israel’s ‘green lung’, the Carmel Park is home to the country’s most beautiful natural forestation, sprawling over a vast stretch of land of 21,000 acres.
There are plenty of picnic spots nestled in shaded locations, with river trails crossing the forests, as well as approved camping grounds and even a safari area with animals roaming freely, right in the heart of ‘Little Switzerland’ forest.
While in the national park, don’t miss out on visiting two Druze center – Daliat Al Carmel and Usafia. These are great spots to visit for an authentic Druze lunch, or for some shopping time at Dalia al Carmel’s street market.
