Discover Israel’s Coastal Sites
April 2nd 2012
Discover Israel’s Coastal Sites
Israel’s northern Mediterranean coast provides a poignant perspective on the country’s history through the ancient ports built by its conquerors from over the ages. On your tour to Israel, travel north from Tel Aviv and see Roman ruins, a Crusader city, maritime artifacts and natural grottos. Experience Israel’s natural beauty and manmade wonders that illustrate the country’s fascinating and turbulent past.
Halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, Caesarea is a gorgeous coastal city with ancient Roman ruins and spectacular beaches. The main attraction, Caesarea National Park, is home to countless treasures for both history buffs and nature lovers. Visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, where live performances continue to this day. Or stand in the 20,000-seat Hippodrome and imagine you are watching an ancient Roman horse race in the remarkable arena.
The extraordinary Roman aqueducts are just further evidence of the skill of the Romans. Built by King Herod in the first century, CE, the main aqueduct carried water from 10 kilometers away to the inhabitants of Caesarea. Situated right on the beach, this site combines archeology with a stunning seaside view.
From Caesarea, continue north to Haifa, the third largest city in Israel and home to one of the country’s most active commercial seaports. The city has much to offer, and fans of maritime history will not want to miss the National Maritime Museum. With a collection that spans thousands of years of history, it is home to one of Israel’s largest collections of archeological artifacts. Cartography, seafaring instruments, model ships, and other relics with nautical motifs will delight children and adults alike.
Just north of Haifa, Acco (also spelled Acre and Akko) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its fortified Old City has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an impressive example of the military strength of this ancient fort. Acco’s defenses were so strong that it was even impervious to Napoleon’s advances! Walk amidst this ancient protected city that dates back to the time of the Pharaoh Thutmose.
Finally, just a few minutes from the Lebanese border, Rosh HaNikra is home to world-renowned grottos, or sea caves, that have been formed over thousands of years. Although the grottoes were previously only accessible by sea, visitors today can take a cable car, said to be the steepest in the world, 70 meters down into the grottoes. Once in the caves, sightseers are able to explore the 200 meters of breathtaking caves by foot.
Enhance your tour to Israel with a visit to these incredible coastal sites. Experience the Mediterranean in a new way and enjoy an immersive lesson in ancient history.
