Top Things to do in Galilee
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Galilee, Northern District
Discover the best top things to do in Galilee, Israel including Magdala, International Center Mary of Nazareth, Berenice Winery, Megiddo National Park, Cana, Sea of Galilee, Tabgha, Iyon Stream Nature Reserve, The Church of the Annunciation, Arbel National Park.
Restaurants in Galilee
1. Magdala
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,128 reviews
A unique Holy Land site known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, located at the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The archaeological site features a complete first century town from the times of Jesus. It is one of Israel´s most recent archaeological discoveries with the best preserved synagogue in the Galilee. Complementary tours of the site are available upon request. The site also features "Duc in Altum" a place for worship and prayer. Magdala is known as a crossroads of Jewish and Christian History, and will soon also feature a guesthouse in opening mid-2018.
Reviewed By RobynDavid_25 - Melbourne, Australia
This is a special place. The small excavation site contextualises the role of Mary Magdalene in the life of Jesus and is complemented by the exquisite modern church nearby, its altar a boat which appears to be sailing on the Sea of Galilee outside the window, with its mast forming a cross above. It is surrounded in the atrium by eight vibrant pillars honouring women of faith. Fr Eamon Kelly is a warm and welcoming presence. We were invited into a private room at the end of our visit where he and volunteer Rosa led the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ to our guide, Eyal Carmel. It was a delightful moment!
2. International Center Mary of Nazareth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 587 reviews
Let Mary be your guide to Jesus through the Scriptures. - A one-hour multimedia show in 14 languages, (HE,FR,AR,EN,IT,ES,PL,RU,PT,DE,JP,CH)-Chapel- Gardens roof with a breathtaking view of old Nazareth- Archeological site : ruins of a house from Jesus'time- Cafeteria Opening hours : Monday - Saturday: 9:30-12:00 AM and 2:30-5:00 PM.Private booking available at any time. Suggested contribution to maintenance 50 NIS
Reviewed By 511marianneb - Mechanicsburg, United States
For a donation of your choosing, here you can enjoy an archeological excavation, a multimedia movie (although I skipped it), a rooftop view of Nazareth, a beautiful modern chapel with stunning iconography, a perfect little gift shop, a cafe, and a warm and friendly welcome from the sister and the staff. It’s not a holy site, per se, but it is in the neighborhood, and it’s much less likely to be crowded, offering ample room for reflection and prayer.
3. Berenice Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Berenice winery is a boutique winery located in the center of Tiberias just 10 minutes walk from the sea of Galilee. (For quickest response message my cell ) The villa and its balcony are a part of an ancient Basalt house which was built by our family in 1929. Gidi, who recently renovated the house, is an architect and a winemaker. The cellar is located under the house who currently hosts visitors who choose to stay for some nights. Staying in the authentic spacious suite and dining in the large shared garden with a glass of our fine wine will make your visit unforgettable. Please call us before arriving, we are open on Thurs,Friday but we may open on special calls for buying a bottle of wine ot special group events. Friday noon and Thursday evenings are our happy hours with friends at winery, Lately we have too many messages chanels and we dont see we sometimes do mistakes - Whatsapp !!
Reviewed By idanshaun
We visited the place for one night, we were a bunch of friends -- The atmosphere was magical, a peaceful place near the Sea of Galilee. A lot of seating areas, 2 pools, the place with spotlessly clean, very good sound systems around the facility and the red wine is great. Highly recommended.
4. Megiddo National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
This archaeological site of an ancient fortress town has revealed more than 20 layers of ruins, ranging in time from the Neolithic Period (7000 BC) to the end of the Persian Period (332 BC).
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Also known as Tel (Hill) Megiddo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an historically significant ancient location of artifacts & ruins from various cultures, dating back from the Neolithic Period (7th-6th Century BC), through the Kings of Israel, and abandoned under the times of the Persians. Portions of the Canaanite City Gate remain from the Late Bronze Age as the visitor enters onto the Megiddo site, along a pathway winding up through sparse ruins. At the Northern Observation Point, a view overlooking the famous Jezreel Valley reveals the former battlefield below, where major battles occurred in the 15th Century BCE under Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III, later Alexander the Great and more recently in World War I (1918), General Edmund Allenby, who successfully fought the Ottoman Turkish forces here. Napoleon observed at Megiddo that: "All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this vast plain". Yes; this is the location of the final "Biblical Battle of Armageddon" and has numerous historic references within the Jewish "Tanakh" & the Christian "Bible". A former trade route that linked Egypt with Mesopotamia, this strategic site overlooks the key pass through the Carmel Mountains. This formerly fortified city used chariots for protection and its horses were sheltered in two stable complexes, whose foundations are now outlined. Most intriguing was our exploration through the protected water system and its tunnel, built under the period of the Israelite Kings, within the former walls of Megiddo. A 10 minute film prior to your tour explains the history of Megiddo and its archeological excavations. A visit to Megiddo is awe-inspiring and should not be missed!
5. Cana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By 211hankh - Virginia, United States
Came here with a group of 30 fellow pilgrims, and was grateful to spend time in the place of one of my favorite parables. I found the church very attractive and not busy at all. In fact, we had Holy Mass in the late afternoon and were the only pilgrims in the church at the time - a serene experience. Afterwards, the couples among us renewed our wedding vows and received a historical-looking document attesting to it. TIP: Contrary to the advice of others reviewing this site, I would consider it a must-see for married, biblically-inclined tourists.
6. Sea of Galilee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,410 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Beautiful to look at, but a cruise on a "Jesus Boat" makes for a moving and memorable journey. Look up while on the Sea of Galilee to the imposing Mount Arbel. Life focuses on the sea, its history and the abundant food is provides, such as the St. Peter's Fish. Learn more about the unique geological and weather conditions that can turn this tranquil body of water into a raging sea. Such a treat to experience this Biblically historical Sea of Galilee!
7. Tabgha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Many early Christian experiences have occurred in the Tabgha area, yet this lovely church honors the extraordinary miracle of Jesus feeding the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fish, as written in Luke 9:16, as well as other books of the Gospel in The Bible. Known for the beautiful mosaics in recognition of this miracle and other scenes, the lovely, peaceful church has a welcoming inner courtyard with an olive tree as its focal point. We enjoyed a hot cappuccino and snack before entering the church in the early morning, prior to the arrival of all of the tours.
8. Iyon Stream Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
In the Nahal Ayun Nature Reserve, where the stream passes from the Ayun Valley in the "Finger of Galilee" to the Hula Valley, there is a beautiful gorge with many flowing waterfalls.
Reviewed By BidermanLiron - Israel, null
One of the MUST visit reserve in Northern Israel! Start your track from the upper part and travel in the reserve to the downside part. There is a shuttle to take you back for your car in an additional payment. The site itself is lovely, suitable for families.
9. The Church of the Annunciation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,632 reviews
Built on the grotto where Mary is believed to have lived and the Site of the Annunciation, this basilica houses a collection of excavated remnants of churches from the Crusader and Byzantine eras.
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
Towering into the sky is the cupola of the Church of the Annunciation standing over the cave, reputed to be home of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed the young Mary (aged about 14) was told by the Archangel Gabriel that she would become the mother of the Son of God. Carved, in Latin, across the Church's triple-doored entrance is the result of her consent to Gabriel "Let it be done to me according to your word". On the limestone façade above this inscription are reliefs of Mary, Gabriel and the four Evangelists with, above them all, a bronze statue of Jesus. Inside the Church (which, when it was completed in 1969, became the largest Christian church in the Middle East) is divided into two level; the upper level is the parish church for Nazareth's catholic community and the lower level enshrines a grotto containing the cave-home of the Virgin Mary. Another simple altar, with seating on three sides, This altar stands directly beneath the cupola of the Church. The cupola represents an inverted lily opening its petals to the shrine below; the symbolism being two fold combining the lily image of Mary's purity with one of the Semitic meanings of the name Nazareth, a flower. In the upper church, around the walls, are colourful representation of the Virgin Mary in a variety of materials. These have been presented by many countries, as have the mosaics in the arcades outside the Church. On any tour of Israel, the Church of the Annunciation is one church you should not miss
10. Arbel National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
A vertical cliff towering magnificently over the Sea of Galilee and looking out towards the Golan Heights and Mt Hermon;
Reviewed By outside67
Fantastic hike, few people on the trail, easy to picture lives millennium ago in the caves and more recent fortifications, ascend to the top from trail that takes you by the overlook, overlooking Sea of Galilee the entire trip... going up is a 7-8 effort level... rock scramble easily doable, especially since they’ve strategically placed iron holds in the most difficult spots... we did it in runners, many of the locals coming down had thin sandals... the exposure to wind, sun and vertical drops makes it seem much more of an adventure.... bring water, and apple and a hat. Tip: start at bottom and climb up... different perspective and much bigger sense of accomplishment than coming down.
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