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The renovated lower city of Haifa

Haifa travel guide

The renovated lower city of Haifa is experiencing a bloom like the one the city never knew. Following the transformation of the neglected and crumbling Port Street into an activity of colleges and academic activities – the “Port Campus” and the renovation of the Turkish market complex that became a tourist gem, turning shops and enclosed spaces into a district of designers, artists and craftsmen, in the heart of the lower city that is changing its face and becoming a vibrant and colorful center of creation, culture, entertainment and commerce allows you to experience the young and lively rhythm of the city’s nightlife.

The ideal location is within walking distance of the German Colony, the “Center of the Eight” train station, the subway and a large number of bus lines that allow quick access to the city’s sites, museums and beaches.

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Tel Shekmona National Park - Excursion Route Suggestion

Discover the hidden treasures of Tel Shekmona National Park, a gem set against the stunning backdrop of Haifa's coastline. Ideal for families and romantic outings, this short and scenic route offers a blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty, suitable for all ages. Starting Point: The Sea and Lake Research Institute, Haifa End Point: Return to the starting point Historical Significance of Tel Shekmona Recent archaeological discoveries have propelled Tel Shekmona into the spotlight as a site of global historical importance. Prof. Ayelet Gilboa and Dr. Golan Shloy, from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, have unveiled findings that position Tel Shekmona, once a modest seaside site on the southern edges of Haifa, as a pivotal center of ancient industry. Their research, published in the archaeological journal of Tel Aviv University, reveals that Tel Shekmona hosted the world’s largest and most productive scarlet dye factory around 3,000 years ago. This operation was a remarkable synergy of the administrative acumen of the biblical kingdom of Israel and the skilled Phoenician workers who specialized in the complex processes required to produce this valuable dye. Prof. Gilboa drew parallels between Tel Shekmona and Tel Dor during our discussion, noting their shared historical trajectories. Initially a small fishing village that also produced scarlet dye, Tel Shekmona evolved into a significant industrial facility. In contrast, Tel Dor served as a principal port city. Both sites fell under the control of the Kingdom of Israel in the ninth century B.C. According to Prof. Gilboa, the primary motive for the kingdom’s expansion into the Carmel coast was economic rather than territorial or maritime dominance. The control of crimson dye production centers, like Shekmona, was likely a strategic move to dominate this lucrative industry. These findings enrich our understanding of the historical and economic landscape of ancient Israel and highlight the sophisticated industrial activities that flourished under its influence. Route Description: Begin your journey at the iconic Sea and Lake Research Institute, located directly on the waterfront. This marks both the start and end of a leisurely route that explores the lesser-known beachfront and delves into the area’s rich history. Adjacent to Tel Shekmona is the expansive Rosh Carmel Sea Reserve, where the Carmel Ridge extends into the sea, forming a unique underwater landscape. The marine reserve, stretching from the institute to Nahal Lotem’s mouth and westward into the sea, covers about 50,000 dunams. It not only preserves historical sites from the ancient settlement of Shakmona but also showcases geological wonders like weathered dolomite and limestone, and a unique reef formed by tuber family snails. After departing from the Sea and Lake Research Institute, head south to reach the national park. Recently rejuvenated, Tel Shekmona was transformed from a neglected dumping ground into a beautifully landscaped area. The park now features native coastal vegetation and several protected species, enhancing its ecological value. Climb to the top of Tel Shakmona for a panoramic view of the sea and the city. The site, known historically as a-Smak ("Mound of the Fish"), offers a vista sprinkled with archaeological remains dating back to as early as the 15th century BC. The area was a hub during the Byzantine era, evidenced by church ruins and intricate mosaic floors uncovered in multiple archaeological digs. Continue your walk south along the boardwalk, passing by excavation sites and the hewn "hot tub" pool in the sea. Loop back north through Hecht Park and cross to Alex Garden. Near the garden, explore the ancient Shakmona caves, used historically for burial. The route concludes with a return to the Sea and Lake Research Institute. How to Reach: Access the starting point next to the Sea and Lake Research Institute via Hubert Humphrey Street in Haifa. Please Note: Swimming at the beach along this route is not permitted. Embark on this enlightening excursion at Tel Shekmona National Park, where history and nature meet the Mediterranean Sea.

Chai Bar Carmel nature reserve - a short a excursion route in the Carmel nature

Carmel is no different from other regions of the country in this respect, as large mammals and birds had been living there for thousands of years before wild hunting ended in the 19th century. All of these animals have become extinct and gone from the landscape of Carmel, including the tiger, the wolf, the bear, the Carmel deer, the wild boar, and the eagle. In Hai-Bar Carmel, endangered and extinct animals are raised and returned to the wild if they are in danger of extinction. Get to know Iranian wild sheep, Cretan wild goat, Persian wild boar, and Carmel deer, as well as reproduction seeds of other birds of prey and eagles. Several mammals have been released into the wild, including the Persian donkey and the Carmel deer - so you should know that the reproductive nuclei have developed well. Take advantage of your trip with added value! The route is described below After the film, we will walk towards the observation deck to see how the animals have returned to nature since they were in the wild. We begin our visit at the visitor center, where you can see a film about the wildlife in the wild and the stages of their return to nature. Views from the observation deck You can clearly see the University of Haifa, Kibbutz Beit Oren, Dania and the Carmel Castle from the balcony. It overlooks the west of the Carmel. Two large fires ravaged the green slopes of the mountain in 1989 and 2010. The animals were released into the wild after the second fire, which saved their lives. However, the fire killed reptiles and other small animals. More than five million trees were burned in this fire, and 44 people were killed. To get to the park's animal pens, walk along an accessible path: An Iranian paddock for donkeys It has been discovered in archaeological excavations in Israel that donkey bones and horns have been found since prehistoric times. Due to the extinct nature of the species of donkey that used to live in Israel, a related species has been brought in to replace the extinct species - the Persian donkey. The Persian donkey is also nearly extinct. As a result of the Islamic coup in Iran in 1978, the last mahouts were brought to Israel as part of a special operation by El Al. The Persian Shah's hunting reserve and several zoos around the world were home to a few individuals of this animal in those days. Several hundred donkeys have been bred by them and their descendants since then. In 1996, donkeys were released into the wild in Nahal Kaziv, in the Upper Galilee, and in 2005, in Nahal Sorek, in the Judean Mountains, after they had formed a large enough breeding nucleus to release them into the wild. In the Mediterranean ecosystem, donkeys play an important role. Due to their tendency to eat leaves, they are able to prevent forest fires from spreading.Several hundred donkeys have been bred by them and their descendants since then.

The Dor Tantura resort and Dor Beach

The Dor resort is located at the foot of Carmel on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in front of an island chain of natural islands surrounded with a stunning view of white sand and a chain of blue lagoons. One of the historical places in Israel is Dor, formerly an important port and fishing town, which has a lot of remains from previous periods. The Dor resort village includes a beach within walking distance of the holiday apartments, a promenade, green lawns, an amphitheater, a children's club, a beach restaurant, a fishing harbor, and seating areas. In front of the Mediterranean Sea, near the chain of natural and magical islands of the Dor coast, the Dor resort lies at the foot of Carmel. Among the apartments and holiday rooms available at the Dor resort are lawns, ornamental corners, sitting and barbecue areas, restaurants, a declared swimming area and a breathtaking sea view. Throughout July and August, a family-friendly entertainment program will include: artist shows, dance sessions, and karaoke nights. More in the immediate vicinity: A lovely, spring-like hiking trail starting at Bonim Beach along Dor Bonim Reserve, a magical nature reserve full of special bays and islands, a marked route along which you can see fascinating natural phenomena, a bay of oysters, the "Blue Cave" geysers, a sunken ship, and on these spring days also amazing blossoms. The path leads to the remains of Tel Dor - remains of a city from the Phoenician, Hellenistic and Phoenician periods, Tel Dor is mentioned in the Bible as one of King Solomon's capitals The glass museum in Kibbutz Nachsholim, established in 1891 by Baron Rothschild as a factory for glass bottles for use by the area's wineries, today serves as an underwater archeology museum and offers a variety of spectacular findings from different periods throughout the area's history.

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