26/07/2024
Haifa's natural wonders: a spectacular journey through landscapes
A nature and landscape trip in Haifa - to meet magnificent natural treasures
Haifa is a city where you can spend quite a bit of time, thanks to its many attractions, museums and points of interest. But beyond the familiar tourist sites, Haifa also offers plenty of natural coves and magical itineraries in the heart of the city. Hidden waterfalls, green nature reserves, ancient gardens and natural pools - all these await you among the alleys of the bustling city.
Credit: Shlomo Rodad, from the pikiwiki website
Nahal Shikh and the magical kingdom in it
Nahal Shikh invites you to enter a magical kingdom of waterfalls, clear water pools and ancient trees. The short path that winds along the stream leads to Bostan Chiat, a hidden gem that once belonged to one of the city's richest families. Here you will discover clean water, heart-warming fruit trees and above all a pleasant peace near the city. The route is suitable for the whole family and offers an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, into the fresh nature. Take a deep breath, listen to the chirping of the birds and surrender to the charm of Nahal Shih - Haifa's little wonderland.
Time travel in Nahal Ziv
Above Nahal Ziv in the Neve Shanan neighborhood hides a magnificent ecological treasure. The route path reveals to us the heritage of the area and its characteristic Mediterranean woodland vegetation. Between the oak trees and these you can imagine ancient times, when the stream served as an essential source of water for the settlements that lived in its vicinity. You can choose a long route that passes under the Ramat Hen neighborhood and ends at Ramat Sapir, but even a short 20-minute trip is enough to get an impression of the beauty of Nahal Ziv. Choose your favorite route, and go on a magical adventure between the history of the city and the surroundings and nature.
Summer refreshment at the Ein Ahuza spring
When the Haifa summer heat hits, the Ein Ahuza spring invites you to bathe and refresh in its cool waters. A short walk from busy Freud Street leads to this natural pool, which is a surprising oasis in the heart of the neighborhood. Although the area suffered from a fire in the past, the Ein Ahuza spring retains its charm and is a refreshing attraction for residents and visitors alike. Pay attention to the depth of the water and keep an eye on the small children, and don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing the pool with locals who have come to pamper themselves and escape the heat.
A fun day at Nahal Kishon park
If you use car rental services in Israel, Nahal Kishon Park is another destination that you should not miss. It combines nature, water and leisure in a magical urban atmosphere and is very accessible to visitors. In the center of the park stretches an impressive lake fed by the water of the stream, and surrounded by green grass and impressive shade trees. Here you can enjoy a family picnic, a hike along the pleasant paths or even a relaxed fishing on the shore of the lake. The park is suitable for spending long hours in nature, just a touch away from the urban bustle. The peaceful atmosphere and the magic of nature make Nahal Kishon Park one of the leading holiday gems for the residents of Haifa and the surrounding area.
Credit: Ali Abu Ismail, from the pikiwiki website
Between history and bathing in Tel Shekmona
The ancient Tel Shekmouna, located on the coast of Haifa, embodies a fascinating piece of history alongside a unique nature experience. Ever since the Canaanite period, the place has served as an important trading center, and evidence of this can be found in the remains of the ancient mosaic floors that decorate the site. But apart from historical interest, Tel Shekmona is also a favorite bathing spot for locals and tourists alike. At the foot of the hill are special round natural pools, which invite you to refresh and relax in front of the spectacular Mediterranean landscape. Just remember to be careful, because the beach is unannounced and unsupervised by a lifeguard.
A journey following the rain in Nahal Givorim
In the heart of the Carmel tunnels, below the well-known Grand Canyon, hides Nahal Givorim (Wadi Rushmia in Arabic). Although this stream flows in full force only in the rainy winter, a trip along its river is an extraordinary experience all year round. After going down a winding staircase, gushing waterfalls and breathtaking views are revealed to our eyes, which change from moment to moment depending on the intensity of the rain. This is a wonderful place to connect with the forces of nature and see the immediate impact of man on the environment.
Towards memory and recreation in Nahal Oren
Just a little outside the borders of Haifa, near Beit Oren, there is a magical route hidden along Nahal Oren. The trip begins at the ancient quarries, an impressive evidence of human activity in the area since Roman and Byzantine times. From there you go down to the cool and rapid waters of the Ein Alon spring, which used to be part of an essential water supply system. Don't forget to also stop and commune with the memory near the memorial to the victims of the tragic Carmel disaster. The visit there certainly puts things into proportion, and at the same time exposes the visitors to the power of nature.
