Nestling between the Galilee and the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee (Hebrew: Kinneret) is a picturesque lake that attracted humans from the dawn of history. Famed by Jesus’ acts and miracles, the Sea of Galilee is visited by many Christian Pilgrims, sailing and visiting its Holy Christian sites. The lake also offers many outdoor activities, good dinning options, and quaint places to stay while touring northern Israel.
Touring around the Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is the biggest freshwater lake in Israel, fed mostly by the Jordan River. The main city around the lake is Tiberias, which many will use as a base for day tours around the lake and northern Israel.
Christian pilgrims will usually devote at least one day for touring around the Sea of Galilee, as its shores are dotted with Holy Christian sites:
Sea of Galilee Boat – Two miles north of Magdala, in Kibbutz Ginosar, the local museum displays an extraordinary discovery made in 1986. During that winter the water level of the lake was very low, and an ancient wooden vessel was exposed. Dating to the 1st century, this boat is a very significant discovery for Christians, showing the type of fishing boats that were used by Jesus and his Disciples.
Tabgha – Less then 2 miles west of Capernaum, along the lake’s shoreline, are two sites commemorating significant Christian events. The Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish, dating to the Byzantine period and fulle restored, records one of the famous miracles of Jesus, feeding the multitudes that followed him. Next to it, the humble sized Church of the Primacy of Peter marks the place where Jesus appeared to his Disciples after his resurrection, invited them to a meal of grilled fish, and appointed Peter to lead the early church. The site is also known for its local warm springs. One of them is still accessible for public swimming (the Hidden Waterfall).
Bethsaida and Chorazin – The two sites that were dammed by Jesus (Luke 10:13-16), were later abandoned and forgotten. In modern times their remains were rediscovered, and in the case of Bethsaida its location is still under dispute. The site of Et-Tell, which some identify with Bethsaida, bears significant finds from the time of King David. It may have been the capital of the Geshur Kingdom.
Kibbutz Ein-Gev – Established in 1937 at the shore under Sussita, Kibbutz Ein-gev operates a popular resort by the lake, a veteran fish restaurant, and offers tours of the kibbutz on a tractor. It is also possible to order a sail from Ein-gev’s Kibbutz port to Tiberias or Ginosar.
Other points of interest around the Sea of Galilee include:
Tiberias – The main city around the Sea of Galilee was founded by Herod Antipas, and was named after the Roman Emperor, Tiberius. Today, the city is known for its selection of hotels, beachfront promenade, and dining options. Remains of ancient Tiberias are visible at its southern end, next to ancient Tiberias’ Hot springs – Hamat Tiberias.
Kinneret Farm and Kinneret Cemetery – The former agricultural training center for many young Jewish pioneer groups is now a national park. Kinneret Farm is an important historical landmark, as its people laid the foundation for many of the state’s institutions. Its cemetery is also known, especially for the burials of two gifted women – “Rachel the poetess” (Rachel Bluwstein), and the songwriter Naomi Shemer.
Park Hayarden – Located at the Jordan river’s feed into the sea of Galilee, Park Hayarden offers a slow stream kayaking experience along the Jordan River, as well as ATV tours along the Jordan rivers’ flood plain. Nearby, it is also possible to hike along the shallow freshwater Daliot stream at the Majrase.
A tour around the Sea of Galilee can be combined with a guided day tour of the Galilee.
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