Haifa’s beaches and beautiful water promenades allow you to spread sand between your toes or try your hand at adventurous sports including surfing and SUP.
The Quiet Beach
As the name suggests, this sandy strand not only provides a moment of peace and quiet, but it’s also named so for its calming waters—should you wish to take a refreshing dip. This beach also offers a scattering of cafes and shady nooks. Keep in mind, there are set days for each gender. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday are reserved for women and Monday, Wednesday and Friday for men, whilst on Saturdays, everyone is welcome.
Bat Galim Beach
Boasting a reputation as one of the most popular beaches in the region, Bat Galim Beach is a popular beach in Haifa for all types of travelers, including couples, families, and seniors. Soft sands are quite a contrast against a pebbly water edge, so come prepared! The sea is often packed with people partaking in watersports, windsurfing, kitesurfing and SUP included. Or, you can spend an afternoon lazing on a sun lounger with an umbrella. There are changing facilities, showers, and lifeguard towers at this fully accessible beach.
Carmel Beach
This gem of a beach is especially busy on weekends, but during the week, you can sneak yourself into a tranquil spot to whittle away the time. Those with a penchant for volleyball can catch a game or two here whilst there are playgrounds for kids. It’s also a favored spot for swimming as the breakwater provides partial protection from choppy waves. Run or walk along the boardwalk to catch stunning views of Mount Carmel from this stretch of coast.
Zamir Beach
This accessible beach is a buzzing spot in Haifa Bay. It has a lengthy promenade brimming with restaurants and coffee houses, whilst the beach itself is a golden spread of sand dotted with loungers and parasols. Suitable for all types of visitors, you can swim, take a leisurely dip or get lost in a book, all in your own time.
Tel Shikmona Beach
This beautiful beach is known for its clear blue waters and fine white sand, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. In addition to its natural beauty, Tel-Shikmona beach is also home to an ancient archaeological site, featuring the remains of a Canaanite city that dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE. This unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Tel-Shikmona beach a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Haifa.
Dado Beach (and Roller Skating Rink)
Named in memory of David Elazar, the ninth Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Dado Beach (just south of Zamir beach) is an expansive area to relax, swim and even dance! Situated across from Hof HaCarmel train station, the beach is also equipped with fitness equipment and a barbecue area. Here, you can snorkel, experience parasailing, and surf, among other beach-front activities. One of Dado Beach’s unique offerings is a roller rink for Saturday Israeli folk dancing, workouts, and more outdoor fun.
Student Beach
If extreme sports are your forte, look no further than Student Beach, one of the most southern of the Haifa beaches. The beach is not synonymous with students per se, but is a hot spot for water sports, such as water skiing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, which define this adventurous stretch of the sea.
Explore Haifa
If you’re interested in exploring more of Israel’s northern coastal region, Abraham’s Haifa, Acre & Olive Press Tour from Nazareth may take your fancy. This day-long trip is a discovery of the rich and culturally diverse cities peppering the Western Galilee and the Mediterranean coast. In Haifa, you’ll visit the stunning Baha’i Gardens, holy for those of the Baha’i faith, before departing for Acre. Acre, a 3,500-year-old port city, is a deep dive into history and an exploration of crusader fortresses, the lighthouse, and mosques. Lastly, a stop at an olive press near Tzipori is on the agenda to view the spectacular groves.
Where to Stay
Fuazi Azir, a Nazarethian mid-19th century building with a magnificent design, is located just 45 minutes from Haifa. Meticulous renovations have re-imagined this historical landmark for the modern traveler, providing a special guest house comprising spacious private rooms and dorm rooms with unique historical features, a striking courtyard, and plenty of areas for lounging and meeting other travelers.
