Haifa Offers You a Dreamy Summer

If you happened to visit Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Eilat in recent years, but haven't stopped in Haifa for a long time, something huge has likely flown under your radar. The city on the Carmel has been undergoing a quiet and surprising refreshment. Haifa is now positioning itself not just as a stopover on the way to the north, but as a vacation destination in its own right. This summer, it stands at the top of the list of the hottest destinations in Israel: the "Dreamy Summer in Haifa" campaign, led by the Haifa Tourism Association, offers guests an urban, green, and maritime vacation.

Europe is here

What makes Haifa a refreshing destination? It starts with the combination of wild nature and vibrant urbanity. Within a few minutes, you can move from a shaded hiking trail alongside flowing streams in the heart of the Carmel forest directly into a bustling bar scene in the Lower City or to an excellent chef restaurant.

One of the areas that has become a symbol of renewal is the seashore. The development of the new Hulda Gurevich promenade and the refreshment of the public space in the Bat Galim neighborhood have turned the area into a magnet for young people and families. Today, cafes, restaurants, and maritime centers for surfing and SUP operate there, all accompanied by a climate much more pleasant than in the center.

One of the most prominent upgrades of the summer is the open-top double-decker tourist bus. Instead of getting stuck in traffic, you can simply get on the bus that circles between the city's central sites, enjoy a cool breeze and a spectacular panoramic view of the bay, and listen to a tour guide.

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Sandcastles, plays, and festivals

Summer 2026 is packed with activities for the whole family:

1. Sand Sculpture Festival (August): International artists will sculpt huge, spectacular sand sculptures live, with workshops for children and parents.

2. Children's Play Festival: A variety of high-quality plays for all ages throughout the city.

3. Huge shows and culture: Peak events and live performances on the shaded lawns of Gan HaEm and at the Sammy Ofer football stadium.

4. Guided thematic tours: From culinary tours and market tastings to sunset tours at the sea and on the Carmel.

Staying overnight? Attractions for free

To encourage a longer stay, the city offers a particularly profitable benefits model for those who choose to stay in local hotels:

• When booking one night at a participating hotel, you get one attraction for free.

• When booking two nights, you get two attractions for free.

For those arriving for a short fun day, a digital coupon booklet is offered with worthwhile discounts on tours and restaurants throughout the city.

Saluting the fighters

A central part of the summer program is dedicated to honoring reservists and their families. In this framework, reservists enjoy free entry to some of the city's museums, alongside significant discounts when booking tours and attractions.

In the eyes of Yair Amitsur, CEO of the Haifa Tourism Association, Haifa is the real thing. "Anyone who hasn't yet experienced the new Haifa in recent years is missing out. Now is the right time to arrive, enjoy, and get to know it."

Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav adds: "This summer is an excellent opportunity to discover a city that offers a rare combination of sea, mountain, nature, and culture. Our vision is clear: to turn Haifa into one of the most attractive and leading tourist cities in the Mediterranean region."

All details about the summer events and benefits are concentrated on the official website of the Haifa Tourism Association.