Beyond the Lake: Tiberias Emerges as a Rich Cultural and Leisure Hub
Tiberias is emerging as a top tourism destination, offering visitors a rich blend of history, thermal springs, culinary delights, and ecological lake cruises.
Tiberias is offering a refreshing and surprising alternative for travelers and families looking to explore Israel's northern treasures. Beyond its renowned beaches and lake, the city is revealing itself as a destination rich in history, culture, culinary delights, and leisure activities, seeking to restore its status as a leading tourist hub.
History Brought to Life: From Dona Gracia to Maimonides
One of the city's most unique sites is the Dona Gracia Museum, located inside a concept hotel on HaPrahim Street. Designed to evoke the 16th-century palace of Dona Gracia Mendes Nasi, visitors can enjoy an app-guided tour and try on over a hundred period costumes for just 20 shekels per person. Another recommended stop for history enthusiasts is the Maimonides Heritage Center on Hacham Abulafia Street. Housed in a preserved basalt structure, the center showcases the philosopher's life and rare ancient manuscripts, including a 250-year-old Torah scroll written on deer hide.
Thermal Springs, Boutique Wine, and Ecological Cruising
Wellness seekers can visit the Hamat Tiberias National Park, featuring hot spring wading pools, an ancient Turkish bath, and stunning mosaics. Nearby, the Tiberias Hot Springs complex offers thermo-mineral waters at 60 degrees Celsius straight from the earth. Afterward, visitors can head to the Bereniki Boutique Winery for tastings and stories about the Roman era. For nature and adventure lovers, Israel's first electric wooden ship, the Korazim, offers quiet ecological cruises on the Sea of Galilee, alongside a modern skatepark overlooking the lake.
Culinary Highlights and Polynesian Beaches
No trip to Tiberias is complete without experiencing its local cuisine. The municipal market, particularly the fish market at the corner of HaPrahim and HaYarkon streets, offers fresh catches straight from the lake. For relaxation, the Bora Bora boutique beach offers a Polynesian-style cocktail bar with palm trees and bamboo, creating a resort-like atmosphere. Finally, the legendary Lido Beach remains the beating heart of local tourism, combining water sports, nostalgic restaurants, and authentic gatherings by the water.
