Tiberias – Tourist Information

Located on the shores of Lake Kineret in the north of the country, Tiberias is Israel’s lowest city at 200 meters below sea level and it attracts thousands of tourists and travellers.

This area has been a popular destination for tourists for over 2000 years. As early as Roman times this thriving recreation spa, built around 17 natural mineral hot springs more than 600 ft. below sea level, extended a warm welcome to visitors from every part of the ancient world.

Visitors discover a lively tourist city offering a variety of attractions and activities for every age. The city has 30 hotels including luxury hotels alongside bed and breakfasts and youth hostels. Most hotels are located on the beach and offer vacationers a real treat. Expansive lawns, a water park for the whole family, restaurants and bars, and extreme water sports are just a sampling of guest offerings.

Built by Herod Antipas, the city was named Tiberias in honour of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Tiberias plays an important role in Jewish history. It was part of the land bequeathed to Naphtali (Joshua 19:35). In the Mishnaic and Talmudic period, Tiberias was an important spiritual centre. The Sanhedrin (the High Court of Israel during the Second Temple period) relocated to Tiberias from Sepphoris, and the Talmud was compiled there. A Samaritan centre existed in Tiberias in the middle of the 4th century. The early pioneers established some of Israel’s first kibbutzim (collective farms) at the turn of the century in this area.

From the Old City and the promenade, the central boardwalk stretches up to downtown. This is a lively commercial centre teeming with varied restaurants, cafes, overflowing pubs, ice cream parlours and souvenir shops. In the summer, the area is particularly crowded and bazaars are accompanied by contemporary music. Near the boardwalk, colourful horse-drawn carriages offer visitors a slightly different tour of the town.

On the other side of the boardwalk is Tiberias’s famed fish market. The fishing industry is highly developed and dozens of fishing boats head onto the lake every morning, returning brimming with fresh fish for sale at the local market. Close to the market is a popular falafel complex that attracts thousands of hungry visitors seeking the hot, fresh, tasty morsels. Falafel stand owners will be happy to offer taste tests in the hopes you choose their wares for your lunch.

Across from the falafel stands is a large municipal auditorium in which events, celebrations and concerts are open to the public.

Tiberias also offers the Dona Gracia Museum, which tells the story of Gracia Nasi who used her considerable wealth to save many Jewish refugees of the Spanish Inquisition and build a Jewish city in Tiberias. The castle is a museum, divided into halls that tell her story and that of the period through rich visuals, scenery and the sounds of the Renaissance, which offer a royal experience.

South of the Old City is Hamat Tiberias National Park, which includes seventeen hot springs whose 60-degree Celsius waters are infused with approximately 100 minerals with unique therapeutic qualities that can be found only here. The site’s healing capabilities have been known for 2,000 years and the baths have attracted people since time immemorial. The waters from the springs feed the renowned Tiberias Springs spa. The spa offers several thermo-mineral pools, luxurious body treatments and unique health treatments as well as the quiet atmosphere and the beautiful view of Lake Kineret.

For further information call Superstar Holidays direct on 0207 121 1500 or 0161 834 6553 or e-mail us from our contact us page.

“Dear Superstar Holidays
Thanks for recommending an extra excursion to the Galilee while we were in Israel recently. It brought back memories of our childhood and reluctantly going to bible classes on a Sunday afternoon. Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum where Jesus lived for some of his life, Peter’s house, loaves and fishes, walking on water, it all came flooding back. I also have to say the Church of the Beatitudes has to be the most spiritual place I have ever visited” Once again thank you. Mr. Robert Jones (retired), Cardiff.