Routes and Rates
A light hiking trail along the coast at the edge of the country, ending at the stunning white cliffs of Rosh HaNikra. The trail, suitable for the whole family, allows for refreshing stops to dip in the sea, between magical lagoons and coves, with several small islands visible on the horizon. If we choose, we can finish the trail by ascending to the heights of Rosh HaNikra (entrance fee required) via the cable car or explore the white grottoes with their mesmerizing blue waters.
This trail, which begins at the entrance to the Akhziv National Park (without entering it), is suitable for a leisurely walk (about 5 km long) but is also excellent for families who prefer to shorten the journey to Rosh HaNikra by taking a relaxed drive with occasional stops at points of interest along the coast and dips in the sea. If you choose to walk the trail, it is recommended to leave a second car parked at the Rosh HaNikra parking lot or simply return all the way. For those hiking during the week, a bus can be used to return from the Rosh HaNikra cliff to the starting point (it is advisable to check the bus frequency in advance).
Right at the beginning of the trail, we will reach a bridge where the road passes over the Keziv Stream. We will go down under the bridge and see the memorial site established here in memory of 14 Palmach fighters (hence its name, Yad Yud-Daled) who were killed here during the “Night of the Bridges” in 1946 while attempting to blow up the two bridges that passed here over the Keziv Stream, thereby cutting off the Land of Israel from Lebanon.
The entire stretch of coast from here to Rosh HaNikra is characterized by limestone coves and many lagoons, where we can encounter a rich variety of local flora and fauna, including an abundance of crabs and marine mollusks (caution, the rocks are slippery and it is advisable to wear appropriate shoes). All of these provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore the marine world in the area.
Shortly after the Keziv Stream, we will see an iron monument that shows signs of time today. This is the immigration monument of Yichiel Shami from Kibbutz Kabri, standing in place and resembling the bow of a ship.
As we head north, if we raise our gaze towards the sea, we can spot three small islands in the distance. This fact will surprise many Israelis who are unaware that there are islands along the shores of Israel as well. The three islands we see (named Shachaf, Tchelet, and Nachlieli) are located about a kilometer from the shore and are designated as nature reserves, serving as nesting sites for seabirds, so it is prohibited to land on them to avoid disturbing the nesting.
After crossing the mouth of the Betzet Stream, we will reach the northernmost bathing beach in Israel – Betzet Beach. After we exit its area, the beach becomes rockier, and the sharp-eyed may spot rock hyraxes among the rocks by the sea – there is no other place in the country where one can encounter rock hyraxes right on the shoreline. We will arrive at the cutout in the limestone where the road continues to the parking lot at the foot of the Rosh HaNikra cliff, while hikers will turn beforehand towards the cutout to the staircase leading to the lower parking lot of Rosh HaNikra and from there to the upper parking lot – from which there is an impressive view of the stretch of coast that led us here.
If we arrive at Rosh HaNikra during opening hours (entrance to the site is paid), we can admire the unique white cliffs that drop directly into the sea from a height of 70 meters. The name of the site comes from the unique natural phenomenon of the place – deep grottoes that penetrate the white cliffs, creating a charming maze into which the waves of the sea enter and crash within. To descend into the mysteries of the grottoes, we will use the cable car on site (the steepest in the world, according to the operators) which will take us to a path that will lead us between tunnels and bridges above the grottoes, allowing us to marvel at the enchanting turquoise colors and the play of light and water within the white grottoes.
Difficulty Level:
The trail is mostly flat, paved, and easy to walk. The trail is indeed exposed to the sun and has no shade, but one can splash in the sea at the various lagoons along the trail, which are protected from the waves. Betzet Beach is the only section of the coast on the trail suitable for swimming.
Duration of Walk:
The trail along the coast is 5 km long and takes about two to three hours at a leisurely pace or about an hour by car with stops for dips and exploring the surroundings. For a visit to Rosh HaNikra, it is recommended to allocate an additional two to three hours.
Directions:
We will head north from the Carmel Tunnels at the Kiryat interchange and continue on the Kiryat bypass road until the Kiryat Naaman interchange. At the end of the Kiryat bypass, we will merge onto Route 4 north, passing through the Acco East junction and passing by Nahariya. 4.5 km north of the Nahariya junction, we will pass the entrance to the Ziv Bridge. From here, we will measure another 400 m and turn left (carefully!) into the parking lot of the Akhziv National Park. Immediately after the turn, we will turn right and reach the scenic road of Rosh HaNikra.
*The information is provided as a public service; the details mentioned in the article may change from time to time.