4 Best Sights in Haifa and the Northern Coast, Israel

This beautifully maintained stretch of sand in the Achziv National Park is north of Nahariya, on the road to Rosh Hanikra. Beside the ruins of the ancient settlement of Achziv are two huge lagoons along the shore, one shallow, the other deep. There are also watchful lifeguards and playground facilities. In July and August, turtles lay their eggs on the beach. You can picnic on the grassy slopes or make use of the restaurant. Enter at the second sign for Achziv Beach, not the first. For NIS 63 per person, you can camp here overnight. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

A bit north of Achziv Beach is this nature reserve with abundant vegetation, shade-giving trees, and the ruins of an ancient olive press. In season, a lifeguard is on duty on the beach, but otherwise there are few frills. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard. Best for: solitude, walking.

This church dedicated to St. Lazarus features an elaborate, 17-color mosaic floor, discovered in 1964, that depicts peacocks, other birds, hunting scenes, and plants. It was part of what experts consider one of the largest and most beautiful Byzantine churches in the Western Galilee, where Christianity spread from the 4th to the 7th century.

Nahariya's public bathing facilities at Galei Galil Beach are ideal for families. Apart from the lovely beach, facilities include an Olympic-size outdoor pool (closed in winter), heated indoor pool, wading pool, playground, and clean changing rooms. In peak season, the beach has exercise classes early in the morning. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.