Beaches

Haifa's coastline is one fine, sandy public beach after another. They span 5 km (3 miles) of coast and have lifeguard stations, changing rooms, showers, toilets, refreshment stands, sports areas, restaurants, and a winding stone promenade. In the north are the Bat Galim and Surfers Beaches. Moving south, you come across the Carmel Beach, Nirvana, Zamir, Dado, Dado South, and the Students Beach. To be on the safe side, never swim when a lifeguard isn’t on duty. There’s parking at every beach, and all are free. All city beaches are reachable by local buses.

Carmel Beach. With its attractive boardwalk and beachside kiosks, Carmel Beach sits in front of the Leonardo Hotel at the southern entrance to Haifa. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming. Access via Andrei Sakharov St., South Haifa, Haifa, Haifa, 3508100. Free.

Dado Beach. On Saturday at Dado Beach, Haifa's longest stretch of sandy beach, Israelis of all ages come and folk dance to the delight of onlookers. You can also find exercise equipment, picnic areas, and a small bathing pool for young children The northern part of the beach is wheelchair accessible, as are the restrooms and showers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming. David Elazar St., South Haifa, Haifa, Haifa, 3508100. Free.

Hof HaShaket. North of the Leonardo Hotel, and next to the Rambam Medical Center, the quiet Hof HaShaket has separate gender days: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday for women; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for men; Saturday for everyone. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers. Best for: solitude; swimming. Entrance from Cheyl HaYam St., South Haifa, Haifa, Haifa, 3508100. Free.

Zamir Beach. Just next to Dado Beach, Zamir Beach is regarded as one of the best Haifa beaches, with fine golden sand and many amenities, including coffeehouses, restaurants, access for the disabled, and even Wi-Fi. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking. David Elazar St., South Haifa, Haifa, Haifa, 3508107. Free.