Rosh Haniqra - geologic formation in northern Israel; white chalk cliff face which opens up into spectacular grottos
Rosh Haniqra (Hebrew: ראש הנקרה "head of the rock caves"; also transliterated Rosh Hanikra) is a dazzlingly white coastal rock cliff formation on the far northern coast of Israel, next to the Lebanese border.
Understand
Rosh Haniqra is the northernmost point on the Mediterranean shore of Israel, the place where the chalk mountain ridge meets the sea essentially marking the (still hot!) border with Lebanon to the north. Despite its precarious location, visitors are safe (being mostly underground) and are rewarded by the sweet smelling limestone caverns and emerald-blue pools. The immediate coast is studded with inlets, lagoons and small beaches. On a clear day, the city of Haifa can be seen to the south.
The meaning of the words could be interpreted as "head of the cliff cave".
Get in
Buses 32 and 33 from Nahariyya go to the site, about 6 times a day. The trip is about 10 km each way, so it may be affordable by taxi if several people are travelling.
To get to Nahariyya, take the train/bus/sherut from Tel Aviv, Haifa or Akko.
Get around
Most of the area around the site and its beaches are in walking distance.
By cablecar
To get to the caves and the base of the cliffs a cable car operates throughout the year and is open daily 8:30–17:00.
See
- Rosh Haniqra, 33.0934°, 35.1043°, +972 73 2710 100, rosh_hanikra@rahan.org.il. 9:00–16/18:00 (winter & Fridays / summer & Saturdays). ₪45/36 adult / child, senior, disabled & soldier. Combined tickets for the Akko sites and the golf car usage at the bottom are available. To see the border with Lebanon and the cliffs from the beach is free
- A chain of grottoes has been carved out by the power of the waves at the foot of the chalk cliffs - these beautiful grottoes are the main attraction of Rosh Haniqra.
- Tours are available of the actual cave itself. You are able to walk around inside the caves and peek through different parts to see the water on the other side
- During the Second World War the British dug a railway tunnel 250 meters long and built a bridge, as part of the Haifa - Beirut - Tripoli railway track.
- Rosh Haniqra actually leads to the gates that lead to the border between Israel and Lebanon as well as a gift shop where you can buy something to take home to remember your experience
Just next to it:
- The Lebanese border in the north
- The Rosh Haniqra islands in the south
Do
Enjoy the beaches (e.g. Betset) near Rosh Haniqra.
Buy
Souvenir shops are available near the ticket office and inside the grottoes.
Eat
- The Cliff, 33.09326°, 35.10485°. This kosher restaurant is right next to the upper border with Lebanon. $$
Drink
Coffee and other beverages are available right next to the ticket counter.
Sleep
Accommodation can be found near the beach south:
- Rosh HaNikra Holiday Village, 33.0876°, 35.1080°.
- Beezet Beach (camping) (Betset), 33.08016°, 35.10659°. Not accessible in summer, but September to April. There are even some parasols (of the Banana Public Beach) there, against potential rain.
Go next
- Montfort castle 📍 can be found in the east, not far off.
- Nahariyya – the northern terminus of the coastal railway line and famous for relaxing by the beach.
- Akko – A historical city on the far north coast of Israel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a pilgrimage site for the Bahá'ís.
- Karmiel – A modern city on the road between Akko and Safed.