Kinarot Valley and the Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee (Hebrew: Yam Kinneret) is the largest freshwater lake of Israel. It is a picturesque lake located in the east of the Galilee region, (at the other side of the lake is the Golan Heights). The area is, of course, best known for its Gospel associations with the life and ministry of Jesus. As such, it forms a natural destination for pilgrimage among all varieties of Christians. Its beaches are also a prime recreational spot for Israelis and foreigners alike.

Cities

• Tiberias - with its various archaeological remains

Other destinations

• Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) - diverse landscapes and settlements around the lake, many with connections to the life of Jesus

The following sites are listed roughly from north to south.

• Korazim - a Talmudic town with the remains of a beautiful basalt synagogue
• Capernaum - the house of Peter as well as a marvelous ancient Roman synagogue
• Mount of Beatitudes
• Church of the Multiplication at Tabgha - the Primacy Church and a church retelling the Gospel account of the miracle of Jesus Feeding the Multitude. (open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM, Saturday 9AM to 3PM)
• Hurvat Minnim - an Umayyad palace remains, north of Genossar
• Genossar - the site of Jesus Boat Museum
• the mountain of Arbel forms a magnificent viewpoint over the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding areas. A steep trail leads from the peak to the Sea of Galilee. A castle dating to the Roman period is nestled in the cliff, partway down the trail. Beautiful, but not for those scared of heights.
• Horns of Hittin - where the crucial battle over the Holy Land took place between the Mameluks and the Crusaders
• Kinnarot Cemetery overlooking the See of Galilee
• Degania - the first Kibbutz. It houses Gordon House which is a regional museum of nature and prehistory.
• Museum of Yarmukan Culture - a small museum documenting the Levant's most prominent Neolithic culture. Located in Kibbutz Sha`ar Hagolan.
• The Jordan River Baptismal Site A Christian site not to be missed. It is to be remembered, though, that the baptismal site described in the Gospels is situated a few miles away in Jordan. Bring swim wear and a robe if you plan on having a baptism in the river. An excellent restaurant is on premises: "Tmarim" palms fusing French cooking techniques with local Canaanite ingredients.
• Go kayaking on the Jordan river (further down the road from the Baptismal site)
• Tel Yareah and Tel Kinnarot - two ancient tels

Understand

Sea of Galilee

Eat

Tilapia zilli (redbelly tilapia, "St. Peter's fish"), served in a Tiberias restaurant

Go next

• Galilee
• Golan Heights
• Beth Shean Valley