The Rosh HaNikra sea caves stand at the northernmost point of Israel’s Mediterranean coast, at the Lebanese border. The majestic white chalk cliffs have tunnels and grottoes hollowed out by underground tremors and waves crashing against the rocks for thousands of years. In the past, the grottoes were only accessible from the sea, and they were used by pirates, smugglers, and armies. Today Rosh HaNikra’s magical labyrinth of grottoes is a popular Israel tourist attraction.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Visitors can tour the caves of Rosh HaNikra thanks to excellent facilities including a cable car that takes you down the side of the cliff to the cave entrance. The cable car is at a freakish angle and is said to be the steepest and shortest cable car in the world. Follow the well-maintained trail stretching for 200-meters through the grottoes, and gaze out at the turquoise sea as it splashes up into the white caves.
What to Do at Rosh HaNikra
- While you’re touring Rosh HaNikra, take a look at the remains of the railway line that linked Haifa and Beirut from 1942 to 1947. With the outbreak of the Israeli War of Independence in 1948, Israel blew up the western end of the bridge, in fear that the railway would be used to bring troops from Lebanon.
- You can see a short film presentation about the history of Rosh HaNikra.
- From Rosh HaNikra there are sweeping views down the length of Israel’s coastline. And you can take a walk along the sea promenade to Akhziv Beach.
- On a private tour of Rosh HaNikra, tourists can visit other northern Israel attractions such as Haifa, Caesarea, and Acre.
