Whether you are living in Haifa, a resident of the area, or come from far away – the amazing Haifa beaches are the perfect place to visit during the summer. To help you choose which beach in Haifa is best for you, we have collected here all the relevant information to create the perfect Haifa Beach guide. Read further and enjoy a safe, pleasant, and refreshing trip.
Best Haifa Beaches
Here is a guide to all the beaches in Haifa.
Dado Beach and Zamir Beach
Dado Beach is the most popular beach among Haifa residents, and not in vain. This beach has a long and beautiful promenade that includes a variety of attractions, as well as restaurants and cafes that offer service on the waterfront and contribute to a vibrant and young atmosphere.
Dado Beach extends from the Hof Hacarmel station of the Israel Railways to the Leonardo Hotel, located on its northern side. The declared beach strip for bathing extends from the south side of the student beach and along 400 meters and includes 4 lifeguards. Adjacent to the beach there is an organized and large parking lot, which also includes places reserved for the disabled.
Along the promenade are placed benches for the well-being of visitors and wide lawns where you can relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere, and in addition, there are comfortable chairs that can be used free of charge on the beach line. It is important to note that the north beach is wheelchair accessible, including a sloping descent to the beach that allows easy access, and there are even adapted showers and toilets.
During the summer, many events take place on Dado Beach, whether on behalf of the municipality or at various private events. On weekends, a mass public dance session takes place on the promenade and attracts a large and diverse crowd, in a paved and comfortable plaza. There is also a famous amphitheater next to the sea, and during the summer holidays, there are activities for children and the whole family. In addition to all this, the beach promenade is characterized by fitness enthusiasts who walk along with it and exercise in the gym facilities spread out along it.
On the south side of the beach is the camping site where you can light a fire and there are stone benches. As this is one of the few declared beaches along Haifa shore where you can light a fire, the place attracts many young families and it is bustling with life throughout the day. You can also find a beach volleyball court in the southern part of the beach, with all the necessary equipment.
It is important to note that to maintain the safety of the visitors on the promenade, both walkers and runners, cycling on the promenade is strictly prohibited. It is also worth noting that the beach has a forbidden area for racket games (the famous Israeli “Matkot”), and bathing is prohibited in areas that are not designated for this.
Neve Yam Beach (Bereshit Beach)
Neve Yam beach is a pastoral and quiet beach, a really lovely corner where you can take a deep breath and relax. The beach is located on the western side of Kibbutz Neve Yam next to Atlit, and a short drive from the northern exit of the Carmel Tunnels. The beach is ideal for families and children, and also for those who want to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and everyday life. A few minute’s drive from the beach there is a water park with slides and facilities (entrance to the park complex is paid).
Neve Yam beach is a declared beach, with a special structure, which extends over a kilometer of white sand and calm sea thanks to the curved shape of the shore and the line of rocks that delimits it. Only part of the beach is a declared beach which includes rescue services, this section is slightly narrower and about 75 meters wide. Thanks to its geographical location, in days of good visibility, can be seen far into the Mediterranean, as far as Cyprus. The rocks on the west side of the coast create a spectacular and special sight, as water splashes on the rocks at the rate of the waves.
The beach is well maintained and clean, and visitors from all over the country come to it thanks to the regulated parking that is there. The entrance to the beach is free of charge. In addition to rescue services, Neve Yam Beach also has a restaurant, kiosk, toilets, and showers. Another option for spending time at the beach is renting kayaks and rowing boats, at an additional cost. In addition, a few dozen meters away and outside the declared beach area, you can find a shallow lagoon suitable for children, supervised by adults of course.
It is important to know that like other declared beaches and to protect the unique natural values of Neve Yam beach, the stay is allowed only during bathing hours and overnight camping can not be done at the place.
Carmel Beach (Meridian Beach)
Carmel Beach is a beautiful quiet bathing beach, located at the northern end of the Carmel Beach promenade, at the foot of the adjacent Leonardo Hotel. The declared bathing beach extends over 40 meters of pleasant sands, and on its side is a breakwater that allows it to be relatively comfortable even on days when the waves are high.
In the coastal strip between the waterline and the road, you can find a beach volleyball court and a beach soccer field for the use of visitors. Other unique beach sports attractions are kayaking or kayaking lessons by the water sports club located in the beachfront shopping complex. In addition to water sports, many running groups are active on the Carmel coast, and it also has fitness facilities scattered on the beach.
Carmel Beach is adjacent to Dado Beach, so the promenade adjacent to the beach connects the two beaches. This fact allows for a continuous walk along the sea, which connects later to the promenade of Hecht Park. Along the entire promenade, there are pubs and restaurants alongside benches and meadows so you can always stop and rest for a cup of coffee or ice cream.
Like the other declared Haifa beaches, the beach has toilets and showers, as well as shade and deck chairs, but the toilets are open during bathing hours only.
The northern part of the beach includes a rocky stretch of beach adjacent to the promenade, which is not suitable for bathing but spectacular in its beauty. You can sit on the rocks, try to fish, or just watch the sunset and the clear water and enjoy an atmosphere of calm and serenity.
The parking lot is located south of the beach and is located near the lawn on which many bathers choose to place tents for an overnight stay.
The Student Beach
The Student Beach is the southernmost declared bathing beach in Haifa. The beach is especially popular with young people in Haifa, and thanks to its convenient parking and proximity to the main roads, many people come to it on hot summer days, and also in winter.
The beach is one of the newest Haifa beaches, as was declared open for bathing only in 2015, and considerable efforts were invested in it to prepare it for a proper beach to the high standards of Haifa. Along the beach, there are shade sheds and deck chairs, as well as clean and new toilets and showers, which have been installed in it for the benefit of the bathing public.
The beach is located south of Dado Beach and maintains a simple, non-commercial character. The beach strip is clean and not artificial, which allows you to enjoy a wide and beautiful, and sometimes even wild beach strip. The coastal strip continues uninterrupted to Atlit, a distance of about 10 km, and you can often see groups of boys and girls in fitness training for the army, as well as runners of all ages who enjoy a quiet and unique experience.
In the southern part of the beach, there are several sand hills, some of which have large vegetation which provides shade. You can spread out hammocks among the bushes, and enjoy a clean and well-kept beach, all within walking distance of the capital of the north.
Thanks to the width of the beach strip, many activities can be held at the same time, and it is not uncommon to see “matkot” players, birthday celebrations, children building palaces in the sand, people sunbathing and also kite-surfing, who share the beach with great pleasure.
At the beginning of the beach, there is a restaurant and a stall selling drinks and popsicles, but many of those who come to this beach prefer to bring food and drink ahead of time as it is an ideal beach for a quiet picnic. In addition, the place hosts activities for children and young people during the summer holidays, as well as a variety of performances and various festivals, such as the “Beer City”. In the past, Student Day took place on this beach, hence its name, but today Student Day celebrations take place at the Haifa University or the Technion, and only the name remains.
Naot Beach – Kiryat Haim Beach
Naot Beach (or in its old name “Kiryat Haim Beach”) is located in the northern neighborhood of Haifa, Kiryat Haim. From the beach, there is a spectacular view of Haifa Bay, and you can see the houses of the city that is built on the evergreen mountain.
Along the area declared for bathing, there is a paved promenade that is 350 meters long, which attracts many walkers that enjoy walking along with it almost on the water, without getting dirty from the sand. Many benches and wooden sheds are scattered throughout the promenade, allowing those who wish to do so to rest along the way and view Haifa from a variety of vantage points. In the place, you can find a kiosk in the style of yesteryear where you can meet the veterans of the neighborhood who spend their free time playing backgammon.
The beach has in recent years undergone a massive restoration during which the promenade was renovated, rehabilitated and the sea sand cleaned, and the facilities for public welfare were replaced and renovated. Some indoor toilets and showers are open during bathing hours, a variety of play facilities for children, as well as the option to rent deck chairs and umbrellas. In addition, next to the beach is a hill with nice grass, where you can have picnics and birthday parties for children on pleasant summer nights.
Along the road parallel to the water line, you can find pubs that are open in the evening and offer a waterfront entertainment experience in the evenings. Public fitness facilities can also be found near the promenade.
Not far from the beach you can reach the entertainment center of the Krayot, Achi Eilat Street, located on the eastern side of the neighborhood where you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes, ice cream parlors, and more.
Hof Naot is named after the Minister of the Environment between the years 2001-2003, the late Yehudit Naot, who was born in Kiryat Haim.
Kiryat Yam Beach (Zevulun Beach)
Kiryat Yam beach is one of the calm and beautiful declared beaches north of Haifa, which is located north of the coastal strip of Kiryat Haim and Naot beach in the municipal area of Kiryat Yam.
The beach has undergone significant renovations and upgrades in recent years, having suffered from extensive neglect. Today the beach is pleasant inviting, and fun to visit – whether for a swim in the sea or for sitting in a kiosk and enjoying a cool ice cream on a hot day.
In the past years, a beautiful public park was built on the site, commemorating the memory of the late singer Arik Einstein, which includes wide and clean lawns for the benefit of the public where a mythological whale statue stood.
In addition to pleasant and inviting benches scattered along with the two parts of the beach, at the entrance to the beach, there is a bar restaurant offering a variety of food and drink products, as well as a toilet and shower open during bathing hours.
The south side of the beach includes benches, shade sheds, a lighted public promenade, a children’s playground, and public gym facilities. Along this side of the beach, some rocks almost touch the coastal strip, which allows one to sunbathe in relative privacy. This site is adjacent to Einstein Park and is a convenient option for a short, leisurely walk for those seeking a respite from the family picnic.
The northern side of Kiryat Yam beach is more sporty and is dedicated to water sports. The beach has a surf club, as well as a beach volleyball net. In addition, water sports classes for teens and children are held by prior arrangements.
Bat Galim Beach
Bat Galim Beach is a declared beach located in the north of the Bat Galim neighborhood. It is a small and quiet neighborhood beach bounded on both sides by breakwaters. For those who pass by in the area, it is very easy to miss this unique beach, because it is located in the heart of a residential neighborhood and the road leading to it passes between the streets of the neighborhood. The beach is quiet and homely and not crowded with attractions, but it gives peace to those looking for the small beaches and without the hustle and bustle that characterizes the other bathing beaches.
The beach is very clean and well maintained, and includes a lawn, shade sheds and chairs. At the entrance to the beach there is a small kiosk with benches with a warm and kind neighborhood atmosphere.
Like other Haifa beaches, there is a surfing and diving club offering training and rental services. In addition, Bat Galim Beach has fitness facilities, as well as a fenced basketball court, open until 21:00.
The eastern side of the beach is impressive and includes a boating dock and a small fishing deck, on which fishermen stand with fishing rods and enjoy the calm and quiet atmosphere of the sea. On the west side of the bathing beach, you can find the old “Casino” hotel building, which years ago was a luxurious tourist attraction and included a seawater pool. The pool no longer exists but the building still stands as reminiscent of the days when Bat Galim was a thriving tourist neighborhood.
Immediately after the historic hotel begins a spectacular promenade that allows for a quiet and pastoral walk along the rocky shore. Birds and fish can be spotted, as well as enjoying benches inside stone arches spread out along the promenade, or on the grass. The promenade is adjacent to the front of the Bat Galim neighborhood, and along with it, there are impressive Arab stone houses with architecture typical of the place.
At the beginning of the promenade there are several restaurants and cafes, and at its other end is the unique cable car site to Haifa. At the foot of the cable car, there is another restaurant, and after the meal, you can take the cable car up the mountain, to the observation point near the Stella Maris Church, and from there look out over Haifa Bay in all its glory and strength. On days when visibility is good, you can see the port of Acre from there.
Haifa Beaches – Summary
This was our guide to Haifa beaches.
In Haifa, you can see the Mediterranean Sea in its deep blue colors from almost anywhere in the city, because the city buildings extend gradually on Mount Carmel. But, unlike any city in the world that stretches on a mountain overlooking the sea, the sea of Haifa can be seen on both sides of the mountain – since Haifa Bay surrounds Mount Carmel to the west and east.
This is one of the things which makes Haifa so beautiful, and you cannot think of Haifa without thinking of the sea.
Any other questions, comments, or remarks? write us in the comments below!
