The slow-pedalling cyclists of Nahariyya epitomize the even-tempered,
unharassed attitudes of the people of this resort town. Founded by Jews from
Germany fleeing Europe in 1934, Nahariyya has ever since been characterized by
its neat and tidy houses and the politeness of its shopkeepers. During the last
few years it has earned a reputation as a night-life centre for U.N. troops
stationed across the Lebanese border. Nahariyya has some 42,000 inhabitants. In
1980 it achieved global recognition of sorts when an international windsurfing
competition was held here. The sailing centre is north of the beach.
The main street is Sderot Ga'aton, spliced down the middle by the
Ga'aton River and thickly overlaid with the branches of spreading eucalyptus
trees. The town derives its name from this brook as the Hebrew for river is
``nahar.'' One of the delights of staying here is to amble down Sderot Ga'aton
sit at one of the sidewalk cafes and munch on the creamy confectionery that is
so popular. Another popular pastime is to take a ride on the horse-carriages,
colourfully bedecked for the benefit of honeymooners and other vacationers.
Sderot Ga'aton leads directly onto the Galei Galil Beach. There is a
heated, closed swimming pool on the beach, next to an Olympic-sized open pool
and the children's pools. At the end of the main street is a new promenade,
overlooking the sea. There the visitor can find restaurants, pubs, and
children's amusements, besides sea sports such as sailing and surfing.
But all the surface calm masks the industrious nature of the residents.
Down in the industrial sector there are plants for dairy products, machine
parts, and asbestos, as well as a spinning mill. Before leaving Nahariyya, make
sure to visit the roof of the Town Hall for a fine view of much of the Western
Galilee. This shows how marvellously situated it is, close to Akko, Rosh
Haniqra, the Crusader castles at Montfort and Yehiam, and the hills of Upper
Galilee.
In the same building there is also a Museum of Archaeology and Modern
Art and a Museum of the History of Nahariyya. Open: Sun. - Thurs. 10 a.m. -
noon. Sun. - Wed. 4 - 6 p.m. Admission free. The remains of a fine Byzantine
church can be seen in Bielefeld St., near the Katznelson School. Tel.
(04)9823070 for advance reservation.
Nahariyya's climate is a delightful mixture of sea breezes and mountain
air during the summer, making it a favourite holiday resort teeming with
vacation crowds. Tourist Information Office: 19 Sderot Ga'aton, tel. (04)
9879800. Open: Sun. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 4 - 6 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m. - noon.
Closed Sat. Anyone wishing to meet the locals is invited to contact the
Municipality, tel. (04)9879811) which will gladly arrange home visits.
The road clings close to the coast and within a few kilometres leads
past the golden sands of Akhziv. A fee is charged at the entrance to this
remote beach with full facilities, including showers and restaurant. On the
mound overlooking it, on the seashore, are the wistful-looking ruins of an Arab
village, deserted since the War of Independence.
Kibbutz Gesher Haziv (Bridge of Splendour), with its comfortable Guest
House, is set on the hill opposite Akhziv. One of the largest turkey breeders
in the country, this settlement takes its name from a sabotage mission at the
bridge over the Keziv River, just north of Akhziv. Fourteen Hagana men died
when this bridge was blown up in June 1946 as part of a country-wide campaign
to disrupt British communications.
The road passes Lehman Village, named in honour of a former Governor of
New York, Herbert H. Lehman. Soon after, it forks left for the chalk-white
limestone cliffs and the border post with Lebanon at Rosh Haniqra. In the area
there is a diving school, a camping site (Akhziv), and a youth hostel. This is
the southernmost point of a range of hills along the Mediterranean coast, known
as the Ladder of Tyre (which is in Lebanon).