Sea of Galilee, Israel
Idea About: place
Country: Israel
View on Tiberias and Sea of Galilee
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Idea DescriptionGeneral Information
Country:
Israel (6)
Description
Sea of Galilee (a.k.a Lake Tiberias, or Lake Kinneret) is located near the Golan Heights in the north of Israel. Its surface is about 64 sq mi (166 sq km) ( 14 miles (23 km) long, and 3 to 7 miles (4.8-11.3 km) wide) and a maximum depth of approximately 141 feet (43 m). The Sea of Galilee is 700 ft (210 m) below sea level. It is the largest freshwater lake in Israel which takes water from the Jordan River and mineral springs, some of them hot, which give the water a slightly saline taste. Located at 210 meters below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest level lake in the world. The Jordan Great Rift Valley, where Sea of Galilee emerged, was formed by separation of African and Arabian tectonic plates. The Galilee region is divided into Upper and Lower Galilee. The major towns in Upper Galilee are Zefat and Tiberias; Nazareth is the largest town in Lower Galilee. Jews, Arabs, and Druze compose most of the population.The region is rich in agricultural areas producing grain and olives and modern cities. What Makes It Special
Since the time of the Byzantine Empire, the Sea of Galilee importance in Jesus' life made it a major destination for Christian pilgrims. According to the Bible, Galilee was the main scene of the ministry of Jesus. The towns of Tiberias and Nazareth, The Sea of Galilee, the countryside are mentioned again and again in the Gospels. Jesus himself was called the Galilean and his followers were from the local fishermen settlements. In the first century, at least 16 harbors were located on the Sea of Galilee with the largest near Gadaraand village. And as if nothing has changed for a thousand of years, it is fishing which is the main occupation of villagers on the shores of the Sea of Galilee nowadays. The beautiful landscape and changing character of the Sea of Galilee subjected to sudden storms, as described in the New Testament, attract people from all over the world to this ancient sacred place. Useful Visitor Information and Tips
You can have it all: beautiful landscapes and beaches, scenic routs, hiking and mountain biking trails and historic and religious sites in the region of the Sea of Galilee. From Tel-Aviv Airport it takes about 2 1/2 hours by bus to get to Tiberias. All the sites around the lake are accessible by car, bus or guided tours which start from Tiberias. If you drive a car you need one day to cover the region. Another type of transportation here is a mountain bike. If you enjoy this kind of activity, it may be an attractive and scenic way to go. A bike tour around the lake (55km) takes 5 - 6 hours. The best time to go is spring or fall when the temperatures are below 90F (in summer it can be 100F (38 C), but be prepared to sudden rains. Raincoat or umbrella can be helpful. All religious sights require no sleeveless tops, shirts or shorts. Places to visit: Yigal Allon Museum or Jesus Boat Museum, ruins of Magdala, town Capernaum where Jesus lived, Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes. Tiberias has perfect hotels and restaurants. On a budget use Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel from $90; the Caesar Premier Tiberias Spa hotel from $120 and more. Additional InformationTags: Capernaum; Golan Heights; Israel (6); Jesus (2); Jordan Great Rift Valley; Jordan River; Lake Kinneret; Lake Tiberias; Nazareth; New Testamen; Sea of Galilee; Tiberias; Yigal Allon Museum
Web Sites:
Egged - public transport operator in Israel
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