HAIFA
HAIFA
There is a famous Israeli saying: "Haifa works, Jerusalem prays and Tel Aviv plays". This is not strictly fair for Haifa, the third largest city in the country. While it is home to Israel's largest and busiest port and has an unavoidably lively and commercial air, there is also a real tourist feel to it. The center stretches over the steep and lush face of Mount Carmel, the promenade is lined with wide sandy beaches and restaurants are famous throughout Israel.
Unlike Tel Aviv, relatively secular, and Jerusalem, deeply religious, Haifa is a multicultural community of six faiths living side by side. The skyline of Haifa is covered with minarets and church spires, and the beautiful Baha'i gardens - a large green path cascading down the hill - is the city's most famous landmark.
Haifa and the port of arrival for a walk to the rocky hills of Galilee and its associated biblical attractions to the east - as well as Akko, directly on the glittering bay, with its magnificent crushed city - What a destination on its own. Other attractions in the region include Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights (where Israel, Syria and Jordan connect).
Although Haifa is as compact as a port, it's just as hilly as San Francisco, so grab your walking shoes. Shops and restaurants tend to be clustered - shopping malls are large - but if you want to discover street life, you can't miss the restored German Templar Colony at the foot of Baha'i Gardens.
