Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel, recognised in Arabic as Mount Mar Elias is a coastal mountain range in northern Israel. It dominates the Mediterranean coastline between Hadera and Haifa. Mount Carmel is not necessarily acknowledged for its height (550m above sea level) but noticed and renowned for its beauty. The range is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, meaning it is a protected area of importance. Extending views through the flat coastal plain against the Mediterranean to the West, the Alona and subsequently the Jezreel Valleys in the Galilee to the East are spectacular.

Why Mount Carmel?

In spring, over 650 species of plant flourish, vast pine forests cover the landscape and you can revel in Mount Carmel National Park, with ample bicycle and walking paths. The higher altitude of Mount Carmel is the mechanism for the considerable levels of rainfall delivering the richness of wildlife and conceiving colony that has existed here for millennia. Today, several charming villages and towns connect the slopes of Mount Carmel including Zichron Yaakov, whilst the banks of the far north are local to the city of Haifa.

Aforementioned Haifa is Israel’s third-largest city, situated on the northern slopes of Mount Carmel. The position of the city allows for magnificent views out across the Bay of Haifa. Situated by the lower slopes in Haifa are the Bahai Gardens (inscribed on the world heritage list in 2008), which expose the city’s newly restored German settlement.

Zichron Yaakov is part of the Haifa district and is distinguished as one of the first contemporary settlements identified in Israel, Zichron Yaakov advanced as a result of the sustained fertile soils of The Carmel, making it easy to cultivate the land to produce wine. Today, you are able to visit the vineyards and wineries in Zichron, neighboring Binyamina and experience walks through the beautiful center of the towns. Amidst the two towns, on the southern side of Mount Carmel is Ramat Hanadiv, boasting a beautiful memorial garden in commemoration of Baron Edmond de Rothschild a man noted especially for his duty in the advancement of this region, Caesarea, Wine Country, and Kibbutz.

Around a 10 minute car journey inland from Zichron Yaakov is the modest community of Bat Shlomo. A historic rural settlement which is yet to be refined or commercialized. The village itself includes small art galleries, a long established synagogue and a fabulous farm. On This farm cheese is produced and it possesses a quaint cafe.

Ein Hod is positioned between Zichron Yaakov and Haifa. Ein Hod, A prominent artist’s province on the slopes of Mount Carmel looks over the Mediterranean. Ein Hod’s modest streets are local to a vast amount of artists and artisans, many of whom welcome the public into their abodes and/or display their art to the public at the communal gallery in the center of the village.

The Carmel Mountain Nature Reserve spans over 80 acres, with hiking and biking tracks, presenting spectacular viewpoints with spectacles spreading as far as the Upper Galilee. Furthermore, Hai-Bar – a wildlife reserve located within Carmel Mountain Nature Reserve is an exceptional place where formerly extinct animals and birds from the area have been reestablished.

The Druze are an ethnoreligious minority collection who reside peacefully in Israel and are renowned for their warmth and generosity. They dwell mainly in Mount Carmel and The Golan regions. Visiting these particular villages offers not only an observation into their fascinating religion, but incredible food and an experience of their warm hospitality. Visiting and encountering this, is known as Druze Hospitality.