The Sea of Galilee has had a variety of names since biblical times, but in modern Israel, it’s called Lake Kinneret. Regardless of its name, the Kinneret is the focal point of Galilee. This beautiful freshwater lake is lined with ideal places to relax: beaches, camping grounds, cycling trails, and walking tracks, as well as an assortment of historic, archaeological, and religious attractions. Many of the places around the lake, such as Tabgha and Capernaum, are holy sites for Christians, the locations where Jesus is believed to have performed miracles. The newest attraction at the Kinneret is Aqua Kef, an inflatable floating water park, with trampolines, slides, and climbing walls.
The Sea of Galilee, also Kinneret, Lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias, is the largest freshwater lake in Israel, and it is approximately 53 km (33 mi) in circumference, about 21 km (13 mi) long, and 13 km (8.1 mi) wide. The lake has a total area of 166 km2 (64 sq mi), and a maximum depth of approximately 43 m (141 feet). At 211.315 metres (693.29 ft) below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake overall (after the Dead Sea, a saltwater lake). The lake is fed partly by underground springs although its main source is the Jordan River which flows through it from north to south.The picture shows a Pilgrim’ s boat on the lake. Photo by Itamar Grinberg.
Itamar Grinberg / Israeli Ministry of Tourism
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Relax and Have Some Lakeside Fun
The Sea of Galilee has had a variety of names since biblical times, but in modern Israel, it’s called Lake Kinneret. Regardless of its name, the Kinneret is the focal point of Galilee. This beautiful freshwater lake is lined with ideal places to relax: beaches, camping grounds, cycling trails, and walking tracks, as well as an assortment of historic, archaeological, and religious attractions. Many of the places around the lake, such as Tabgha and Capernaum, are holy sites for Christians, the locations where Jesus is believed to have performed miracles. The newest attraction at the Kinneret is Aqua Kef, an inflatable floating water park, with trampolines, slides, and climbing walls.
Dining at Decks
Decks has been named the best restaurant in Northern Israel by the Frommer’s travel book and I could say indeed it is. It is set on a long deck jutting out over the Sea of Galilee with wonderful vistas and refreshing breezes. This corner of the restaurant became my sanctuary overlooking the Sea of Galilee where I had dinner of St. Peter’s fish, lamb chop and chips while sipping local wine. But while waiting for the food, I read Luke chapters 8 and 9 that happened around this lake 2000 years ago. The restaurant’s quite expensive but for the view and the biblical relevance, it was all worth it.
Sunset on the Sea of Galilee
My first trip abroad. Breath-taking views and I’m in awe of the natural beauty. I look forward to MANY MORE trips abroad, especially Europe... I love to experience the local essence of distant destinations. -Cheryl Hill
