Netanya, Israel: Details of the City and Attractions

Netanya (Israel) is one of the most popular resorts of the state. It is located by the Mediterranean Sea, almost in the center of the Sharon Valley, at a distance of 30 km from Tel Aviv.

Netanya is quite young: in 1929 it was founded by immigrants from Eastern Europe and was then considered an agricultural settlement, and only in 1948 it was given the status of a city.

Netanya covers an area of 28,455 km² with a population of more than 200,000 people, making it the seventh most populated city in Israel.

Interesting! In the 1990s, 60,000 immigrants from the former USSR became residents of Netanya.

Netanya is not just a city, but a beautiful resort with modern buildings, boardwalks, a luxurious sea coast, numerous party institutions, interesting natural attractions. Due to the well-developed infrastructure for recreation, it is popular among foreigners and citizens of Israel.

Interesting sights of Netanya

Since Netanya is a young city in Israel, there are fewer sights here than in other cities of the country. Nevertheless, rest on the coast can always be diversified by visiting museums, walking along the city streets and parks, and even exploring ancient archaeological sites.

Independence Square

The main square of Nestania is Independence Square, in Hebrew it sounds "Kikar a-Atzmaut". After extensive repairs, the square became one of the main attractions of the city and its “heart”, where important events are held and where citizens come to relax and walk.

A small pedestrian part of Herzel Street goes directly to the square, and 4 bronze figures of Jewish musicians are installed on the site of this "exit". This is the first place in the center of one of the most popular resorts in Israel - Netanya, where everyone takes photos as a keepsake.

The main pride of Independence Square is a fountain shaped like a blooming lotus. In the evenings, it is illuminated by multi-colored lights and looks fantastic, and on hot summer days, under its streams, children scamper with a screech of joy.

Near the fountain there is a small pond populated by living exotic fish.

Yad-leBanim Memorial Complex

No other country in the world except Israel over the past 500 years has led such a long and constant struggle, defending its right to exist. Yad-leBanim Park is dedicated to all those Netanya residents who died in the Israeli freedom wars.

The Wall of Memory is striking with a list of names of dead soldiers, and the terrible thing is that every year new names are added here.

In memory of the Holocaust, a railway wagon with the number "Munchen 12 246" was installed in the park, which the Nazis used to transport Jews to concentration camps during World War II.

The park has many completely unusual sculptures, which are considered unique attractions. Perhaps they have no artistic value, but are notable for the fact that they were created from the details of military equipment sent to the scrap.

Caesarea National Park

The most significant historical attraction that you can see while relaxing in Netanya is Caesarea National Park. His picturesque photos are a wonderful advertisement of the city of Netanya in Israel.

Interesting! Caesarea Park, which has no analogues on our planet, in the early 2000s became the most visited attraction in Israel.

Ancient Caesarea was founded and built by King Herod, and during Roman rule became the main city of Jewish autonomy. Here are just the most significant of those magnificent archaeological sites that are now in the park:

The reef palace is the remains of a magnificent palace from the heyday of Byzantium and Rome. The construction stood on a peninsula that went far into the sea. The terrace and columns connected the mainland to the palace - they have survived to this day. And the palace itself is now almost completely under water, quite a bit is visible: a large northern hall and western chambers with adjacent corridors.
The amphitheater is a well-preserved building for public entertainment, consisting of an arena and 12 semicircular rows of stone seats for 10,000 spectators.
The 6,000-seat theater is the oldest attraction of its kind in Israel.

In the National Park you can find something to do and besides exploring historical sights, there are a lot of different entertainments and opportunities for interesting informative rest:

The restored section of the park, known as the "colony of artists." There are several art galleries, the Wine House, a photo gallery and numerous souvenir shops.
Golf club of the international level, which has no equal in Israel.
The underwater archaeological park is a very special attraction, the analogues of which are not only in Israel, but throughout the world. There are 4 diving stations equipped and prepared for the inspection of 25 various ancient objects that have sunk under water.
The clip-show "Journey Through Time" - it lasts only 10 minutes, but manages to show the centuries-old history of Caesarea.

Caesarea Park is located near the city, you can get there by car, bus or train. It is most convenient to get on the train - they go from the Netanya railway station literally every 30 minutes, the journey time is about 20 minutes, and the ticket costs 20.5 shekels.

The attraction is open to visitors:

in April-September from 9:00 to 18:00, on Friday and on holidays from 9:00 to 16:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00;
in October-March from 9:00 to 16:00, on Friday and on holidays from 9:00 to 15:00, on Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00.

Entrance to the territory of this attraction is paid: an adult ticket is 49 shekels, a student ticket is 33, and a child ticket is 24. A ticket allows you to visit the National Park with a tour of ancient historical sites and viewing the program "Travel Through Time".

Utopia Park

Another attraction located near Netanya is Utopia Park, which covers an area of 40,000 m².

There are a lot of diverse tropical vegetation, and orchids bloom year round. Since there are a lot of plants, and all of them require different conditions for growth, that is, collections in buildings and on the street.

Children also have something to do: admire the musical fountain, take a walk in the butterfly garden and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the tropical zoo. Hand-held parrots live in the zoo, and one of them - a large blue-orange - talking.

You can get to the park by bus number 33, which leaves from the central bus station of Netanya. You need to get off at the last Kibbutz Bakhan stop on this line (travel time is about an hour, the fare is 12 shekels). You can visit the park with a group tour - they are conducted by the entire travel agency of the city for 165 shekels per person.

Entrance to the territory of the attraction is paid: for adults 59 shekels, for children from 2 to 12 years old - 44 shekels.

Schedule of the park (the last entrance is possible one and a half hours before closing):

Sunday-Thursday, Saturday and holidays - from 8:30 to 17:00;
Friday and days before the holidays - from 8:30 to 15:00.

Features of a beach holiday

Regarding the beaches, Netanya can be considered a peculiar attraction of Israel: in terms of the length of the beach strip (14 km) it surpasses all other resorts. All coastal recreation areas - there are 9 of them - municipal; rest on them is free for all visitors.

The city is spread on a limestone cliff, which is 15-40 m above sea level, and in order to get to the sea, you have to go down from this cliff. For this purpose, comfortable stairs are equipped, there are elevators with panoramic glazing.

Interesting! A high rocky cliff along the entire coastline is a kind of observation platforms from which very attractive sea landscapes open.

The sand on the coast is amazing - soft, shallow, and the entry into the water is gentle and comfortable. All beaches are wide, very well maintained. Rescue stations are functioning everywhere, free changing cabins, freshwater showers and toilets are installed. For a pleasant stay, you can always rent sun loungers and umbrellas.

Interesting! The first to relax at the resort were members of the British Army. And this despite the fact that both Arabs and Jews saw the invaders in them.

Beach blue bay

Blue Bay occupies a northern position on the coast of Netanya. Rocks and small cozy bays are located along its perimeter. There are no waves, it is always quiet, which is suitable for fishing.

Cans Beach

This beautiful beach is located next to Blue Bay, next to the water sports club. It is fenced, constantly guarded, convenient steps lead to the shore from the cliff.

Rest on the Tsanz takes place according to special conditions that meet the principles of believers. It is closed here on Saturday (Shabbat in Israel), and the rest of the week men and women are there at different times.

Women: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 08:30 to 13:00, as well as on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13:30 and almost until sunset.
Men: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 13:30 until sunset, and also on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 08:30 to 13:00.

A-Onot Beach

Steps are laid directly from Shaken Alley, along which you can go down to A-onot.

This place to stay in Netanya is usually chosen by young people who like to listen to music and dance. There is a restaurant with a dancing minibar on the territory, whose management regularly organizes diverse entertainment events.

Sironit Alef Beach

Sironit Alef, considered one of the central recreation areas, is open from 06:30 in the high season.

At Sironit Alef, fitness equipment is available for holidaymakers. On Fridays, during the daytime, DJs perform here, dance salsa, and master classes in applied art.

This beach is equipped for people with disabilities: special slopes are provided, wheelchairs are available at the rescue station.

Sironit Bet Beach

This is one of the most popular beach area of Netanya in Israel, which attracts many visitors. Rest here is possible from 08:30 and almost until sunset.

Nearby there is a spacious car park, where such rates are valid (for unlimited time during the day): on any day of the week 15 shekels, and on Saturdays and holidays 25 shekels. From June to August, from Netanya's central bus station, you can get here by bus number 13, which runs from 6:00 to 19:00.

You can go down to the sea both on foot along the steps, and take a panoramic elevator for a modest fee of 2 shekels.

Breakwaters are installed on Sironit Bet to protect the coastline from waves.

Herzl Beach

Herzl Beach in the most natural way continues Herzl Street, which reaches Independence Square and smoothly passes into the coastline. Due to the fact that Herzl is located north of Sironit Bet, its visitors have the opportunity to use both elevators to go down to the water and paid parking.

It is almost always crowded here. People who like sports and active pastimes prefer to visit this recreation area. There is a free fitness center on site and a basketball court.

Herzl Beach is accessible for people with disabilities: wheelchairs are available at the rescue station, special exits are equipped.

Amphi Beach

Amphi, located next to Herzl, got its name thanks to the amphitheater located above the beach.

Amphi is allowed to come with surfboards, catamarans, jet skis. Here you can rent a kayak, jet ski, windsurf, banana.

From here, the fastest Tornado ship in Israel, designed for 12 passengers, is sailing. On it you can take a walk along the sea near Netanya, along the entire coastal strip from north to south and back.

The Tsvet Sineva Sea Sports Center operates here, as well as the Tseva a Thelet store, where they sell the necessary equipment and conduct diving and surfing lessons.

Argaman Beach

Very beautiful, fairly modest in size, not crowded beach. Ideal for lovers of a quiet relaxing holiday.

Poleg Beach

The flight is located in the southern part of Netanya, where the cliff ends and you can go down to the water without unnecessary difficulties.

On the territory there are various sports equipment, playgrounds for indoor soccer and beach volleyball. In June-August, on Fridays, beach soccer competitions are held with the participation of the best athletes in Israel. At the northern end they usually go in for water sports: yachts, jet skis, etc.

Prices for holidays in Netanya

Compared to other large cities in Israel, in Netanya, holidays will cost a little cheaper. Food and alcohol prices are quite moderate (as for Israel), and hotel rooms are also one of the decisive factors why this resort is very popular among local youth.

Cost of living

There are a lot of hotels in Netanya, almost all of them are located near the sea: partly in the front page, partly across the road with rather high traffic. There are 5 * luxury hotels in the city, but still 2-3 * hotels prevail. The level of service is high, but overall slightly lower than in Tel Aviv. You can rent a double room for the night in high season for the following money:

Leonardo Plaza Netanya Hotel

at the Leonardo Plaza Netanya hotel, which is located 350 meters from the sea, prices from $ 210;
The 30-story Island Suites with private pool offers spacious suites from $ 215;
Kikar Hotel is located 200 meters from the sea coast, not far from Independence Square - rooms from $ 110;
for the same money you can stay at the Mizpe Yam hotel, located in the first line from the sea.

Many tourists who come to this resort in search of a relaxing holiday, prefer to live in apartments, apartments or rooms in the private sector. The cost of short-term rental of such housing most directly depends on its area and location. The most expensive will be housing in the most prestigious, adjacent to the sea, areas of Netanya with a rich infrastructure: Kiryat Hasharon, Ir Yamim and Ramat Poleg. Half the price you can rent apartments in more remote areas, for example, in Kiryat Nordau. The cost of living per day for two people:

Netanya sea studio

in apartments Luxury Rooftop in Netanya with one bedroom, located 1.5 km from the beach elevator, 1.6 km from Herzl beach - $ 190;
5 Minutes From The Sea two-bedroom apartments located in the city center, 500 m from the beach elevator and the coast - $ 90;
Studio apartment Netanya Sea with one bedroom, the distance from the beach elevator and the coast less than 1 km - 110 $.

When planning to go on vacation to Netanya, it is advisable to take care of the accommodation in advance. Booking.com site is perfect for this purpose: here you can see the interior of hotels and apartments in the city of Netanya in the photo, read the reviews of former guests.Find out RATES or book any accommodation using this form

Cost of food

A huge number of cafes and restaurants are located in the area of the main square of the city - Independence Square. Very often on the billboards at the entrance to Netanya's catering establishments they post photos of ready-made dishes and present a complete menu with prices in Hebrew, English and Russian. Before ordering dishes, it makes sense to estimate the portion sizes - as a rule, they are large, because eating in Israel is comparable to a national sport.

Estimated prices:

food in an inexpensive restaurant for one person -15-17 $;
3-course dinner for two in a mid-level restaurant - $ 55;
McMeal at McDonalds or a similar snack in a similar institution - $ 14;
cappuccino - $ 3.5.

Weather conditions at the resort

The city of Netanya in Israel attracts thousands of tourists with its mild, comfortable climate.

The greatest heat here is observed from the beginning of June until the end of September, when the air temperature reaches an average of +30 ° C, and the sea warms up to +28 ° C. Precipitation during this period is practically non-existent. This is the high season when beach holidays are in full swing.

Those who do not like extreme heat should come to Netanya in April-May or October. It’s warm at this time, you can lie on the sand and bask in the sun, and it’s quite possible to swim (water temperature + 20 ... +23 ° C), and it’s very comfortable to go sightseeing.

Even in winter, this resort in Israel is quite possible to relax. During the day, the air temperature never drops below +17 ° C - for walking and exploring local attractions it is quite comfortable. But it is worth considering that from November to March is the rainy season in Israel.
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How to get to Netanya

Foreigners who plan to relax in Netanya usually fly to Ben Gurion Airport, and from there they get directly to the resort. Although you can first call in Tel Aviv and get acquainted with its main attractions, and from there go to Netanya.

How to get from Ben Gurion Airport

It is best to travel from the airport by train, the railway station is located on the lower floor (S) of Terminal 3. During the night, 7 direct trains leave for Netanya, they travel every hour, the first at 22.37, the last at 4.35. Departures take place in the morning much more often, every 30 minutes, but you will have to make a transfer in Tel Aviv at the Universitet station - the first such flight is at 5.35, the last at 21.37. Even with a change, the journey takes no more than an hour. A ticket costs 24.5 shekels, you can buy it at the station at the box office or ticket machine. You can check the relevance of the timetable and prices on the Israeli Railways website - www.rail.co.il/ru.

You can also go to Netanya from the airport by bus. Such a trip has only one advantage - it allows you to save a little, but there are more disadvantages: it lasts twice as long in time, you have to make not very convenient transfers, buses go much less often.

How to get from Tel Aviv

It is convenient to travel from Tel Aviv to Netanya by train or bus.

You can travel by train from different stations of the city: ha-Hagan, ha-Shalom, Merkaz-Tsentralnaya, and Universitet. At night, trains leave 1-2 times per hour, and from early morning they go much more often - there are flights every 10-30 minutes. In time, the road lasts about 30 minutes. Travel from any station in Tel Aviv costs 13.5 shekels, you can purchase it at the box office or ticket machine. Check the relevance of the timetable and fare on the official website of the railway of Israel - www.rail.co.il/ru.

The most convenient bus flights from Tel Aviv to Netanya (Israel) are offered by the Tahana Merkazit Central Bus Station. Buses No. 825, 852 and 910 go to Netanya railway station, and from there local buses No. 15, 22 and 23 go to the city center. There are direct flights to the center of Netanya: No. 600, 602 and 605. Buses run at intervals of 20 minutes, the ticket price is 10-17 shekels. When planning a trip, you need to consider that on Saturday and other holidays, buses do not travel.

All prices on the page are for March 2019.