The Sea of Galilee, the lake where Jesus Christ legendarily defied the forces of nature and Israel’s main water source, is one of the leading northern attractions in Israel

The Sea of Galilee or the Kinnereth (the Kineret), a place of great religious importance to Christianity, is the only freshwater lake in Israel and the lowest freshwater lake in the world. This lake, 33 miles in circumference, is Israel's main water source (and at times a source of great worry in this relatively dry country). On the lake itself you will find a selection of restaurants and a variety of fun attractions, among them the Luna Gal water park; the quaint city of Tiberias; Kibbutz Ein Gev, which takes visitors on a cute little train ride of the kibbutz and offers a well-known restaurant and a Fishing Museum; Degania, the first kibbutz in Israel and the world, where you will find the Founders’ Yard and a pleasant cafe.

Naturally, there are also many hotels and places to stay in the Kinnereth area, such as the famous Scots Hotel, the comfortable YMCA, the pleasant German Hostel and other places. However, one of the main draws for oversea tourists, especially Christian pilgrims, must be the Christian attractions, the most prominent of which are Tabgha, Capernaum and The Mount of Beatitudes.

The Sea of Galilee Christian Sites

The Church of the First Feeding of the Multitude at Tabgha is a simple church that has a beautiful mosaic depicting "the miracle of the bread and the fish" which dates back to the Byzantine era. Next door, you will find St Peter's Church (the Chapel of the Primacy), where, according to tradition, Jesus crowned Peter to be his first apostle. The national park of Capernaum (Kfar Nakhum), includes the remains of an old synagogue dating back to the 3rd century, a Franciscan Monastery, and the Church of the Twelve Apostles, which belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church and boasts impressive red cupolas. The Mount of Beatitudes, a small church built during the first half of the 20th century, is another attraction for Christian tourists. The church commemorates the Beatitudes, the eight blessings traditionally offered by Jesus in this exact spot, with its octagonal shape. Finally, if you are on a holy tour, you won’t want to miss Yardenit, the point where the Jordan River continues from the Sea of Galilee southwards and a place where many believers come to be baptized.