Named in honour of the first-century Roman emperor, the Israeli town of Tiberias is a picturesque destination located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The town is known for many things besides its natural beauty, including for its hot springs and important holy sites. It’s been a favourite vacation destination with Israelis for a long time and is increasingly attracting large numbers of overseas visitors.

With some truly beautiful natural surroundings, Tiberias is a holiday destination with broad appeal. Family visitors can enjoy picnicking and relaxing in parks and nature reserves, while energetic types can avail of the numerous walking and hiking opportunities in the same locations. When the sun is beating down, everybody enjoys cooling off in the refreshing waters of the Sea of Galilee.

Tiberias has plenty to offer sightseers and cultural enthusiasts, especially those visitors with an interest in religious sites. The Mount of Beatitudes is among the most popular holy sites, while for visitors wanting a lively ambience and some pretty views, the town’s promenade is the ideal place to head to.

The town is well-developed and home to good infrastructure, which includes excellent dining and accommodation options. For eating out, visitors will find some excellent venues at which to enjoy the popular falafel dish as well as other local favourites. There are venues at which to enjoy international dishes also, so dining can be as varied an experience as you choose.

Accommodation choices are ample for a destination of this size and there are establishments to suit most budgets and tastes. At the top of the range are hotels such as the Sheraton Moriah Tiberias and Rimonim Galei Kinnereth. Booking online in advance is the best way to secure a room at a discount. As a general rule, the standard of accommodation in Tiberias is high.

Getting here involves flying into Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and transferring by land for the remaining distance, as Tiberias does not have its own international airport. If you are already in the country you can take advantage of good national bus services provided by the efficient Egged bus company.

Tiberias sits at a low altitude and as a result its climate errs on the warm side with only the mountainous areas in its surrounds experiencing cold weather in the winter season. Rainfall is heaviest in December and January and lowest in July and August.

Summer (June to September) is high season in Tiberias although some visitors may find the blistering heat uncomfortable. The late spring and early autumn months may well be a better option for those who prefer cooler weather. Winter is wet but mild and visitors looking to escape a cold European or North American season might find this a good time of year to visit.