Haifa’s German Colony

We kicked off our vacation at the Golden Crown Hotel, right at the gateway to Haifa’s German Colony-a 19th-century Templer village full of history, and one of several German Colonies in Israel. From our room, the sea view over the harbor was stunning, and the back view? The breathtaking Bahá’í Gardens.

Ben Gurion Avenue, the colony’s main street, bursts with cafés and restaurants buzzing with life from morning till late at night. From the bottom of the street, you look straight up at the 19 terraces stretching a full kilometer, crowned by the Bahai Garden golden-domed shrine at the center.

Louis Promenade itself is a must—come during the day for the view, and at night for the magical city lights.

When you finish—whether at the top or bottom—just grab a bus (115, 136, 30, 31, or 23) for only 8 shekels and ride back to your starting point.

Complementing Haifa’s Bahai Gardens, the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh—better known as Akko’s Bahai Gardens—stands as the holiest site for Bahá’í faith. As of January 2026, visitors can explore the Akko Bahá’í Gardens Monday through Thursday from 09:00 to 16:00. Access to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh is available only between 09:00 and 12:00. Modest clothing is required.

Stella Maris: The Monestry & Elijah cave

Perched on one of the peaks of the “French Carmel,” Stella Maris Monastery is home to a Carmelite monastery and chapel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The name “Stella Maris” (“Star of the Sea”) was given in the 1920s by the Spanish consul during the construction of the nearby lighthouse, and was later adopted by the Carmelite Order. In Catholic tradition, Stella Maris is also a title of the Virgin Mary, regarded as the protector of sailors and seafarers.

The Carmelites deeply revere the prophet Elijah, seeing him as the ultimate defender of faith in the one true God. According to Carmelite Christian tradition, Elijah hid here on the mountain before his dramatic fire showdown against the prophets of Baal at Muhraka Monastery. Some traditions even place his hidden chamber inside the chapel itself.

According to Jewish tradition, however, Elijah’s Cave is located lower down the mountain slopes. The cave, revered in Judaism as the true hiding place of Elijah, recently reopened after a major renovation and remains one of Haifa’s most important religious landmarks.

Getting to the lower mountain slopes is part of the experience: you can take a steep 15-minute downhill walk, or ride the scenic cable car down to Bat Galim Beach, enjoying spectacular views across the bay along the way.

IDF Naval Museum at Bat Galim

Right by the beach, the Israeli (IDF) Naval Museum is a hidden gem—think real submarines, missile boats, and plenty to explore. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel like a kid again walking through and inside these massive vessels.

Entry is about €5 per adult—definitely worth it. Set aside at least three great hours to explore and remarkable the experience.

We wrapped up our visit at Dona Rosa, a bohemian-style Argentinian restaurant that serves meat dishes—a perfect ending to a creative day for for carnivores.

The Muhraka – AKA Mount Carmel’s Horn

Mount Carmel’s Horn—better known as the Muhraka—is a standout peak in the southeastern Carmel range, rising 474 meters above sea level. It’s about three kilometers southeast of the Druze town of Daliyat al-Karmel and roughly seven kilometers east of Ein Hod.

According to tradition, this is the very spot where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal during the reign of Ahab, King of Israel. After three years of drought—prophesied by Elijah to have come as punishment for Israel’s turn toward foreign worship—Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a dramatic showdown. Fire descended from heaven onto Elijah’s offering, while the prophets of Baal failed to receive any sign from their god. The event ended with Elijah’s victory and the execution of the prophets of Baal before the gathered crowd of Israel.

Following this event, a monastery was built here in 1867 by Carmelite monks from Europe. They saw Elijah as the ultimate symbol of devotion, passion, and total commitment to God—qualities reflected in his stand against the prophets of Baal.

Today, the monastery offers one of the most impressive 360° views in Israel from its rooftop balcony—stretching from the Jezreel Valley in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, south toward central Israel, and north toward Mount Tabor and beyond.

The church within the monastery is modest, peaceful, and quietly inviting.

We recommend combining your visit with a short trip to nearby Daliyat al-Karmel, where you can enjoy warm Druze hospitality, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and a colorful, lively local bazaar.