Netanya is one of the most popular beach areas in Israel. 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.
It 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.
In the 1990s, 60,000 immigrants from the former USSR became residents of Netanya.
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Netanya is not just a city, but a beautiful resort with modern buildings, boardwalks, a luxurious sea coast, numerous party clubs and interesting natural attractions.
Due to the well-developed infrastructure it is popular among foreigners and citizens of Israel.
Table of Contents
- What to See in Netanya
- Beaches in Netanya
- Cost of holidays in Netanya
- Weather in Netanya
- How to get to Netanya
What to See in Netanya
Since Netanya is a young city in Israel, there are fewer attractions here than in other cities of the country. Nevertheless, a holiday on the coast can always be diversified by visiting museums, walking along the city streets and parks, and even exploring ancient archaeological sites.
1. Independence Square
The main square of Neytanya is Independence Square, in Hebrew it’s called “Kikar a-Atzmaut”. After extensive repairs, the square became one of the main attractions and the heart of the city where important events are held and where residents 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 Netanya, where everyone takes photos as a keepsake.
The main attraction of Independence Square is a fountain shaped like a blooming lotus. In the evenings, it is illuminated by multi-colored lights and looks fantastic. In hot summer days, children play around in the spraying water.
Near the fountain there is a small pond containing exotic fish.
2. Yad-leBanim Memorial Complex
No other country in the world except Israel has led such a long and constant struggle over the past 500 years, 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 car with the number “Munchen 12 246” was installed in the park, which was used by the Nazis to transport Jews to concentration camps during World War II.
The park has many unusual sculptures, which are unique attractions in themselves. 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.
3. Caesarea National Park
The most significant historical attraction that you can see in Netanya is the Caesarea National Park. It’s picturesque photos are a wonderful advertisement for the city.
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 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 building stood on a peninsula that went far into the sea. The terrace and columns that connected the mainland to the palace have survived to this day. The palace itself is now almost completely under water, but quite a bit is still visible. For example 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 there are other things to do besides exploring historical sights.
- 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, for it is one of a kind in the whole world. There are 4 diving stations equipped and prepared for divers to explore all that has sunk under water.
- The movie show “Journey Through Time” lasts only 10 minutes, but manages to show the centuries-old history of Caesarea.
Traveling to Caesarea Park
Caesarea Park is located near Neytanya and you can get there by car, bus or train. It is most convenient to get on the train that depart Netanya railway station every 30 minutes. The journey time is about 20 minutes, and the ticket costs 20.5 shekels.
Opening times:
- 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 is paid. An adult ticket is 49 shekels, a student ticket is 33, and a child ticket is 24. The ticket allows you to visit the National Park with a tour of ancient historical sites and viewing the program “Travel Through Time”.
4. 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, the collections are in buildings and outside.
Children also have something to do in Utopia park. They can enjoy the musical fountain, take a walk in the butterfly garden and see the birds and animals in the tropical zoo. One of the parrots in the zoo – a large blue-orange – even speaks a few words.
You can get to Utopia park by bus number 33, which leaves from the central bus station of Netanya. You need to get off at the last Kibbutz Bahan stop on this line. Travel time is about an hour, the fare is 12 shekels. Group tours to the park are also conducted by the singular travel agency of the city for 165 shekels per person.
Entrance to Utopia park is paid: for adults 59 shekels, for children from 2 to 12 years old – 44 shekels.
Opening times of the park (the last entrance is possible 1.5 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.
Beaches in Netanya
Netanya has some of the best beaches in 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 – are free for all visitors.
The city of Netanya is lies on a limestone cliff, which is 15-40 m above sea level. In order to get to the sea, you have to go down this cliff via comfortable stairs. There are also elevators with glass glazing.
The sand on Netanya’s beach is soft, the coast is shallow, and the entry into the water is gentle and comfortable. All beaches are wide and very well maintained. Rescue stations are functioning everywhere, there are free changing cabins, freshwater showers and toilets. For a pleasant stay, you can always rent sun loungers and umbrellas.
1. Blue bay beach
The Blue Bay beach lies north on the coast of Netanya. Rocks and small cozy bays are located along its perimeter. There are no big waves and it is always quiet, which makes this beach good for fishing.
2. Zanz Beach
This beautiful beach is located next to Blue Bay, next to the water sports club. It is fenced and constantly guarded. It can be reached conveniently on steps lead from the cliff to the shore.
Zanz is meant for practicing Jews and has entry rules based on Jewish principles. It is closed on Saturday (Shabbat in Israel). During the rest of the week, men and women are allowed here at different times, never together.
- Women: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 08:30 to 13:00, as well as Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13:30 and almost until sunset.
- Men: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 13:30 until sunset, and also on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 08:30 to 13:00.
3. Onot Beach
Take the steps that are laid directly from Shaken Alley and they will take you down to Onot beach.
This beach 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 its territory, that regularly organizes diverse entertainment events.
4. Sironit A Beach
Sironit A, considered one of the central recreation areas in Netanya, is open from 06:30 in the high season.
There is fitness equipment available for beach-goers. On Fridays, during the daytime DJs perform here, there is salsa dancing, and master classes in applied arts.
This beach is equipped for people with disabilities and wheelchair ramps are present. The wheelchairs are available at the rescue station.
5. Sironit B Beach
This is one of the most popular beach areas of Netanya and it attracts many visitors. The beach is open from 08:30 until sunset.
Nearby there is a spacious paid car parking for unlimited time during the day:
- on any day of the week 15 shekels,
- and on Saturday and holidays 25 shekels
From June to August, from Netanya’s central bus station, you can get to Sironit B 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, or take a panoramic elevator for a modest fee of 2 shekels.
Breakwaters are installed on Sironit Bet to protect the coastline from waves.
6. Herzl Beach
Herzl Beach is a most natural continuation of Herzl Street, which reaches Independence Square and then smoothly blends into the coastline. Due to the fact that Herzl is located north of Sironit B, its visitors have the opportunity to use 2 different 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 also a basketball court.
Herzl Beach is accessible for people with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available at the rescue station with special exits.
7. Amphi Beach
Amphi beach, located next to Herzl beach, got its name thanks to the amphitheater located above it.
Beach-goers are allowed to come here with surfboards, catamarans, jet skis – its a water-sport friendly area. You can also rent a kayak, jet ski, windsurf and banana boat equipment.
From here sails Tornado, the fastest ship in Israel. It is designed for 12 passengers. You can go on a sea cruise along the entire Netanya coastal strip from north to south and back.
The Tsvet Sineva Sea Sports Center operates here, and there is also the Tseva a Thelet store, where they sell the necessary equipment and conduct diving and surfing lessons.
8. Argaman Beach
This is a very beautiful, fairly modest in size, yet uncrowded beach. It is ideal for those looking for some quite beach relaxation.
9. Poleg Beach
This beach is located in the southern part of Netanya where the cliff ends and you can go down to the water via a staircase without any difficulties.
On the beach there are various sports equipment, playgrounds for indoor soccer and beach volleyball. On Fridays from June to August, beach soccer competitions are held here among the best athletes in Israel. At the northern end they usually go in for water sports like yachting, jet skiing, etc.
Cost of holidays in Netanya
Compared to other large cities in Israel, in Netanya, holidays are a little cheaper. Food and alcohol prices are quite moderate and so are the hotel rooms. These decisive factors make Netanya very popular among local youth.
Price of Hotels in Netanya
There are a lot of hotels in Netanya, almost all of them are located near the sea. Some on the beach and some across the road with rather high traffic. There are 5* luxury hotels in the city, but still many more 2-3* hotels. 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 cost.
- At the Leonardo Plaza Netanya hotel which is located 350 meters from the sea, prices start 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 with rooms from $110
- For $100 a night you can stay at the Mizpe Yam hotel, located in the first block from the sea.
Many tourists who come to holiday in Netanya, prefer to live in rental apartments or rooms. The cost of short-term rental of such housing mostly depends on its area and location. The most expensive will be housing in the most prestigious areas, those adjacent to the sea, and areas of Netanya with a good infrastructure like Kiryat Hasharon, Ir Yamim and Ramat Poleg.
For half the price you can rent apartments in more remote areas such as in Kiryat Nordau. The cost of living per day for two people:
- In Luxury Rooftop apartments in Netanya with one bedroom, located 1.5 km from the beach elevator, 1.6 km from Herzl beach – $190
- In an apartment 5 minutes from the sea with two bedrooms, located in the city center, 500 meters from the beach and the coast of the elevator – $90
- Studio apartment with one bedroom with view of the sea and 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.
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 in Netanya
The city of Netanya in Israel attracts thousands of tourists with its mild, comfortable climate.
The hottest season 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 practically does not happen. 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 to 23 ° C), and it is very comfortable to walk to the sights.
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.
Read more: Best times to visit Israel
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 to Netanya 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 in the morning are much more frequent at every 30 minutes, but you will have to make a transfer in Tel Aviv at the Universitet station – the first such departure is at 05.35 hrs, the last at 21.37 hrs. 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 railway 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 to Netanya 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 the 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 ride.
All prices on the page are from March 2019.
