Things To Do
in Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā
Ma'alot Tarshiha sits in the Western Galilee, where rolling green hills meet a Mediterranean breeze. The town blends Jewish and Arab communities, offering a welcoming atmosphere, family-run eateries, and local arts. Its setting amid forests and valleys makes it a convenient base for exploring northern Galilee trails and historic sites.
In town you’ll find intimate markets, craft studios, and gateways to nature just beyond the hillside streets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a gentle stroll through Ma‘alot Tarshiha’s tree-lined main street, stopping at local bakeries to sample freshly baked burekas. Admire the mix of modern architecture and historic stone facades as shopkeepers set out their wares. Chat with friendly residents over a cup of strong Arabic coffee to get insider tips on hidden alleyways.
Visit the city’s modern art gallery to view rotating exhibits by emerging Israeli and Druze artists. Wander through the adjacent sculpture garden that overlooks the valley, capturing panoramic photos. Stop at a small bistro for a light mezze lunch featuring labneh, grilled vegetables, and za’atar flatbread.
As the sun dips behind the Galilee hills, head to a rooftop café to watch the golden hour glow on the town’s rooftops. Savor a bowl of mujaddara or shakshuka paired with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. Later, join locals in the central square for live folk music under string lights.
Take a short drive to a nearby Druze village and meet a local guide at sunrise. Learn about Druze traditions, customs, and faith in a welcoming family home. Taste fresh goat cheese while wandering through terraced orchards of olive and carob trees.
Participate in a traditional cooking workshop, preparing dishes like stuffed grape leaves (waraq enab) and mujaddara under the guidance of an expert cook. Enjoy your creations in a shaded courtyard overlooking rolling hills. Hear stories of Druze history passed down through generations.
Share a communal meal with your hosts, complete with soulful drumming and folk songs. Savor aromatic dishes flavored with wild mountain herbs and olive oil pressed just outside the village. End the night around a bonfire while sipping herbal tea and sharing tales with new friends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
| 🏨One-night stay in mid-range hotel | $100-180 |
| 🧺Weekly groceries | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural surroundings and easy access to northern Galilee trails
- Warm, welcoming local communities with rich cultural blends
- Compact towns with walkable centers and tasty, affordable food
- Good base for day trips to Safed, Nahariya, Tel Hai, and nature reserves
- Limited nightlife within Ma'alot Tarshiha itself; more options in nearby towns
- Public transport can be sparse; a car helps with regional exploration
- Some services may have limited English in more rural spots
- "Shalom" - Hello / Peace
- "Toda" - Thank you
- "Bevakasha" - Please / You're welcome
- "Slicha" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Eifo ha'sherutim?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping views of the Western Galilee valley, with red-tiled roofs, pine forests, and distant hills—best at dawn or sunset.
Seasonal waterfall and lush greenery; a great subject in winter and early spring when water flow is strongest.
Historic campus surroundings with panoramic Galilee scenery and dramatic skies.
Textured stone walls, wooden doors, and stair-stepped lanes—excellent for detail shots and golden-hour portraits.
Elevated vantage points along the ridge give expansive golden-hour landscapes over the Galilee.
Food in Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā
Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy chickpea dip drizzled with olive oil and served with fluffy pita; a staple in hummus shops across the region.
Must-Try!
Golden, crunchy falafel balls tucked into a soft pita with vegetables and tahini or hummus.
Eggs gently poached in a spiced tomato sauce, often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch.
Creamy strained yogurt spread, finished with za'atar and olive oil, eaten with warm bread or cucumbers.
Rice and herb filling wrapped in grape leaves, a common mezze option in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce, olives, cheeses, breads, and small bites like falafel and sabich from roadside stalls.
Fresh greens, herbs, dairy, baked goods, and street snacks; great for sampling regional flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a simple 'Shalom' (hello) or 'Boker tov' (good morning); a handshake is common in many settings. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Ask before photographing people or private spaces; be respectful in religious or private settings.
Be mindful of local customs in mixed Jewish-Arab areas; public displays of politics or religious symbols may be sensitive in some neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā
Ensure a smooth experience
In Israel, a tip of 10-15% in restaurants is common if not included; check the bill and adjust for service. Small tips for café service and taxi rides are appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash (NIS) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are abundant in towns and along main routes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with dry conditions; seek shade, carry water, and plan hikes for early mornings or evenings to avoid the heat.
Warm days and cooler nights; occasional showers begin later in the season; pleasant for outdoor activities.
Mild to cool with more frequent rain; trails can be slippery after rain, so wear waterproof footwear and layer up.
Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers; a popular season for outdoor exploration and photography.
Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā at Night
Hiking in Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with seasonal waterfalls and scenic river views; suitable for all levels, especially in spring.
Hilly terrain with panoramic Galilee views; a favorite for longer day hikes and photography.
Ancient ruins and lush riverine paths; rich in history and biodiversity.
Rolling landscapes and dramatic skies; ideal for dramatic landscape photography.
Airports
How to reach Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā by plane.
Israel's main international gateway; usually the starting point for international visitors; about 160-190 km from Ma'alot Tarshiha by road.
North Israel airport with regional flights; smaller than TLV but convenient for northern travel; roughly 100-120 km from Ma'alot Tarshiha.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix that contributes to a rich cultural fabric, bilingual Hebrew and Arabic usage common in daily life.
A family-friendly town with schools and local programs; nearby higher education options influence the community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across the region; local clubs and informal games are common in public fields and parks.
Seen in school and community centers; casual games and local leagues occur in nearby towns.
Public courts and extensive hiking trails attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ma‘alot Tarshīḥā.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries offer vegetarian options; request dairy-free where needed and confirm meat-free broths or stocks.