Shavei Zion: Beach, Trail and History

A small, quiet beach, a trail above the sea and traces from different periods give Shavei Zion several points of interest. Shavei Zion’s beach is considered small and quiet. There is also a hiking trail with Nahariya as its destination, as well as memorial sites and archaeological finds. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether coastal atmosphere, outdoor activity or the settlement’s history should shape your visit. You can also tailor your search for a holiday apartment to the experiences that matter to you.

History and Memorial Sites

The founders of Shavei Zion came from Germany in 1938. The first house built in the settlement served as Haganah headquarters and as a station for the guards. These two historical functions gave the early house a dual role in the settlement’s history.

The Grove of the Fallen was established near Shavei Zion’s cemetery. At the entrance stands a stone wall with a light-colored plaque set into its center; stone planters with plants stand on either side. A monument at Shavei Zion’s beach commemorates Shayetet 13. It consists of twelve kurkar stones brought from Malta; the names of the fallen are recorded on a memorial stone at the monument. The monument is partly accessible on foot. The grove near the cemetery and the monument on the beach create distinct settings.

At the First Settlers’ Hut, photographs show the settlement’s fishermen, its first pupils, the founders, the recorder orchestra and the choir. There are also photographs of children from the early kindergarten. A guided heritage tour with Judy, the settlement’s archivist, focuses on the first settlers and their way of life. If you plan to take this tour, check its availability before your trip.

Archaeological Traces and Coastal Trail

The archaeological garden at Beit Yehoshua in Shavei Zion contains a remnant of an oil press from Nahal Beit HaEmek, agricultural tools, a lattice from a Byzantine church and a drainage basin from an oil press. Agricultural objects are thus displayed alongside an architectural element from a church. The remains of the Byzantine church in Shavei Zion also include columns overlooking the sea and a mosaic floor.

The hiking trail begins in Shavei Zion and ends in Nahariya. It follows a gravel path above the sea, passes Nahal Beit HaEmek and connects to the Nahariya promenade. It therefore links the coastal settlement with a specific destination in Nahariya. If you include the trail in your day’s plans, bear in mind that it ends there, not in Shavei Zion.

Archaeological Sites in the Northern District

The broader destination of the Northern District offers further archaeological sites. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the upper city. Among its notable features is Solomon’s Gate, a gate with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. Tel Hazor also preserves an excavated shaft 45 metres deep. At Tel Megiddo, the orthogonal city plan from the Iron Age has few parallels in the Levant. These regional sites broaden the perspective on history, while in Shavei Zion the focus is on the settlement’s history, memorial sites and local finds.

Discover more destinations: Peki'in HaHadasha, Kiryat Shmona, Bar'am, Julis, Gilon, Ashdot Ya'akov Meuhad, Nazareth Illit and Kfar HaNassi.

Return to the broader travel overview: Northern District.