White limestone cliffs along Israel's northern coast contain sea caves and grottos accessible by cable car. Clear Mediterranean waters crash against the rocks at this border point.
Rosh HaNikra sits at Israel’s northwestern edge, where Mediterranean waves crash against white chalk cliffs carved into winding sea caves. Take the world’s steepest cable car down to these formations—a 60-degree ride with views stretching toward Haifa Bay and the Galilee hills. Walk through tunnels shaped by seawater over thousands of years, part of a protected area where loggerhead turtles nest and birds like the European bee-eater rest during migration. Nearby, a kibbutz grows avocados and runs a biotechnology lab, and paths along the coast lead to beaches and remnants of old railway tunnels from the 1940s. This border area with Lebanon mixes dramatic coastal shapes with stories of farming and defense, visible in the cliffs and the community’s daily life.
The Sea Caves and Cable Car Ride
Rosh HaNikra’s sea caves formed as waves eroded soft chalk rock over thousands of years. Earthquakes widened cracks in the cliffs, letting water carve twisting tunnels that now stretch 200 meters inland. Workers dug a 400-meter tunnel in 1968 just above sea level, letting visitors walk directly into the caves. The cable car drops 70 meters at a 60-degree angle, taking less than two minutes to reach the base. From the cabin’s glass windows, you see white rock against blue water, with Haifa visible to the south on clear days.
The Kibbutz and Its Work
The nearby kibbutz started in 1949, farming bananas and avocados before opening Israel’s first commercial plant tissue-culture lab. After becoming privatized in the 2000s, it now operates Rahan Meristem, a company that clones crops like dates and flowers. Tours explain how the community shifted from growing crops to developing biotechnology. Members also manage the caves’ ticket office and restaurant, and the kibbutz’s location—meters from Lebanon—highlights its role in Israel’s northern security.
Walking and Riding Along the Coast
A paved path south of the caves connects to Achziv National Park, passing small bays and rock formations. Rent a bike or electric cart to travel the 4-kilometer route, which weaves past shallow pools and low shrubs. From April to October, a small train runs on Saturdays for 40-minute trips with details about local plants and past conflicts. For more adventure, try cliff rappelling or join a guided truck tour into rocky areas. After dark, the kibbutz organizes lantern-lit walks through the caves to spot bats and owls.
Film and Visitor Resources
Watch a 10-minute film in the visitor center before exploring the caves. The video uses footage of waves and maps to explain how earthquakes and erosion shaped the cliffs. Audio guides come in six languages, matching the film’s subtitles. Maps in the center highlight protected zones like the Rosh HaNikra Islands, where seabirds nest. Staff share updates on summer concerts held on the cliffs or temporary closures during stormy weather.
Visiting Details
Rosh HaNikra is 10 minutes north of Nahariya by car, with parking at the site. It opens Sunday–Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closing earlier on Fridays and holidays. Your ticket covers the cable car, cave access, and the film. Wear shoes with grip for the cave walkways, which stay damp from sea mist. Diners Barosh restaurant at the site prepares grilled fish and salads overlooking the water, and a snack bar sells falafel. Check online for closures when waves block cave access.
