Jisr az-Zarqa can be explored through several distinct facets: the beach west of the town, the still-active fishing village, and traces of a long history along the Zarka River. To the north lies Gan Hashalom, a public park for walks, picnics and socializing. When planning your stay, you can choose between the coast, green spaces and historical sites.
Coast, park and nature
West of Jisr az-Zarqa is a beach used by local residents as well as tourists and other visitors. Gan Hashalom Park lies to the north of the town and serves as a meeting place, as well as a place for walks and picnics. The beach and the park offer different ways to spend your time: the coast on one hand, and a public green space on the other.
Nearby, a 1.5-kilometer hiking trail runs along the southern bank of Nahal Taninim within the nature reserve. Its clear connection to the riverbank sets it apart from places within the town. If you’re interested in this natural setting, you can take the trail’s length into account when planning your day.
Fishing village and historical traces
The fishing village of Jisr az-Zarqa was founded in 1922 and is still active. The town’s name also points to the area’s history: it is connected with an Ottoman bridge over the Zarka River, the Crocodile River. The mills built beside the bridge were still in operation after the founding of the State of Israel. The fishing village, the river’s name and the mills tell different chapters of the town’s history.
Nearby, Tel Tanninim preserves archaeological remains from various periods. These include the remains of a tower and a basin from the Crusader period, a Byzantine mosaic floor and an aqueduct. These finds give a visit a different historical focus from the story of the bridge and mills: here, evidence from several periods takes center stage.
Experience language and culture
Bridge to Arabic offers Arabic language and culture studies in Jisr az-Zarqa. The program includes meetings, educational tours, workshops and meals. If this kind of learning suits your travel plans, check with the provider for current dates and participation options.
Haifa as a separate regional focus
The wider destination of Haifa offers its own cultural and market highlights. The National Maritime Museum presents 5,000 years of maritime history in the Mediterranean region. The Haifa City Museum is housed in two buildings from the Templar period in the German Colony. Beit Kish has two original Japanese rooms that introduce aspects of Japanese life, such as clothing, food and housing.
Haifa’s markets also have distinct characters: Wadi Nisnas has a lively year-round market with street food, spices and handmade sweets; the Turkish Market offers bars, street food, restaurants, art galleries and shops. The Carmelit is Haifa’s historic underground railway. Museums, a theater, colorful markets and promenades are all within a comfortable walking distance of its stations. The Shrine of the Báb in Haifa is among the Bahá’à Holy Places inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and visited as part of the Bahá’à pilgrimage.
In the wider destination of Haifa, Bet She’arim National Park adds catacombs with intricate carvings and inscriptions to the cultural focus. The park is also the final resting place of prominent Jewish figures, including Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi.
Choose the right focus for your stay
This distinction makes it easier to decide on your trip’s focus before looking for holiday apartments for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bethlehem, Kiryat Anavim, Yesod Hamaala, Ein Ya'akov, Sitria, Kalia Beach, Bruchim Qela' Alon, Mazkeret Batya
Go to the main travel overview: Israel.
