Sharona began in 1913 as a farm established by the Ahuzah Chicago Society and was initially called Havat Rama. The moshav is located in eastern Lower Galilee, near Route 767 between Kfar Tavor and the Sea of Galilee. For travel planning, it is helpful to make a distinction: the founding story concerns Sharona itself, while the spring, archaeological traces, and individual routes are in the surrounding area or extend into the wider region. This makes it possible to understand the destination through its history as well as its landscape and culture.
Ein Sharona and Khirbat Sarona
Near Sharona is Ein Sharona, with a spring and a wading pool. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Yavne’el Valley. Conditions at the site may change; check the latest conditions for the spring and wading pool before visiting.
Ein Sharona is located in the center of Khirbat Sarona, a settlement from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Remains of a synagogue with a relief of a seven-branched menorah were found there. The spring, valley views, and archaeological traces offer different points of interest in the immediate surroundings.
Hikes and Trails
After driving to Moshav Sharona, a descending trail leads through open Galilean countryside, passing jujube trees and prickly pear bushes. The route combines a descent with a description of the landscape and its plants. For planning, the main considerations are the trail’s course through open terrain and the vegetation along the path.
The walking route between Sharona and Yavne’el is five kilometers long. A hike starts in Yavne’el; from there, vehicles take visitors to Moshav Sharona, followed by a descending trail past Ein Sharona, Ein HaMishtamet, also known as Ein Sharvit, Ein Zarzif, and Ein Tarpa’u. This route description includes both a vehicle transfer and a subsequent walk. Before making plans, check current dates, availability, and route details with the tour operator.
Archaeological Sites in the Northern District
In the broader destination of the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo are distinct archaeological highlights. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the upper city. Its structures include Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers, dating to the 10th century BCE. The Canaanite palace from the Late Bronze Age was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. It is considered the most elaborate palace in Israel and one of the most significant in the Levant.
Tel Hazor’s water system also illustrates engineering adapted to the geography for water storage. Steps three meters wide are carved into the walls of the vertical shaft; an excavated shaft at Tel Hazor is 45 meters deep. Tel Hazor National Park can be reached from the north and south via Route 90, heading toward Ayelet Hashahar. Check your navigation before driving.
Tel Megiddo is one of three tells that preserve significant remains of cities with biblical connections and are closely associated with events from the Bible. The Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of religious activity, and the documented ritual practices. Another perspective in time is offered by the orthogonal city plan from the Iron Age, which has few parallels in the Levant. The temple complex and the later city plan represent two distinct archaeological themes within the Northern District.
Discover more destinations: Bustan Hagalil, Hararit, Menahemia, Giv'at Ze'ev, Livnim, Vered Hagalil, Yarka, Daliyat Al-Karmel
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