How to Visit the Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee, sometimes called Lake Kinneret, is one of the most famous and interesting freshwater lakes on earth. As the lowest freshwater lake on the planet, and also the place where the Bible says much of the ministry of Jesus Christ took place, the Sea of Galilee offers visitors unmatched terrain and an exceedingly rich history. Follow these steps if you're looking to visit the Sea of Galilee.

Instructions

1. Pick the right time of year to go. A visit to the Sea of Galilee is best spent if you can swim in the water and enjoy the vacation atmosphere of the area during the warmer months. The best time to go is early to mid-spring, when the temperature is warm enough for swimming but not warm enough to attract hordes of Israeli vacationers.

2. Get there by bus or car. Getting to the Sea of Galilee is surprisingly simple. If you want a bit of mobility, you can rent a car and drive to the biblical lake, which is only an hour or two from Israel's major cities. If you want to leave the driving to someone else, take one of Israel's Eged bus lines which will take a bit longer than getting there by car but costs only a few dollars.

3. Take in the biblical sights, sounds and, of course, foods. The ancient history of the Sea of Galilee is intertwined with its contemporary life. So, for instance, check out the former ancient city of Hippos where, today, the lush Kibbutz En Gev sits. Also, find a dish of the famous "St. Peter's Fish," which has been served on the shore for thousands of years. There are also historical attractions such as the reconstructed first century wooden boat.

4. Check out the surrounding area. Heading to the hills that surround the Sea of Galilee is a great way to round out the visit. Check out the small Galilee towns and villages such as the artisan village Rosh Pinah or go to an Arab village such as Kamoun to eat some authentic Galilee hummus and pita.