Mount Tabor Travel Guide: Notes for Exploring Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor is a beautiful destination that stands out in Israel thanks to its religious importance, its historical value and its enchanting natural environment. In this Mount Tabor travel guide you will find the necessary information to plan your vacation without missing a thing.
Visiting Mount Tabor: General Information
Dare to make your trip to Mount Tabor and discover the wonders of this treasure of Israel.
Mount Tabor, also known as Har Tavor in Hebrew, is a mountain in the Lower Galilee region of Israel. It is located near the city of Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.
Mount Tabor is considered an important Biblical site, as it is believed to be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, an event in which Jesus was transformed into a glorified, radiant form in the presence of his disciples. According to the New Testament, this event took place on a high mountain, which is usually identified as Mount Tabor.
The mountain is also important in Jewish history, as it is believed to have been the site of the battle between the Israelite general Barak and the Canaanite general Sisera, as described in the Book of Judges.
Today, Mount Tabor is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to enjoy its scenic views, hiking trails, and religious significance. The mountain is also home to several monasteries and churches, including the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration and the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration.
Old entrance on hill
Picture of Shalev Cohen on Unsplash
Location of Monte Tabor
Here's where Mount Tabor is located:
Map of Mount Tabor on Google Maps
Points of Interest in Monte Tabor
Mount Tabor is a destination that brings together history, culture and beautiful landscapes, which makes it a must stop on your holidays in Israel, especially if you are interested in religious tourism.
Below we will tell you about some of the most outstanding points of this destination so that you do not miss a thing during your visit.
Churches and Monasteries
There are several churches and monasteries on Mount Tabor, including the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, and the Franciscan Monastery of Mount Tabor.
Old church
Picture of Shalev Cohen on Unsplash
Viewpoints
The mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Jezreel Valley, the Sea of Galilee, and the hills of Samaria.
Archaeological Sites
Mount Tabor is home to several archaeological sites, including the ruins of a Crusader-era fortress and a Roman Catholic chapel built in the 1920s.
Natural Reserves
The area around Mount Tabor is home to several nature reserves, including the Nahal Tabor Nature Reserve and the Mount Tabor Nature Reserve, which offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Hiking Trails
Mount Tabor is a popular destination for hikers, offering several scenic trails that meander through forests and mountain sides.
Path between trees in sunny day
Picture of Shalev Cohen on Unsplash
Festivals in and around Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor and its surrounding region host various festivals and events throughout the year, including:
- Mount Tabor Jazz Festival: A two-day music festival in September featuring local and international jazz artists performing on the Mount Tabor stage.
- Nazareth Christmas Market: Held in December, this festive market takes place in the historic center of Nazareth, complete with Christmas decorations, live music and traditional foods.
- Abu Gosh Vocal Music Festival: This classical music festival takes place in the nearby town of Abu Gosh and features performances by choirs and vocal ensembles from Israel and around the world.
- Galilee Marathon: Held in December, this marathon begins and ends in the city of Tiberias and takes runners through the picturesque landscapes of the Galilee region, including Mount Tabor.
- Olive Harvest Festival: This festival takes place in November and celebrates the olive harvest season, with traditional food and drinks, music and olive oil tastings.
- Jewish Holidays: Mount Tabor is also a major site for Jewish holidays and pilgrimages, including Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, with many celebrations taking place in the region's historic synagogues and holy sites.
Eating on Mount Tabor
The region in which Mount Tabor is located, Galilee, is known for its rich culinary traditions.
Some typical foods from the region include Hummus, a creamy sauce made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, and Falafel, a popular Middle Eastern street food made from ground chickpeas that are formed into balls or patties and deep-fried. Falafel is often served in a pita sandwich with salad, tahini, and hot sauce.
Also, a very popular dish is Shakshuka, a breakfast dish made with eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce that is seasoned with onions, peppers, and spices.
And if you are a lover of desserts, you must try the Baklava, a sweet made with layers of filo pastry filled with chopped walnuts and honey syrup.
As for drinks, you must try the Wine, as the Galilee region is known for its wine production, with several wineries located in the area. Some popular varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
In turn, a typical drink is Arak, a traditional Middle Eastern alcoholic drink made from anise that is often mixed with water and served as an aperitif or digestive.
Hummus
Picture of Ludovic Avice on Unsplash
The Cultural Identity of Mount Tabor and Its Surroundings
Mount Tabor is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. The region is home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, who have coexisted for centuries and contributed to the area's unique cultural landscape.
For that reason, the culture of Mount Tabor and its surrounding region is characterized by a mix of traditions, customs and practices that reflect the area's multi-ethnic and multi-religious history.
Mount Tabor is an important site for religious pilgrimages of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, who visit holy sites on the mountain and attend religious ceremonies throughout the year.
The Galilee region is also known for its rich musical traditions, with local musicians performing a variety of styles, including Arabic, Jewish, and Mediterranean music. The region is also home to several traditional dance styles, such as the Dabke, which is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.
Additionally, the Galilee region is home to many talented artisans and artisans, who create a variety of handmade items, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry. Many of these crafts can be found for sale at local markets and shops in the area.
How to Get to Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Here are some ways to get to Mount Tabor:
- By car: Mount Tabor is located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) southeast of the city of Nazareth, and can be reached by car via Route 65. From Tel Aviv, take Route 6 north towards Haifa, then continue on Route 65. east towards Afula and Nazareth.
- By bus: There are several bus lines that go from the main cities of Israel to the town of Daburiyya, located at the base of Mount Tabor. From there, visitors can take a taxi or hike up the mountain to reach the top. Bus lines serving Daburiyya include Egged bus lines 431, 452 and 453 from Nazareth and bus line 38 from Haifa.
- By Tour: Many tour companies in Israel offer guided tours of Mount Tabor, which usually include transportation and a guide to take visitors to the main attractions on the mountain.
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Israel, and visitors can hire a taxi to take them directly to Mount Tabor from their starting point.
How to Get around Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor is a relatively small mountain and can be easily explored on foot or by car. Here are some ways to get around Mount Tabor:
- On foot: The hiking trails on Mount Tabor are well marked and give visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural sites of the mountain. The main hiking trail to the top is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and takes about an hour to complete. Visitors can also take shorter trails that lead to the mountain's churches, monasteries, and archaeological sites.
- By Car: Visitors can drive to the top of Mount Tabor via a winding road that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. There is a parking lot at the top of the mountain where visitors can park their cars and explore the sites on foot.
- Taxis – Taxis are readily available in the towns surrounding Mount Tabor and can be hired to take visitors to specific sites on the mountain.
- Guided Tours: they are a great option to get to know the site at the hands of experts.
It is important to note that the roads on Mount Tabor can be narrow and winding, so visitors driving alone should be careful and keep an eye out for other vehicles and pedestrians on the road.
Private Transfer in Mount Tabor
If you are looking for the most comfortable and safest option to get to Mount Tabor, here you will find the information you need to book your private transfer with Greca, with experienced drivers and no surprise charges.
When to Visit Mount Tabor
The best time to visit Mount Tabor is during the coldest months of the year, from October to May. During this time, the climate is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. .
Additionally, the winter months can be a particularly beautiful time to visit the region, as the surrounding landscape is lush and green after the rainy season.
The summer months, from June to September, can be hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30 °C (86 °F). This can make it an uncomfortable time for outdoor activities during the heat of the day, although nights can be cooler.
However, if you plan to visit during the summer, it is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
It is also worth noting that Mount Tabor is a popular destination for religious pilgrimages, particularly during the holy week leading up to Easter, which can affect the availability and accessibility of certain sites.
Therefore, it is best to plan your visit in advance and check if there are any major religious events or festivals taking place during your intended travel dates.
Destinations Near Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor is an excellent destination to connect with spirituality and enjoy beautiful and energizing landscapes.
In turn, due to its proximity to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, many travelers combine their trip to Mount Tabor with these destinations, so you will find these sites in several of our offers.
Are you looking to see the most wonderful landscapes? Do you want to know a fascinating culture? Do you want to know about outstanding religious temples?
If your answer is "yes", at Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Mount Tabor, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.
There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!
More Travel Guides!
If you have been interested in our Mount Tabor travel guide and want to continue learning about this and other wonderful destinations, we invite you to look at the section of all our Travel Guides. Plan your next adventure with Greca!
