Vacation Packages to Safed

Information about Safed

Safed is a city located in northern Israel, in the Galilee region. It is one of the four holy cities of Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias.

The city of Safed has a population of about 35,000 and is known for its rich history, ancient architecture, and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination due to its historical and religious sites, cobblestone streets, and vibrant artistic community.

Safed is known for its important role in the history of Judaism, especially in the development of Kabbalah, a Jewish mystical tradition. The city has several historic synagogues, including the Ari Synagogue, the Abuhav Synagogue, and the Yosef Caro Synagogue.

In addition to its cultural heritage, Safed is also known for its natural beauty, with breathtaking views of the Galilee Mountains and Lake Kineret (Sea of Galilee).

Safed's Ancient History

The city of Safed has a rich history dating back to antiquity. It was first mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, where it was known as Tzfat, and is believed to have been founded in the 2nd century BC.

During Roman times, it was an important center to produce olive oil and wine. After the Muslim conquest of the region in the 7th century, the city became an important center for Islamic religious studies.

In the 12th century, the city was conquered by the Crusaders and later passed into the hands of the Mamluks and the Ottomans. In 1517, the city became part of the Ottoman Empire, and in the following centuries, it became an important center for Judaism, especially in the study of Kabbalah.

During the 16th century, Safed became an important center of Kabbalah, with the arrival of prominent Jewish rabbis and mystics, such as Rabbi Isaac Luria, also known as the Ari. The city became an important center of Kabbalah teaching and practice.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, it continued to be an important center for Judaism but was also hit by earthquakes and political conflicts. In the mid-19th century, the city recovered and became an important center for silk production.

After the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, Safed became part of the state and has been a vibrant and popular city for tourists interested in Jewish history and culture.

Must-See Tourist Attractions in Safed

Safed is a city full of history, culture, and spirituality, with many sites of interest for visitors interested in history and Judaism. Here are some of the most popular sites to visit:

The Ari Synagogue is Safed's most famous synagogue, built in the 16th century by Rabbi Isaac Luria, also known as the Ari. It is an important pilgrimage site for Jews from around the world seeking to connect with the Kabbalah tradition.

The Abuhav Synagogue was built in the 15th century by Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhav. The synagogue is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate artistic details.

The Jewish Quarter is a maze of cobblestone alleys, old houses, and historic synagogues. It is a fascinating place to explore and discover the city's rich Jewish history and culture.

The Artists' Gallery is an excellent place to view the work of local artists. The gallery features a wide variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry.

The Old Cemetery is a sacred site for Jews, who believe that the great rabbis and mystics of the Kabbalah are buried there. It is a quiet and beautiful place, with breathtaking views of the city.

The Old City Market is lively and vibrant, ideal for shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, food, and spices. It is a great place to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Culture of Safed

Festivals in Safed

Safed is known for being a city full of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, many of which have a strong religious and spiritual component. Here are some of the most attention-grabbing festivals:

The Klezmer Festival is an annual klezmer music festival and takes place in August. It features live music from artists from all over the world.

The Art Festival is held annually in August and features the work of local and international artists in a variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry.

The Hanukkah Illumination Festival, held during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, illuminates the city with candles and oil lamps in an impressive spectacle celebrating the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Lag Ba'Omer Celebrations is a Jewish holiday celebrated in the spring, and Safed is an important site for the celebrations. The festivities include bonfires, music, dancing, and other traditional rituals.

The annual Festival of Mysticism celebrates the city's rich spiritual tradition with lectures, workshops, and ceremonies exploring Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah.

Gastronomy in Safed

The cuisine in Safed is varied and delicious, with a wide variety of traditional Middle Eastern and Jewish dishes. We recommend some of its best foods:

Hummus is a popular dish throughout the Middle East, consisting of a smooth, creamy chickpea paste served with pita bread or raw vegetables. Falafel is another Middle Eastern specialty, being a fried ball of chickpeas and spices served with pita bread and salad.

Shakshuka is an egg and tomato dish served for breakfast or dinner and is a delicious blend of flavors and spices.

The cholent consists of a meat and legume stew that is slow cooked for several hours, it is a traditional Jewish dish served for Sabbath lunch.

On the sweet side is baklava, a sticky dessert made of layers of filo dough and honey, with nuts and spices.

Panoramic Views of Safed

Safed boasts a wealth of breathtaking scenery due to its location in the Galilee hills. 

The Hula Valley is a nature reserve north of Safed, offering breathtaking views of nature. It is a major birdwatching destination and boasts a wide variety of bird species, as well as beautiful lake and mountain scenery.

Mount Meron is the highest peak in Galilee and is located east of Safed. From the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Jezreel Valley.

Banias National Park takes located south of Safed and has beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and ancient ruins. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of nature and ancient history in this stunning national park.

The Sea of Galilee is one of Israel's most iconic sights and is located just a few kilometers east of Safed. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the lake, as well as water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Getting to Safed

There are several ways to get to Safed, depending on your starting point and travel preferences. 

Reachable by car, the city is located on Route 89, about 30 km east of the city of Acre and about 50 km north of Tiberias. The trip usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on traffic and the starting point.

There are several bus lines connecting Safed to major cities in Israel, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. The Egged bus company is the main bus operator and offers regular services to Safed.

If you prefer faster and more comfortable transportation, you can hire a private cab to Safed. There are several cab companies offering transfer services from major airports and cities in Israel.

If you are coming from Tel Aviv or Haifa, you can also take a train to Acre station and then take a bus or cab to Safed.

What to See and Do in Safed

Safed is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty, and is a popular destination for tourists interested in Jewish history and religion.

Being close to places like Jerusalem and Nazareth many travelers choose to combine their trip to Safed with these destinations. 

Are you looking to visit a city that is among the 4 holy cities? Do you want to be fascinated by its buildings full of history? Do you dare to try its exquisite traditional dishes? 

If the answer is "yes", at Greca we offer you tour packages to Safed. There are packages for all tastes, and you can accommodate them according to your needs and time.

What are you waiting for to add a new experience to your life?