Tiberias is one of Israel’s oldest cities and one of its most distinctive. Set on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee — the Kinneret, the country’s only freshwater lake — it holds a singular place in both Jewish and Christian history. Founded in the 1st century by Herod Antipas, designated as one of Judaism’s four holy cities, and surrounded by major New Testament sites, Tiberias offers a historical and spiritual depth that few Israeli destinations can match.
But Tiberias is not an open-air museum. It is a living lakeside city with a lively waterfront promenade, natural hot springs, authentic Galilean cuisine, and direct access to some of the finest landscapes in northern Israel. For travellers seeking something different from the pace of Tel Aviv or the intensity of Jerusalem, Tiberias offers exactly that: a stay where time slows down.
Short term rentals in Tiberias are the best way to experience the region — more space than a hotel, a real kitchen for everyday meals, and often a direct view of the lake. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Tiberias
Tiberias is the main urban centre of northern Israel and the natural base for exploring the Galilee. Its geographic position is exceptional: the lake stretches out in front, the hills of Galilee rise behind, and the Golan Heights are visible to the east. The lake itself sits 210 metres below sea level, creating a microclimate that is mild in winter and warm in summer.
The city attracts three types of visitors. Christian pilgrims, for whom the shores of the Sea of Galilee are the setting for Jesus’s ministry — Capernaum, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes are all within 20 minutes. Travellers seeking nature and calm, who find here hiking, hot springs, kayaking on the Jordan, and sunsets over the lake of striking beauty. And Israeli families, for whom Tiberias is a classic holiday destination — especially during Passover and summer holidays.
For a full overview of all regions, see our complete guide to traveling in Israel.
The History of Tiberias
Tiberias was founded around 20 CE by Herod Antipas — the son of Herod the Great — and named in honour of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. The city quickly became an important centre of Jewish life after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. It was here that the Jerusalem Talmud was compiled, and the Hebrew vowel system (nikkud) was developed.
Tiberias is one of Judaism’s four holy cities, alongside Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. The tombs of Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon) and Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess draw Jewish visitors from around the world. For Christians, the lake region is inseparable from the Gospel narrative: it was here that Jesus recruited his first disciples, walked on the water, and delivered the Sermon on the Mount.
This dual spiritual significance gives Tiberias a particular atmosphere — a blend of devotion and everyday life that resembles nothing else in Israel.
What to See and Do
The Sea of Galilee
The Kinneret is the heart of everything. Israel’s largest freshwater lake — 21 kilometres long, 13 wide — offers a constantly shifting spectacle across hours and seasons. The water is calm, often a deep blue, and the shores alternate between pebble beaches, landscaped parks, and wild coves.
Swimming is pleasant from May through October. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat trips are all available. Wooden boat excursions reconstructing the vessels of biblical times depart regularly from the Tiberias port. Cycling the full loop around the lake — approximately 60 kilometres — is one of the finest cycling routes in the country.
Historical and Spiritual Sites
Capernaum — 15 minutes north of Tiberias, this is the site where Jesus is believed to have based his Galilean ministry. The ruins of a 4th-century synagogue and 1st-century dwellings are visible, and a modern church is built over what is identified as the house of the Apostle Peter.
Tabgha — the traditional site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The Church of the Multiplication houses remarkably well-preserved 5th-century Byzantine mosaics.
Mount of Beatitudes — the hill where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. The octagonal church built in 1938 is surrounded by manicured gardens with a panoramic view of the lake.
Tomb of Maimonides — in central Tiberias, the tomb of the greatest medieval Jewish philosopher is a major pilgrimage site. The site is simple but deeply significant.
Hammat Tiberias — just south of the city, this archaeological site contains the remains of a 4th-century synagogue with a zodiac mosaic floor — one of the finest examples of ancient Jewish art in Israel.
Hot Springs
The Tiberias region has been known since antiquity for its thermal springs. Hot, mineral-rich waters emerge naturally along the lakeshore. The Hamat Gader hot springs complex, approximately 30 minutes from Tiberias, offers open-air hot pools with views across the Golan hills — a particularly rewarding experience in winter.
Galilean Cuisine
The food of Tiberias and the Galilee is among the most authentic in Israel. The signature dish is St. Peter’s fish (lake tilapia), served grilled whole at waterfront restaurants. Local cuisine draws on Arab, Druze, and Eastern Jewish traditions — hummus, labneh, wild herbs, grilled meats, and bread fresh from the taboon oven.
On Fridays, the Tiberias market comes alive with stalls of fresh produce, spices, and local pastries. It is a markedly more authentic experience than the tourist-oriented markets of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
Hiking and Nature
The area around Tiberias offers some of the finest hiking in Israel. The Israel National Trail passes through the Galilee, and several sections are accessible from Tiberias. The Arbel cliffs — dramatic escarpments overlooking the lake — offer a short but impressive hike with breathtaking views.
The Jordan River, which flows into the lake from the north and exits to the south, provides the setting for rafting and kayaking, particularly in the Kfar Blum area, about 45 minutes north.
Day Trips from Tiberias
Tiberias is an ideal base for exploring the whole of northern Israel. Nazareth is 35 minutes west — the largest Arab city in Israel, with the Basilica of the Annunciation and exceptional Arab cuisine. Safed (Tzfat), the city of Kabbalah, is 40 minutes north — a maze of artist alleyways and historic synagogues perched in the mountains. The Golan Heights, with its wineries and Nimrod Fortress, is an hour east. And Caesarea, with its Roman amphitheatre and beaches, is 1h15 southwest along the coast.
For detailed guides to each destination in northern Israel, download our free city guides.
Where to Stay in Tiberias
Lakefront
Lakefront rentals offer the best of what Tiberias has — waking up to a view of the Kinneret, direct access to the promenade and beaches, and the shifting light on the water throughout the day. This is the most sought-after and enjoyable location for a stay of several nights.
City Centre
Central Tiberias is compact and walkable. Rentals here are more affordable and place you close to restaurants, shops, and the Tomb of Maimonides. The lakefront promenade is a few minutes’ walk away.
Hillside and Surroundings
The hills around Tiberias are home to more spacious rentals — often houses with gardens and pools — offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Ideal for families or groups with a car who want quiet and space.
Why Short Term Rentals in Tiberias
The hotel offering in Tiberias is adequate but unremarkable — mostly chains and mid-range properties without particular character. Short term rentals offer a markedly better alternative for several reasons.
Space. A two- or three-bedroom apartment gives families the room they need — separate bedrooms, living area, full kitchen — often for less than the cost of two hotel rooms.
Kitchen. The Tiberias market and local supermarkets are well-stocked. Preparing your own meals — especially breakfasts and lunches — frees up budget for restaurant dinners and activities.
Views. The best lakefront apartments offer views that only the city’s most expensive hotels can match, at a fraction of the price.
Extended stays. Tiberias naturally lends itself to stays of 4-5 nights or more to explore the north from a fixed base. Over that duration, the value proposition of a short term rental is unbeatable.
Short Term Rentals in Tiberias with KeyHost
KeyHost offers a curated portfolio of properties in Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee region, managed to the same standard as our rentals in Tel Aviv or Caesarea. Every property is professionally maintained, with concierge service covering arrival coordination, local recommendations, and support throughout your stay.
The KeyHost team knows the region in detail — the best hours to visit Capernaum before the crowds, the fish restaurants where locals eat, the least-trafficked hiking trails, and the seasonal events in the Galilean calendar.
Explore our Tiberias properties at keyhost.online.
Practical Information
Getting There
By car: Tiberias is approximately 150 kilometres from Tel Aviv (1h45) and 130 kilometres from Jerusalem (2 hours). The drive from Tel Aviv passes through the Jezreel Valley — one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. A car is strongly recommended for exploring the Galilee and the sites around the lake.
By bus: Egged operates regular services between Tiberias, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. The journey from Tel Aviv takes approximately 2.5 hours. The Tiberias bus station is in the city centre.
By train: There is no train station in Tiberias. The nearest station is in Afula (45 minutes by car), connected by train to Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) is the ideal period — the hills are green, wildflowers carpet the Galilee, and temperatures are pleasant (20–28°C). Autumn (September–November) is equally excellent. Summer is very hot in Tiberias (35–40°C) due to the sub-sea-level altitude, but the lake provides welcome relief. Winter is mild (12–18°C) and can be rainy, but the hot springs are at their best.
Shabbat in Tiberias
Tiberias is more traditional than Tel Aviv. During Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), most shops and restaurants close. Stock up on supplies before Friday afternoon and identify the few restaurants that remain open. It is also one of the most peaceful times to enjoy the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend in Tiberias? Two nights is enough to see the main sites and enjoy the lake. Four to five nights allows you to explore the Galilee in depth — Nazareth, Safed, the Golan, the hikes, and the hot springs.
Can I swim in the lake? Yes. Several maintained beaches line the lake, some with facilities (showers, sun loungers). The water is pleasant from May through October.
Is Tiberias suitable for families? Very much so. The lake offers safe water activities, the historical sites are accessible to children, and the calm pace of the city suits families with young children.
Do I need a car? Strongly recommended. The sites around the lake and across the Galilee are dispersed and poorly served by public transport. With a car, Tiberias becomes the perfect base for exploring the entire north.
How far is it from Tel Aviv? Approximately 150 kilometres — 1h45 by car, 2.5 hours by bus.
Final Thoughts
Tiberias offers what few Israeli destinations can rival: the combination of genuine historical and spiritual depth, a spectacular natural setting, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down. It is neither the glamour of Tel Aviv nor the gravity of Jerusalem — it is something else, something quieter and more rooted.
Staying in a short term rental by the lake is giving yourself the time to live at this pace. Waking up facing the Kinneret, having coffee on the balcony, setting out to explore a trail or a biblical site, coming back to prepare dinner with produce from the market. It is a stay that does not rush — and that is exactly what makes it memorable.
For premium short term rentals in Tiberias, explore the KeyHost portfolio at keyhost.online.
