A Guide to Rosh HaNikra Grottoes in Israel
Read our travel guide on Rosh HaNikra Grottoes in North Israel. Includes helpful travel tips on what to see and do while there, what to expect, directions, entrance fee, or opening hours.
Swelling waves of the Mediterranean Sea, white-chalk cliffs rising to the skies, well-maintained trails leading through limestone grottoes, WW2 tunnels, and stunning coastline views, all that and much more is Rosh HaNikra in North Israel.
After several days of exploring buzzing cities and historical attractions on the Israeli Mediterranean coast, we craved some natural sights.
Don't get us wrong. Visiting places such as Caesarea, Bahai Gardens, or Hospitaller Fortress in Akko was an incredible experience.
But switching the busy streets and ancient ruins for a stunning nature was a welcome change.
Fortunately, one of the most important things to know about Israel is that it's an incredibly diverse country.
Rosh HaNikra is one of the best day trips from Akko or Haifa due to its beauty and accessibility.
Therefore, our eyes fell on this captivating natural sight while exploring the Israeli northwest.
However, we were doubtful whether we had time to include Rosh HaNikra in our Israel itinerary but decided that we could probably squeeze it in.
It turned out to be an excellent decision, despite it being another long day on the road.
So, without any further ado, here's everything you should know about Rosh HaNikra before you go.
What to See and Do
Quite frankly, we weren't sure what to expect from Rosh HaNikra.
The whole experience that included the grottoes, a cable car ride, and other activities sounded slightly confusing when we first read about it.
On top of that, the entrance fee was a bit more expensive compared to the usual ticket price to Israeli national parks.
So we weren't that sure if it was worth it, but we really wanted to see the diversity the country has to offer before heading inland.
Therefore, we lowered our expectations and let the situation unfold.
So, how was it? And what is there to see and do in Rosh HaNikra?
Journey
Leaving behind Akko, we made steady progress toward the Israeli - Lebanese border.
Our destination? The sea grottoes in the northwesternmost tip of Israel.
Highway 4 past Akko leading to Rosh HaNikra was quiet without traffic jams.
We could enjoy the scenery through the window of our car, and the only thing we needed to be careful about was not ending up in the kibbutz carrying the same name as the grottoes.
Entrance
After we left our car at the fenced-off parking at the end of the road, our first steps led us to its edge, where we could admire the stunning views of the western Israeli coastline.
If you arrive on a day with good visibility, you might be able to sea Haifa and Carmel.
Once we enjoyed the spectacular scenery, we headed to the office on the right side to buy the tickets.
Cable Car Upper Station
A short wooden pathway took us to the upper cable car station in Rosh HaNikra, connecting the main parking lot with the caves.
The vintage red and yellow cable cars are adorable, and we hopped on the cable car as soon as it arrived at the top.
We only hoped that they don't skimp on the maintenance, as the drop below us was pretty frightening.
And no, we didn't find much comfort in the statement that it's one of the steepest cable cars in the world.
You can take photos from the cable cars' windows, so don't keep your camera in a bag while going up or down.
The white cliffs perfectly contrast colorful cable cars, and it would be a shame to miss this photo opportunity.
The ride was quick and short, so we appeared at the lower station in no time.
Cable Car Lower Station
When descending to the lower station and the sea caves, you might notice that the area below you doesn't look entirely natural.
And you'll be right.
We almost immediately detected that there was something off about the place we were about to step on in the next couple of minutes.
It looked more artificial and human-made than we had expected.
Rosh HaNikra Railway Tunnels
But the explanation was simple this time, though we need to go back in time to understand why the area looks that way today.
Today, the Israeli Coastal Railway Line runs along the Mediterranean coast and connects the north with the south.
It goes from Ashkelon near Gaza to Nahariya, which is, as we already know, only a few kilometers from Rosh HaNikra.
But Nahariya was not always the terminal station in the northwest.
During World War II, New Zealand and South African troops of the British Mandate extended the line all the way to Beirut and Tripoli in Lebanon.
Their long-term goal was to connect Europe with Africa by train, so they needed to dig the tunnels through these rocks.
However, after WW2 ended, another, this time a local war broke out. In 1948, one of the consequences of Arab Israeli War was that the tunnels linking these two countries were blocked, and the line was stripped of its tracks.
Today, one of the tunnels serves as a service road, while the other tunnel was turned into a small theater that hosts a movie and an audiovisual show.
Grottoes
While the railway history is quite intriguing, the grottoes are the main reason to visit Rosh HaNikra.
It is the place where the forces of immovable mountains and the unstoppable sea meet. And also some earthquakes and bedrock movement.
In all seriousness, walking through Rosh HaNikra's grottoes while watching the waves crashing into its walls is an incredible experience.
Together with the rain, wind, sun, and time, the constant force of waves has been carving out these rock formations for millennia.
As we were walking through the sea caverns, we realized that it was not only fun but also a unique experience.
How many times do you get the opportunity to walk through the caves filled with turquoise waters while watching the crashing waves creating splashes and echoes?
The trail through Rosh HaNikras' grottoes is only 200 meters long. Therefore it's very easy and for all ages and abilities.
The only thing that was slightly out of place was a (small) garbage patch floating in the cavern.
And not just the usual seaweed and wood, but also plastic bottles and bags.
Seeing things like this always makes us think if there's something that we can do better, such as using less plastic.
By the way, watch your steps, as some parts of the trail can be slippery.
Some parts of Rosh HaNikra are wheel-chair accessible (cable car, movie, and a short section of the trail in the grottoes).
Cliffs
Once we left the grottoes, we could enjoy the sun again and even more stunning views.
The well-maintained trail took us around the snow-white cliffs and more fantastic geological formations.
At another viewpoint, we could notice a rock formation called Elephant's Leg at our left-hand side. The resemblance was uncanny.
Audiovisual Show
Then it was time to peek into the cave with the tracks at the farther end.
On the day we visited Rosh HaNikra, it was undergoing maintenance.
So there was not much to see and do, except see some photos from the past.
It was a shame that we couldn't watch the movie, as we enjoyed a similar experience in places such as Masada or Avdat National Park.
Typically, you can watch here an informative movie in Hebrew with English subtitles to learn more about this site.
By the way, you can get an audio guide in six languages featuring twelve stops to the most of your trip.
We must frankly say that we enjoyed the photos as they clearly showed us what it looked like in the area when the tunnel connecting two countries was being built and then when it was in use.
Renting a Bike or Golf Cart
If walking is, for some reason, not your thing, you can consider renting a bike or a golf cart at the kiosk at the lower station.
We skipped this part as the tunnel was closed, and the golf carts were not exactly our thing anyway.
To get to the golf cart parking and bike stand, you need to walk through the south tunnel first.
From here, you can explore the beautiful seashore of Rosh HaNikra's nature reserve.
Of course, when visiting Israel on a budget, you can simply walk along the coast without the need for rentals.
Remember that no swimming is allowed here.
A small-sized train, popular with families with kids, will take you along the coastal promenade to Achziv and back if you come here on Saturday.
Israel - Lebanon Borders
Due to the ongoing political situation, the borders between Israel and Lebanon are closed.
Therefore, there's not much to see and do at the Rosh HaNikra land border crossing than to take a picture of the wall with distances between Jerusalem (205 kilometers), Rosh HaNikra, and Beirut (120 kilometers).
If you want to explore some top attractions in neighboring countries from Israel, then know that your best bet is to go to Eilat.
You can visit places such as Petra or Wadi Rum in Jordan without any issues from this popular resort town.
Opening Hours
Rosh HaNikra is open from 9 AM to 6 PM during the weekdays in summer and 9 AM to 4 PM in winter.
On Saturdays and holidays, the visiting hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, and on Fridays and Holiday Eves from 9 AM to 4 PM.
By the way, Rosh HaNikra is open on Shabbat if you're looking for an activity on this day.
Remember that public transport is limited on Fridays and Saturdays in Israel, and this inconvenience can interrupt your travel plans.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Rosh HaNikra is 48 NIS ($15), and we found the single ticket price on the higher side, at least to some other top attractions in Israel.
Rosh HaNikra ticket is separate from Israel Pass and includes cable car roundtrip, the grottoes, and a light and sound show.
However, you can also purchase a combined ticket for 76 NIS ($24), including Rosh HaNikra and Akko's Old City.
It includes the same things in Rosh HaNikra, plus you get free access to Templars Tunnels, Knights Halls, Okashi Museum, and Turkish Bath in Akko.
So if you're planning to visit this former Crusader town, we would get the combo ticket. And yes, we bought this exact ticket ourselves and saw all these sites.
Keep in mind that Israel Nature and Parks Authority do not manage Rosh HaNikra.
Still, it seems you can get a 10% discount if you have the pass, so mention it at the counter.
It's a similar situation to Timna Park in the Negev Desert where you need to buy a separate ticket.
How Much Time Do You Need for Rosh Hanikra
One of the things to know about Rosh HaNikra is that the grottoes are pretty small, and you don't need that much time to see it all.
It took us about thirty minutes to get to Rosh HaNikra from Akko, plus the same amount of time to get back.
As for the site itself, we spent about an hour in Rosh HaNikra.
However, there was no line when we arrived there. Therefore we could take the cable car to the caves right away.
It might be slightly different when the locals arrive here on a busy weekend, as there will probably be a queue for the cable car.
How to Get There
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Rosh HaNikra is by car.
We found driving in Israel very easy, and we're glad that we rented a car for the trip.
It saved us a lot of time (and money), and we could plan our travel itinerary the way we wanted.
However, you can also get to Rosh HaNikra by public transport, although it's slightly more complicated.
Car
Getting to Rosh HaNikra from Akko and Haifa by car is incredibly easy.
The only thing you need to do is head north on Highway 4 and stay on it until it ends.
In this case, it's pretty literal, as the parking lot marks the actual ending of the road. You can't drive any further from here.
Depending on the current traffic situation, it takes about thirty minutes to get to Rosh HaNikra from Akko and an hour from Haifa.
Tel Aviv is about a two-hour drive from Rosh HaNikra, and you can choose either Highway 2, Highway 4, or Highway 6.
It takes about two and half hours to three hours to get from Tel Aviv to Rosh HaNikra via Highway 6.
Be prepared that Highway 6 is not free, but it's often the fastest way to get from south to north.
Safed, Nazareth, and Tiberias are about 50 to 70 kilometers from Rosh HaNikra, so be prepared to spend about an hour and a half on the road.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Train
If you opt for public transport, then the easiest way to reach Rosh HaNikra is by train, which goes all the way to Nahariya Station.
Nahariya is a small town only 11 kilometers south of Rosh HaNikra, so you need to take either a bus or taxi from here.
Here you can read more about how to get around Israel.
The best thing about the train is that it's fast, reliable, relatively cheap, and connects half the country.
Whether you want to travel between Beer Sheva, Ben Gurion Airport, or even, for example, Beit Shean, the train is often your best bet.
Bus
As mentioned above, take the train to Nahariya, and from there, bus 31 (Nateev Express) connects the town with the nearby kibbutz.
The Rosh HaNikra Kibbutz is about two kilometers from the actual entrance, but it seemed that there was a bus stop right at the upper parking lot.
Hopefully, the bus stops there, so you don't need to walk this part.
If it's a request stop, let the bus driver know that you're heading to the grottoes.
Taxi
Another feasible option to reach Rosh HaNikra from Nahariya is by taxi.
While taxis are fairly expensive in Israel, opting for a cab instead of the bus will save you a lot of time.
If you travel in a group and are able to split the cost of the trip, then the taxi ride doesn't need to be that expensive after all.
You can either tell the taxi driver to wait for you or take their number and call them once you're ready to leave.
There is a taxi stand behind the Nahariya train and bus station.
Tours
While you don't need a guide to enjoy the grottoes in Rosh HaNikra, taking a tour might be an excellent alternative for those who don't want to worry about arranging their transport.
Moreover, the most popular tours also include other top places on the Mediterranean coast, such as Caesarea, Akko, Bahai Gardens, and Rosh HaNikra.
Here, you can reserve Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour from Tel Aviv or Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour from Jerusalem.
Where to Stay in Rosh Hanikra
Most travelers go to Rosh HaNikra on a day trip from Akko or Haifa, and that's where they usually stay overnight.
These cities are popular travel destinations and offer excellent hotels and services.
The location near the grottoes offers more intimate and often family-owned accommodations, which might be the perfect alternative to large city hotels.
The only issue is that they usually have only limited availability.
We've hand-selected the best hotels near Rosh HaNikra here.
Liman | Biktapuz and Klemantina - Located only four kilometers south of Rosh HaNikra, Biktapuz & Klemantina features a quiet location, a garden with citrus trees, air-conditioned suites and chalets with wooden decor, a spa bath, sauna, outdoor pool, and free on-site parking.
Akko | Arabesque Arts and Residency - Set in a few hundred years old building in the heart of Akko, Arabesque Arts & Residency offers stylish and beautiful rooms, a central location near the market, delicious breakfast, and a rooftop lounge area. One of the best deals in Akko.
Haifa | The Colony Hotel - Situated in Haifa's old German neighborhood near the Bahai Gardens, The Colony Hotel has modern air-conditioned rooms with original features, a rooftop terrace, a quiet garden, and free street parking nearby.
Parking
Parking is free in Rosh HaNikra.
There was plenty of space on the official parking lot behind the gate when we arrived there.
Some cars were also parked outside the main parking on the sideroad under the tree, but we would leave the car on the designated parking lot if possible to ease your mind.
When to Go
You can visit Rosh HaNikra any time of the year, as it's open year-round.
However, it's often said that the best time to visit this site is when the sea is rough, the weather is windy, and as a result, the waves are bigger.
Of course, that's something you can't affect very much.
Moreover, if the conditions in the grottoes are dangerous, be prepared that they won't let you in for safety reasons.
We need to add that the contrast of the deep blue sea and gleaming white cliffs couldn't have been more striking on a sunny clear day.
For more information, read our guide on the best time to visit Israel.
What to Pack
Be prepared that the trail, while being short, is slippery. Therefore, we would not wear flip-flops here, no matter how tempting that might be.
Regular runners should do the job just fine.
The wind blows the sea mist through the tunnels, and you might even get wet from the sea splashes if you're not careful enough.
Try to avoid wearing some of your more expensive pieces of clothing, use a dry sack to protect your valuables, and don't forget to clean your camera afterward.
Staying Safe
Rosh HaNikra is close to the Lebanese borders, which might raise some security questions in the mind of every independent traveler.
It's also a military area, which illustrates the warning signs, fences, towers, or the presence of the Israeli Navy.
Having said that, we felt very safe in Rosh HaNikra at the time of our visit.
Despite its location directly on the Lebanon borders, Rosh HaNikra felt like a regular tourist attraction, similar to, for example, Nimrod Fortress in the Golan Heights.
And if it weren't for the Israeli coastal guard vessel we could see in the distance and some warning signs, we would not have been able to tell that this area doesn't have the best safety reputation among international travelers.
But again, staying safe in Israel requires a bit of extra effort from your side.
So don't forget to follow the local news if something has changed recently (or is about to happen).
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Rosh Hanikra Worth Visiting
If you're a fan of easily accessible pearl-white cliffs, crashing waves, amazing caves, and WW2 history, then Rosh HaNikra is worth visiting.
This beautiful place only illustrates how incredibly diverse Israel is. From the Negev Desert, Golan Heights, to the Dead Sea, the Holy Land certainly doesn't lack natural diversity.
Rosh HaNikra is one of the most extraordinary places in the entire country, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
Having said that, everyone has a different travel itinerary and preferences. And driving there from Jerusalem only to see this place and back might probably not be the best idea.
In this case, we would also suggest including other places such as Akko, Haifa, or Caesarea in your plans.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
