Located in the Upper Galilee, Rosh Pina is a quaint small town that is worth checking out, especially if you’re after cute restaurants, picturesque leafy alleyways, and in need of the Galilee pace of life.
The town itself lies on the eastern slopes of Mount Kna’an in the north of Israel and was founded in 1882 by some 30 families who immigrated from Romania, making it one of the oldest Zionist settlements in Israel.
Today there are some 3,000 residents, a number which expands through the holiday season as many Israelis head here for a quick northern escape from the center or south.
It really is an excellent location to base yourself, with the neighboring town of Safed just a few minutes drive away, the delights of the Sea of Galilee just 20 minutes away, and natural wonders like the Hula Valley, Horshat Tal, and the majestic Golan Heights just a short drive away.
What to see in Rosh Pina
If you’re looking to do more than just take on some retail therapy (there are two big shopping malls at the entrance to Rosh Pina – one is full of the standard commercial stores found in Israel, the other is more of an upscale boutique mall), we say head up the hill on Rosh Pina’s main road through the town to reach the older part of town.
You’ll easily recognize it, as the road turns into a cobbled delight (not such a delight for your car though!), before you reach the delightful Baron’s Gardens at the top of the hill, certainly worth a chillout moment. Also nearby is the historical abode of Professor Gideon Mer, the Israeli scientist who worked on the eradication of malaria. His home has since become a national site and his very own private office is preserved for everyone to view.
There are a number of great art galleries to check out in this older part of town, and the Chocolatte coffee shop is a great place to stop by if you need some sweet inspiration in your life (be aware that it’s not open on Mondays). Also watch out for views over the Galilee, especially from the Nimrod Lookout, where you’ll get to see Mount Hermon in the far distance.
At the PICA House, next to the Professor Mer House, you can enjoy a film of Rosh Pina’s history and learn how it turned into the city it is now. The film is available in English, Hebrew and Russian and costs 15 shekels for adults, 10 shekels for children and OAPs. If you fancy catching a more Hollywood-type movie, head to the Cinemateque, where you can see some of the latest movies.
One last pitstop for those of you needing some hands-on therapy – the Mitzpe HaYamin Spa is on the road that heads out of town (towards Safed). Pricey but classy.
Originally posted in iGoogledIsrael.