A CIRCLE TRIP AROUND THE SEA OF GALILEE

Last updated: September 2026 — practical information, archaeological notes, transport, entrance fees, and current security considerations have been revised.

SEA OF GALILEE is a very famous lake, well known mainly from the Bible. It is one of the landmarks of Israel, located in the northern part of the country. This lake is especially significant for the Christians because most of the written stories about the life of Jesus happen here. And indeed, like many other places in Israel, Sea of Galilee is a Biblical scene, where we can see the pictures of many New Testament stories happened alive. Although there are many new and modern roads, buildings, constructions, developed cities, and tourism, we can still sense the ancient atmosphere in this place.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF THE SEA OF GALILEE

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret, is a freshwater lake in northern Israel. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, part of the larger Dead Sea Transform tectonic system, between the hills of Lower Galilee to the west and the Golan Heights to the east.

The lake is about 21 km long and 13 km wide, although its exact surface area and shoreline change slightly with the water level. Its surface normally lies roughly 210 to 215 m below sea level, making it the lowest freshwater lake on Earth.

The Jordan River enters the lake from the north and leaves it again at its southern end. This geographical setting creates a natural corridor running from the Hula Valley in the north through the Sea of Galilee and farther south along the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea.

For a traveler, this geography is important because almost all of the main historical, archaeological and Biblical sites are arranged around the shoreline or on the nearby slopes, making it possible to explore them as one circular route.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The shores of the Sea of Galilee have been inhabited for thousands of years, and many settlements developed here because of the freshwater lake, fertile land, fishing, and the routes connecting the Jordan Valley with Galilee and the regions farther north.

In the Biblical tradition, the area around the lake is associated mainly with the territories of the Israelite tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. Later, during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, numerous Jewish and other communities developed around the lake.

The period most strongly associated with the Sea of Galilee today is the 1st century AD. At that time settlements such as Capernaum, Magdala, Bethsaida and the newly founded city of Tiberias were located around or near its shores. According to the New Testament, much of the public ministry of Jesus took place in this region.

After the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish revolts against Roman rule, Galilee gradually became one of the major centres of Jewish religious and intellectual life. Tiberias in particular developed into an important centre of Jewish scholarship during Late Antiquity.

During the following centuries the region passed through Byzantine, early Islamic, Crusader, Mamluk and Ottoman rule. Tiberias was destroyed and rebuilt several times, including after major earthquakes, while many of the smaller ancient settlements around the lake were eventually abandoned and survived mainly as archaeological sites.

In the 20th century, modern roads, towns, kibbutzim and tourist sites changed the landscape dramatically. Yet the basic geography of the lake, the surrounding hills and many archaeological remains still make it possible to understand why this relatively small area played such an important role in ancient history.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SEA OF GALILEE AND WAS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE?

Many events in the New Testament are connected with the Sea of Galilee and the settlements around it. However, there is an important distinction to make when trying to place these events on a modern map.

Some locations are named directly in the Biblical text, such as Capernaum, Bethsaida and the land of Gennesaret. Other locations are known mainly through later Christian tradition, while for some events the Gospel text gives only a general area or no precise location at all.

Therefore, the locations below should not all be understood as exact archaeological coordinates. I distinguish between places explicitly named in the New Testament and places that are traditionally or tentatively associated with an event.

Calling a few of Jesus' disciples (Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11). Location: Bethsaida or Tabgha

Meeting with Philip and Nathaniel (John 1:43-51). Location: Bethsaida or Capernaum

The Sermon in the Synagogue and casting out a demon from an obsessed (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37). Location: Capernaum

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5-7; Luke 6:17-49). Location: Mount of Beatitudes

Cleansing of the leper (Matthew 8:1-4: Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16). Location: Tabgha

Healing of the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10). Location: Capernaum

Healing of Peter's mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39). Location: Capernaum or Bethsaida

Requesting people to follow Jesus (Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:57-62). Location: East coast of the lake

Calming the storm (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25). Location: In the lake, near Tabgha

Chasing the demons from the obsessed (Matthew 8:28-28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). Location: Kursi

Healing the paralyzed (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26). Location: Capernaum

Jesus guides His disciples where they can find fish (Luke 5:1-11). Location: Ginosar

Matthew's calling (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 5:27-32). Location: Capernaum

Feast in a house (Matthew 9:10-12; Mark 2:15-17). Location: Capernaum, Chorazin or Bethsaida

The question of the followers of John the Baptist (Matthew 9:13-17). Location: Northwest coast

The resurrection of the dead daughter and healing of the woman with bleeding (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56). Location: Northwest coast, probably Capernaum

Healing of the two blind people (Matthew 9:18-31). Location: Northwest coast

Casting out the demon from the dumb (Matthew 9:32-34). Location: Northwest coast

Condemning the three cities (Matthew 11:20-24). Concerning: Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin

Multiplying 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew 14:14-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15). Location: Tabgha

Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:46-52; John 6:16-21). Location: In the lake near Tabgha, on the way to Bethsaida

The Sermon about the bread of life (John 6:25-59). Location: Capernaum (in the Synagogue)

Healings in Ginosar (Mark 6:53-56). Location: Ginosar

The question of the Pharisees about hands washing (Matthew 15:1-15; Mark 7:1-23). Location: Ginosar

Multiplying 7 loaves and a few fish (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-9). Location: Tabgha

Request for an omen (Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:10-13). Location: Dalmanutha, or Magdala

Healing of the blind (Mark 8:22-26). Location: Bethsaida

Coin in the fish's mouth (Matthew 17:24-27). Location: Capernaum

Questions from the disciples who is higher in the Kingdom of God, and about the forgiveness (Matthew chapter 18; Mark 9:33-50; Luke 9:46-48). Location: Capernaum

Jesus meets His disciples after His resurrection (John chapter 21). Location: The Northwest coast of the lake, probably Tabgha

There are some more events, written in the Bible, which probably happened at the coasts of the Sea of Galilee, but since their location is not mentioned, it is unsure where actually they happened.

THE CIRCLE

Today, paved roads make it possible to travel around the entire Sea of Galilee as one circular route. The exact distance depends on the detours you make, but a route connecting the main sites is roughly 80–90 km.

Tiberias is the most practical starting and finishing point because it is the largest city on the lake and the main transport and accommodation centre in the area.

From Tiberias, the route follows the western shore north through Magdala and Ginosar, then reaches the cluster of Biblical and archaeological sites on the north and northwest side of the lake—Chorazin, Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha and Capernaum. From there it continues toward the Jordan River inlet and the possible sites of Bethsaida, before turning south along the eastern shore through Kursi and finally returning to Tiberias along the southern side of the lake.

It is physically possible to drive the whole circle in one day, but if you want to explore the archaeological sites properly, one day becomes quite intensive. Two days allow much more time for the individual sites and the landscape between them.

MAIN BIBLICAL DESTINATIONS

So, here I give a list of the basic destinations of the Sea of Galilee:

Tiberias

It is the largest city at the coast of the Sea of Galilee. It is founded during the reign of Herod Antipas, so at the time of Jesus, it has been still quite a new city. After the two unsuccessful revolts of the Jews against Rome, Tiberias becomes one of their main cultural centers, since Jerusalem has been destroyed and a new pagan Aelia Capitolina city, restricted for the Jews was founded.

At the beginning of the 7th century, there were revolts and massacres between the local Jews and Christians, which finally ended with eliminating of the almost whole Jewish population in the area. However, during the reign of the Muslims later, Tiberias gradually restores its reputation as an important Jewish center. Conquered by the following empires: Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluk, and Ottomans, it faced wars, golden ages, destruction, and restoration.

Now Tiberias is mainly a Jewish city, presenting some attractions, such as the ancient Roman walls (they can be seen near the center), the Tomb of Maimonides and the Hot springs.

Biblical events related to Tiberias: The city is mentioned only once in the Bible (in John 6:23), for the boats that crowd used to search Jesus in Capernaum.

Magdala

This is an ancient city, about 6 km north of Tiberias, on the western coast lake, under Mount Arbel. Better known as Magdala Nunayya, now only ruins remained from it. Today there is a Jewish village near the site, called Migdal.

Magdala is especially associated with Mary Magdalene, whose name indicates a connection with Magdala, although the New Testament does not explicitly describe the town as her birthplace. Another possible Biblical event, related with Magdala is the arriving of Jesus there after feeding the crowd with 5 loaves and 2 fish in Tabgha. However, in the Gospel of Matthew the name is mostly translated as “Magadan”, and in the Gospel of Mark- “Dalmanutha”, and it is not confirmed whether it is Magdala.

Opening hours: Every day from 8:00 to 17:30
Entrance fee: 15 NIS, for children- free

Ginosar

It is a kibbutz, today built on the place of a small ancient town, called Gennesaret. Ginosar is significant mainly with its  Yigal Allon museum and the ancient Galilean boat, exposed inside. This boat is found in 1986 and dated back to the times of Jesus. Although it can’t be confirmed whether it is exactly the boat, used by Him and His disciples, it can give us an image of how these boats look like.

There is also a pier behind the museum, from where you can make a cruise on the lake. A good choice is a cruise by Sea of Galilee Worship Boats, where you can sail 1 hour and some of the cruises are with a live worship concert.

Biblical events, related to Ginosar: Here Jesus guides His disciples to a place with fish. Also here Jesus performed a lot of healing.

Opening hours of Yigal Allon museum: from 08:00–16:00 Sun–Thu. Friday and Saturday: possible alternative hours
Entrance fee: 40 NIS for adults, 20 NIS for children 6-18 years old

Chorazin

Chorazin is one of the three cities, where Jesus spent most of His ministry and condemned by Him for their disbelief. Now it is an archaeological complex with well-preserved remains, where you can see some more significant buildings, such as an ancient Synagogue. Almost nothing more is known about this city. It is only mentioned in a few other historical sources. Now there is a modern village nearby, called Korazim, but the main site is about 1 km further on the road.

To reach Chorazin, you have to make a detour from the main road circle, turning left from Tabgha, then at Korazim village turn right.

Biblical events, related with Chorazin: No specific Biblical events are mentioned, but it is said that Jesus had a lot of active ministry actions there. He condemns the city, along with Capernaum and Bethsaida for their disbelief and rejection of His witness.

Opening hours: Summer: 08:00–17:00; winter: 08:00–16:00
Entrance fee: For adults: 24 NIS, for children: 10 NIS

Mount of Beatitudes

It is actually not a mountain, but only a plain place on the slope, descending from Chorazin area. Now there is a Roman Catholic chapel, built on this place, as well as some remains of an older Greek Orthodox church. The site is located near the detour road from Tabgha to Chorazin.

Biblical events, related with the Mount of Beautitudes: The Sermon of the Mount, written in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 5th to 7th. It is interesting to mention, that here Jesus says “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14), as an allegory to the righteous people who are like a “city on a hill”. Saying that in this place has its meaning. While people hear His words, they can see the nearby hills. And there has been a city, built on one of those hills, which could be seen at that time exactly picturing those words of Jesus- it was Chorazin, seen from the Mount of Beatitudes.

Opening hours of the Roman Catholic chapel area: from 8:30 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 17:00 (on winter to 16:00)
Entrance fee: Free (but there is a parking fee for the car park)

Tabgha

Tabgha is a small area on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, traditionally associated by Christians with several events from the ministry of Jesus. The best-known association is the feeding of the five thousand, commemorated today by the Church of the Multiplication. Nearby, the Church of the Primacy of St Peter commemorates the post-resurrection appearance described in John 21.

These churches preserve long Christian traditions connected with the area, but the exact locations of the Biblical events themselves cannot be established archaeologically.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00
Entrance fee: Free (20 NIS for a car in the parking lot)

Capernaum

It has been a small fishing town, founded during the Hasmonean period. But in the 1st century AD, Capernaum is chosen by Jesus as a center of His ministry. So it is the second most important site from the New Testament (after Jerusalem). It has been populated until the 10th century, then gradually abandoned. Now the site is an archaeological complex, presenting the scene of those Biblical events, related to Jesus.

There are two main buildings among the remains of Capernaum. The first one is the Synagogue. Actually, there has been a first Synagogue, where Jesus actively did His work, and a second Synagogue, dated from 4-5th century, built on the foundation of the first one. Another important building is the House of Peter- a house remnant, considered to be the home of apostle Peter, where his mother-in-law has been healed by Jesus. Now there is a modern Christian shrine over the House of Peter, used for Christian activities, such as prayers, sermons, and worship.

Biblical events, related with Capernaum: Since it has been the main place of Jesus’ public ministry, there has been a lot of events, happened there. And the Bible especially speaks about few of them: the public sermon of Jesus and the casting out of a demon from an obsessed man in the Synagogue, the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, and the healing of the paralyzed man, descent from the roof of a house. Capernaum is also one of the three cities, along with Chorazin and Bethsaida, condemned by Jesus for its disbelief.

Practical access: Today, the wider Capernaum area includes separately managed sites. The Kfar Nahum (Capernaum) National Park, including the lakeshore and terminal area, has free entrance. However, the main archaeological area visited by most travelers—the Franciscan site of Capernaum, with the ancient synagogue, the remains traditionally identified as the House of Peter, and the modern church above them—is managed separately.

As of September 2026, entrance to the Franciscan archaeological site costs 10 NIS per person. So, information saying that “Capernaum is free” and information saying that it costs 10 NIS may both be correct—they refer to different parts of the wider Capernaum area.

Bethsaida

Bethsaida is one of the most interesting geographical puzzles around the Sea of Galilee. The New Testament describes it as the hometown of the apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip, and several events from the ministry of Jesus are associated with it.

However, the exact location of Biblical Bethsaida remains debated.

For many years, the archaeological site of et-Tell, northeast of the present shoreline, was widely identified with Bethsaida. More recent excavations at el-Araj, much closer to the lake, have produced substantial Roman and Byzantine remains and strengthened the case for this site as another possible location of the Biblical town.

Excavations at el-Araj are still continuing in 2026, so this is a good example of a Biblical location where archaeology has not yet produced a universally accepted final answer.

For travelers, it is therefore better to think of “Bethsaida” not as one unquestionably identified ruin, but as an archaeological question involving at least two major candidate sites.

It is reachable from Bethsaida junction on the road, turning left and following the road signs for about 1,5 km. Another way to reach Bethaida is directly from Chorazin, but skipping Capernaum.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00
Entrance fee: Free (but there is a 60 NIS car fee, for the parking lot, however, we were allowed to park free, for less than 30 mins)

Kursi

Kursi is an archaeological site on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, dominated by the remains of a large Byzantine monastery and church. Christian tradition associates this area with the Gospel account in which Jesus casts demons out of a possessed man and the demons enter a herd of pigs that rushes into the lake.

The exact Biblical location cannot be proven, but the Byzantine monastery shows that Christians were already commemorating the event in this area many centuries ago.

Biblical events, related with Kursi: This place is well known for one event, written in three of the Gospels- the casting out of the demons of one or two possessed men. The Bible says that there has been a cemetery nearby, where the possessed used to live. And when Jesus free him (or them), He sends the demons into a herd of 2000 swine, which jump into the lake and drown.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00
Entrance fee: Adults: 16 NIS, children: 7 NIS

After Kursi, the road proceeds south to Kinneret and nearby villages. There is the Tsemach junction, from where the beautiful Jordan valley road starts, leading to the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. It is located at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee, where Jordan river flows out heading to the Dead Sea. Finally, the road returns to Tiberias, closing the circle.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO THE SEA OF GALILEE?

Security information last checked: September 2026

This is an important question today. The Sea of Galilee is located in northern Israel, relatively close to both the Lebanese border and the Golan Heights, and the security situation in this part of the country has changed significantly since this article was originally published.

During the conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, rockets and drones launched from Lebanon have reached different parts of northern Israel. Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee area have also been affected. In 2026, rocket alerts were activated in Tiberias on several occasions, and Hezbollah rockets were fired toward the city.

This does not mean that the Sea of Galilee is under constant bombardment or that every place around the lake is permanently closed. Tourist sites may be open and normal daily life may continue for periods of time. However, the situation can change very quickly, and an apparently normal day can be interrupted by rocket or drone alerts.

The northern parts of Israel closer to Lebanon are generally exposed to a higher level of risk, and some areas are covered by official “do not travel” warnings. Different governments define these restricted or high-risk areas differently, so travelers should check the current advisory issued by their own country immediately before travelling.

As of September 2026, several foreign ministries still advise against travel to Israel or recommend reconsidering non-essential travel because of the continuing regional conflict and the possibility of sudden escalation.

If you nevertheless travel to the Sea of Galilee, there are several important precautions:

• Check the Israeli Home Front Command instructions and alerts every day.
• Know where the nearest protected space or bomb shelter is, especially at your accommodation.
• Do not assume that an attraction being open means that the wider security situation is safe.
• Check road closures and public transport shortly before moving between sites.
• Be prepared for plans, flights and opening hours to change at short notice.
• Check whether your travel insurance remains valid when travelling against an official government travel advisory.

The security situation in this region is highly time-sensitive. Therefore, this section should be treated only as a dated snapshot, not as a permanent assessment of whether the Sea of Galilee is safe to visit.

TRANSPORT

There are several ways to travel around the Sea of Galilee, but they are not equally convenient if you want to visit all the historical and Biblical sites described above.

By car

For the route in this article, traveling by car is still the most convenient option. The basic road circuit around the lake is about 60 km, but once you add detours to places such as Chorazin, the Mount of Beatitudes, Bethsaida and other sites, the total distance becomes longer.

When we made this trip, we travelled by rental car as part of a longer route through Israel. A car gave us the freedom to stop at archaeological sites, viewpoints and smaller places that would have been much more difficult to combine by public transport.

Tiberias is the most practical base if you want to start and finish the circle in one place. If you plan to rent a car, compare current prices and conditions rather than relying on old rates, since rental prices can change significantly by season.

By public transport

It is possible to reach many places around the Sea of Galilee by public bus, especially from Tiberias, which is the main transport hub of the area. However, public transport is much less convenient if your goal is to complete the entire circle and visit several archaeological sites in one day.

Bus routes and numbers can change, so I no longer recommend relying on old fixed line numbers published in travel guides. Instead, check the current route shortly before travelling through the official Israeli public transport journey planner or a real-time transport app.

Some sites are located directly beside a main road or near a bus stop, while others require an additional walk from the nearest junction. Connections between the western, northern and eastern shores may also require a transfer in Tiberias rather than following the lake continuously.

Public transport can be paid for with a Rav-Kav travel card or through supported mobile payment apps.

There is also a useful seasonal service called “Around the Kinneret” (Sovev Kinneret), operated by the Kinneret Cities Association. It provides free shuttle buses to beaches around the lake during selected peak summer dates, including some Fridays and Saturdays. However, this is not a permanent year-round service. The 2026 season ended in August, and new operating dates are announced separately for each year.

So, if you depend on buses, always check the current timetable for your exact travel date.

By bicycle

Cycling around the Sea of Galilee is possible and the basic road circuit is roughly 60 km. Experienced cyclists can complete it in one day, but visiting the archaeological sites and making detours will add both distance and time.

Keep in mind that this is not one continuous protected bicycle path. Parts of the route follow ordinary roads shared with motor traffic, while alternative cycling routes may use local roads, dirt tracks or sections away from the shoreline.

Summer can be extremely hot, and there are long exposed sections with little shade. If you cycle around the lake, start early, carry enough water and check the current road and weather conditions.

Hiking around the Sea of Galilee

There is also a marked long-distance walking route around the lake, known as the Kinneret Trail (Shvil Sovev Kinneret).

However, this trail should not be treated as a completely fixed route. Its condition changes with the water level of the lake and with local access along the shore.

As of September 2026, several sections have important temporary or semi-permanent changes. Some shoreline areas near Kinneret and Migdal are flooded, parts of the trail in Tiberias still follow sidewalks beside roads, and in the northern and eastern sections some stream crossings may require walking through deep water or using an alternative road route.

For example, the official trail information currently warns that one crossing in the northern section may require wading through water up to waist level, while another stream on the eastern side may be passable only by swimming or by leaving the shoreline trail and using the road.

For this reason, hikers should check the current condition of each section before starting rather than rely on an old fixed four-day itinerary.

The official Kinneret Cities Association divides the route into separate sections and publishes current access notes, diversions and water-related changes.

Check out your accommodation options on the shores of the Sea of Galilee here:

Booking.com

Sea of Galilee also has a lot of opportunities for a cruise (as I mentioned about the pier in Ginosar), and kite surfing. It is not uncommon to appear strong winds, raising relatively high waves on the lake. The story about the storm on the lake, written in the Bible, is something very real that you may see there.

As almost everywhere in Israel, Sea of Galilee is not only a great natural place with stunning landscapes and many opportunities for adventures, but again it has a deep historical background, mainly related with the Bible. And a combination of the historical and Biblical exploration, with an exciting traveling, biking, hiking, cruising or just relaxing at the lake coast can be an unforgettable journey.

Check out some travel guides and books about the Sea of Galilee and Israel:

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Krasen and Ying Ying

Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.

So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.

And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.

Enjoy!

Krasen and Ying Ying

Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually. So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration. And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality. Enjoy!