When was the last time you traveled to the North? Not to Haifa, but truly to the North. If the empty roads, desolate shops, and perhaps most tellingly, the look of the Sea of Galilee's beaches are any indication, I would bet that many Israelis still consider the North a war zone. That is a shame, because that is simply not the case. Those suffering the most are, of course, the people who run the tourism businesses that remain virtually empty during the hot summer months of the school break.
We visited several of these last week when we stayed with Adva and Lioz Hamo (who has already accumulated 700 days of reserve duty in recent years, but who’s counting), the owners of Villa Tehila, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Rosh Pina. The couple, parents to children, have been involved in Northern tourism for years. They also own RZR ATV tours and a brand-new coffee cart that opened two weeks ago, which is likely the coffee cart with the best view in the country.
However, that is not enough. The absence of organized tours, corporate trips, and, of course, family vacations is hurting the businesses they worked for years to build. They maintain these businesses with incurable optimism, hope, and faith that the good days of the North will return. At present, reality remains far from that.
Still, let us catch a bit of optimism from these wonderful people.
A Special Little Hotel
Villa Tehila, where we were the only guests (a small group checked out on the morning of our arrival), is a special little hotel combining a historic building and an overseas atmosphere, featuring 14 rooms of various sizes, charming nooks, and a quiet ambiance. The best part is that there is a pool, jacuzzi, and sauna available for free use.
The rooms at the hotel are relatively simple, but they are spacious and clean, suitable for couples and families, and can even be rented in their entirety as a single unit for parties and events. Every room features a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, and espresso machine, alongside a coffee corner, electric kettle, TV, free internet, a shower, and an additional convenience area with a refrigerator and a chest of drawers.
The courtyard here is beautiful and decorated with sweet seating areas. What we did feel was missing was breakfast. The location is perfect for a fun breakfast in the courtyard, but in recent years, following the war, it was discontinued, and along with it, the hotel's wine bar was closed, which is honestly understandable.
Prices:
Midweek for a couple, starting at NIS 600, excluding breakfast. Weekends starting at NIS 800, with an additional NIS 150 per child. Weekend bookings require a minimum of two nights. In August and during the holidays, the entire complex is also rented out to families and groups.
The couple also owns an ATV complex in Moshav Amnon called RZR Hatzafon, which offers experiential ATV tours along beautiful routes overlooking the views of the Galilee and the Sea of Galilee. The recommended route lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes over roughly 20 km., combining off-road driving in mountainous terrain, passing through mango groves (in season), explanations about the area, as well as a stop to eat mango and watermelon and a short swim in the Sea of Galilee.
In general, while the Sea of Galilee may remain as neglected as it was in the 1980s, this lake is one of the most enjoyable attractions in the North, and one can easily spend hours there.
Prices:
For families and groups, a family vehicle for up to six people is offered at NIS 750. Couples can choose a two-seater Kawasaki or Bugelman vehicle for NIS 600–800, depending on the vehicle and the route.
Activities take place Sunday through Friday, by advance reservation. Closed on Saturday.
A Coffee Cart with the Most Beautiful View in Israel
Nogaya is a coffee cart in Moshav Amnon overlooking the Sea of Galilee, which opened just two weeks ago.
On the (kosher) menu, you will find quality hot and iced coffee, rich acai, soft-serve ice cream, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh pastries, quiches, and a selection of indulgent desserts.
Nogaya is part of a unique complex that also includes the meat food truck Mul Hatzuk, which serves burger and hot dog meals.
BaGalil - Neighbors Festival
In an effort to revitalize the North precisely during this period, the BaGalil - Neighbors 2026 festival will take place next week in Ma'alot-Tarshiha: Six days of music, culture, and experiences for the entire family will be held across the city and at sites throughout the Western Galilee from August 16 to 21, 2026.
At the center of the festival will be two evenings at Lake Monfort, featuring a Children's World area in the afternoons, a farmers' market, workshops, and activities for the entire family. In the evening, major free-admission performances will take place: On Monday, August 17, Ethnix and Tuna will perform, and on Tuesday, August 18, Ishay Ribo and Osher Cohen will take the stage. Alongside the main shows, additional cultural events will take place throughout the week, including musical performances, children's shows, an opera evening, klezmer music, Arabic music performances in Tarshiha, arts and crafts workshops, and the Neighbors Sing Together show.
A significant portion of the festival events, including those at the lake, will be open to the general public free of charge.
The writer was a guest of the venue.