Sea to Sea (Yam el Yam)
Sea to Sea (Hebrew ים אל ים) is a hiking trail in Israel, running from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee. It is usually a three- or four-day trip, and a pleasant way to experience the Upper Galilee. Most hikers walk it west to east, and many carry a small bottle of water from one sea to pour into the other at the end. Another tradition is to swim, or at least dunk your head, in both seas.
UnderstandThe trail is one of Israel’s classic long-distance hikes. It is not technically difficult, but it does require normal hiking fitness, navigation ability and the ability to carry food, water and overnight gear.
PrepareCarry Israel Hiking Map Number 2, which covers the Galilee and is scaled 1:50,000. The printed map is accurate and uses the same colour system as the marked trails.
Get inYou can start on the Mediterranean side by one of two popular options. The first option starts from the shore at Achziv, six km north of Nahariyya on Route 4. From here you follow Nahal Kaziv.
WalkFrom the shore of Akziv follow Nahal Kaziv. The trail will be unmarked but you will know you are hiking on Kaziv because it is the only Nahal (riverbed) starting from the shore of Akziv.
Stay safeSea to Sea is a very popular trip for Israelis. Generally, Israelis are open people. It is not uncommon to be offered a cup of coffee or to be joined for a meal while hiking on the trail.
Go nextOnce you arrive at the Sea of Galilee you can take a bus to the destination of your choice. There are buses that run and have stops on Route 90 which runs along the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Sea to Sea (Yam el Yam)" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0