Shikmona Park lies within the city of Haifa, along the coastal strip between the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research institute and the mouth of Nahal Lotem stream. Shikmona Beach was declared a marine nature reserve thanks to its variety of coastal and marine habitats. Alongside the habitats you can see bays, abrasion platforms, tide pools and the mouth of the Nahal Lotem stream.
In addition to the beautiful and special beach, Tel Shikmona rises in Shikmona Park. On the tel, which is about 12 m above sea level, are archaeological remains of the ancient settlement of Shikmona, including from the 5th century CE. Shikmona is the oldest settlement site in Haifa.
You can walk the park’s trails or spread out a blanket and enjoy the beaches (there are no lifeguard services on the beach).
I’m really glad this little piece of happiness is within walking distance of my home.
But for those coming from afar, there’s also a small free car park next to the oceanographic research institute.
Shikmona Park reserve: beaches, archaeological sites and a bike path.
Tel Shikmona
Settlement at Shikmona apparently began as early as the Late Bronze Age, in the 15th century BCE.
Throughout history the area was settled in the Iron Age, the Persian period, the Roman period and the Byzantine period. Archaeological finds from the last century revealed residential quarters with mosaic floors, a villa at the top of the tel, industrial installations, a church building with many mosaic floors, and plaques decorated with bronze crosses.
Some of these finds can still be seen on a walk on the summit of Tel Shikmona.
A Pool with a Sea View
One of the special and photogenic spots in Shikmona Park is the rock-cut pool.
The pool is a relic from the Byzantine period; it was carved to hold murex sea snails, which were used to produce purple dye.
Bike Path
A bike path passes through Shikmona Park, crossing most of Haifa’s beaches.
The bike path starts from the southern part of the Bat Galim neighborhood and reaches Carmel Beach (Hof HaCarmel).
Alongside the bike path there are also walking paths.
Protect the Environment
A few years ago, when we’d just moved to the neighborhood, whenever we visited the beach it was clean and empty of visitors.
Slowly the beach’s popularity grew (probably thanks to the new walking and cycling paths that cross all of Haifa’s beaches), so today quite a few visitors come.
Unfortunately the visitors leave behind quite a lot of litter, which easily reaches the beaches and kills the animals.
Please, if you visit, don’t leave anything behind. No cigarette butts and no straws.
More rules for protecting the environment:
No vehicles allowed except bicycles.
Dogs are allowed on a leash (and of course, pick up after them).
Net fishing is forbidden.
Lighting fires is forbidden.
Sleeping and pitching tents are forbidden.
No glass bottles allowed in the park area.
Further reading:
A few interesting articles I found about the Shikmona Park reserve (in Hebrew).
- The lost secret of biblical Shikmona is revealed, Walla website.
- Who will restore Shikmona, Walla website.
- Haifa’s most important archaeological site is disappearing, Walla website.
If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend combining the visit to Shikmona with a ride up to the Stella Maris viewpoint on the Bat Galim cable car. Looking for more attraction recommendations? Join our Facebook group (in Hebrew): “What Matters: trips, attractions and places to stay“. Happy travels, Shir-Yam
