Mount Tabor, Israel: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Located in Lower Galilee, Mount Tabor stands as an iconic landmark with deep religious and historical significance. Christians revere it as the traditional site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, while in Jewish history, it served as the battleground where Deborah and Barak defeated the Canaanite army led by Sisera.

The mountain’s perfectly rounded dome shape rises dramatically from the surrounding Jezreel Valley, creating a striking visual that has captivated travelers for centuries. Today, visitors can explore ancient ruins, visit beautiful churches, hike through lush forests, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from the Sea of Galilee to the distant mountains.

From Major Cities

• From Tel Aviv: 130 km (81 miles), approximately 1.5-2 hours by car
• From Jerusalem: 160 km (99 miles), approximately 2-2.5 hours by car
• From Haifa: 55 km (34 miles), approximately 1 hour by car
• From Tiberias: 30 km (19 miles), approximately 35 minutes by car

Transportation Options

• Rental Car: The most flexible option for exploring the region Rental Cars
• Public Bus: Limited service to nearby towns, but not directly to the mountain
• Organized Tours: Many tour companies offer day trips from major cities Tours & Activities
• Taxi: Available from nearby towns like Nazareth or Afula

Recommended Seasons

The best times to visit Mount Tabor are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for hiking and sightseeing.

• Spring (March-May): Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F). The landscape is lush and green with beautiful wildflowers in bloom.
• Autumn (September-November): Temperatures range from 18-28°C (64-82°F). Clear skies offer excellent visibility for panoramic views.

Seasons to Avoid

While Mount Tabor can be visited year-round, certain seasons present challenges:

• Summer (June-August): Temperatures can reach 30-35°C (86-95°F), making hiking uncomfortable, especially during midday.
• Winter (December-February): Temperatures range from 8-15°C (46-59°F). Occasional rain can make trails slippery, and foggy days may obscure the views.

Summit Transportation

• Shuttle Service: Small shuttle vans operate from the parking area at the base to the summit for a reasonable fee.
• Local Taxis: Available at the base of the mountain, especially near the village of Shibli.
• Hiking: For the adventurous, several marked trails lead to the summit (approximately 1-2 hours depending on the route).

Exploring the Summit

• On Foot: The summit area is compact and best explored on foot. Most attractions are within a 10-15 minute walk of each other.
• Guided Tours: Available at both churches, offering historical and religious context.
• Circular Trail: A 2.5 km trail circles the summit, offering panoramic views in all directions.

On the Mountain

• Monastery Café: Simple refreshments and light meals near the Franciscan church
• Food Stands: Seasonal vendors selling snacks and drinks
• Picnic Areas: Several designated spots with beautiful views

Local Specialties to Try

• Galilean Breakfast: Fresh labneh (strained yogurt), local olive oil, za’atar, and warm bread
• St. Peter’s Fish: Tilapia from the Sea of Galilee, often served whole
• Druze Pita: Thin bread filled with labneh or other local ingredients
• Galilean Wine: The region produces excellent wines, particularly from Cabernet and Merlot grapes

Franciscan Church of the Transfiguration

Built in 1924 on the ruins of earlier Byzantine and Crusader churches, this impressive basilica commemorates the Transfiguration of Jesus. The church features:

• Beautiful mosaics depicting biblical scenes
• Three grottoes representing the shelters Peter offered to build
• Archaeological remains visible beneath glass floors
• Spectacular views from the church grounds

Greek Orthodox Church of St. Elias

Located on the northeastern part of the summit, this church is known for:

• Traditional Byzantine architecture
• Beautiful iconostasis and religious artwork
• Ancient cave beneath the church
• Limited opening hours – check before visiting

Hiking Trails

Several marked trails of varying difficulty offer excellent opportunities to explore the mountain:

• Summit Loop Trail (Black Trail): 2.5 km circular path around the summit with panoramic views
• Ascent Trail (Green Trail): Starts from Shibli village and climbs to the summit (challenging)
• Israel National Trail: Passes through Mount Tabor as part of its north-south route

Viewpoints & Natural Features

• Jezreel Valley Lookout: Spectacular views of the “Valley of Armageddon”
• Mount Tabor Oak Forest: Ancient oak trees unique to this region
• Spring Wildflowers: Impressive display of orchids, cyclamen, and anemones (February-April)
• Paragliding: Mount Tabor is a popular launch site for paragliders (with proper permits)

Biblical Connections

Mount Tabor features prominently in both the Old and New Testaments:

• Deborah and Barak: In the Book of Judges, Mount Tabor was the gathering place for Israelite forces before their victory over the Canaanite army led by Sisera
• Transfiguration: Christian tradition identifies Mount Tabor as the “high mountain” where Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John (though some scholars suggest Mount Hermon)
• Tribal Boundary: Mentioned as a border marker between the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, and Naphtali

Later History

The mountain has witnessed numerous historical events:

• Roman Period: Josephus fortified Mount Tabor during the First Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE)
• Byzantine Era: First churches built to commemorate the Transfiguration
• Crusader Period: Fortress and monastery constructed on the summit
• Ottoman Era: Site of battles during Napoleon’s campaign in 1799
• Modern Era: Restoration of churches and development as a nature reserve