The Golan Heights is one of the most beautiful and least expected corners of Israel. Rising to the east of the Sea of Galilee, this volcanic plateau feels like a different country, wide green plains, extinct volcanoes, rushing waterfalls, world-class wineries, and sweeping views that stretch for miles. It is a favorite escape for Israelis and a rewarding day out for visitors who want nature, history, and a glass of excellent wine in one trip. This guide covers the best things to do in the Golan Heights, when to go, and how to plan your visit.
Why visit the Golan Heights?
Unlike Israel's hilly center and coastal cities, this region is a flat basalt plateau dotted with extinct volcanoes, eucalyptus groves, and year-round streams. The volcanic soil and cool climate make it the country's premier wine region, while the abundant water feeds dramatic waterfalls and lush nature reserves. Add ancient ruins, hiking trails, and panoramic lookouts, and you have a landscape that looks and feels unlike anywhere else in the country. It is also the wettest area in the region, so spring brings wildflowers and the waterfalls run at full strength.
The best things to do in the Golan Heights
Mount Bental and the volcanic viewpoints
Mount Bental is the signature lookout, an extinct volcano rising to over 1,100 meters with a panoramic view across the plateau, Mount Hermon, and the plains beyond. There is an old military bunker to explore, a quirky cafe called Coffee Anan, and metal sculptures dotting the summit. On a clear day the views are extraordinary, and it is an easy stop for anyone touring the area.
The Banias Nature Reserve and waterfall
The Banias is home to the largest waterfall in Israel, fed by a spring rising at the foot of Mount Hermon. Shaded hiking trails wind through the lush reserve to the falls, passing the ancient ruins of Caesarea Philippi, where you can see the cave and sanctuary once dedicated to the Greek god Pan. You can check opening hours and trails on the Israel Nature and Parks Authority site. It is one of the most beautiful and historically rich spots in the north, combining nature and antiquity in a single walk.
Wineries and the volcanic wine region
The cool climate and basalt soil have made this Israel's finest wine country. The Golan Heights Winery in Katzrin, founded in 1983, helped spark the nation's wine revolution and has won international acclaim for its Yarden, Gamla, and Golan labels. Many estates offer tastings and vineyard tours, so a visit easily pairs scenery with a relaxed afternoon of local wine. It is one of the highlights of any trip to the area.
Gamla Nature Reserve
Gamla is sometimes called the Masada of the North. This camel-shaped ridge holds the ruins of an ancient Jewish city that fell to the Romans, alongside a tall waterfall and a population of soaring vultures. The viewpoints and trails make it a memorable stop for those drawn to history and dramatic scenery.
Nimrod Fortress
Perched on a steep ridge in the north, Nimrod Fortress is a vast medieval castle built in the 13th century to guard against Crusader attacks. Its towers and ramparts command sweeping views, and wandering its halls and stairways is one of the more atmospheric experiences in the region.
Mount Hermon
In the far north rises Mount Hermon, the country's tallest peak and home to its only ski resort in winter. In the warmer months it offers cool air, alpine scenery, and a cable car with views over the surrounding land. It is a striking contrast to the desert landscapes further south.
How to get to the Golan Heights
The region rises to the east of the Sea of Galilee in the far north of the country, roughly three to four hours by road from Tel Aviv and about two and a half from Jerusalem, though it sits much closer to Tiberias and the Galilee. Because the sights are spread across a wide plateau and public transport is limited, the easiest way to see it is by car or on a guided tour.
Our Golan Heights tour takes you to the highlights with transport and a guide who knows the area, and the Christian Galilee tour pairs beautifully with a northern trip. To round out your itinerary, read our guides to the nearby Sea of Galilee and Nazareth while you plan.
Best time to visit
Spring, roughly March to May, is the finest season, when the plateau turns green, wildflowers bloom, and the waterfalls run strongest. Autumn is also pleasant and lines up with the grape harvest at the wineries. Summer can be hot but more comfortable than the lowlands thanks to the elevation, and winter brings snow to Mount Hermon and occasionally to the higher ground. For waterfalls and greenery, aim for spring.
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What to know before you go
Wear sturdy shoes for the nature reserves and bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Many reserves charge an entrance fee and close an hour earlier on Fridays and holiday eves, so check times before you set out. If you plan to taste wine, make sure you have a designated driver or join a tour. Bring a light layer even in summer, as the higher viewpoints can be breezy. And allow a full day, the distances between sights add up.
Frequently asked questions about the Golan Heights
What is the Golan Heights known for?
It is known for its volcanic plateau scenery, extinct volcanoes like Mount Bental, the largest waterfall in Israel at Banias, award-winning wineries around Katzrin, nature reserves such as Gamla, and historic sites like Nimrod Fortress. The cool climate and basalt soil also make it the country's top wine region.
How do I get to the Golan Heights from Tel Aviv?
It is roughly a three to four hour drive from Tel Aviv and about two and a half hours from Jerusalem, though much closer to Tiberias. Because the sights are spread out and public transport is limited, a car or a guided tour is the easiest way to visit.
Is it worth visiting the Golan Heights?
Yes. The combination of dramatic volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, nature reserves, ancient ruins, and excellent wineries makes it one of the most rewarding regions in the north, and it feels distinctly different from the rest of the country.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring, from March to May, is the best time, with green plains, wildflowers, and full waterfalls. Autumn is also lovely and coincides with the wine harvest. Winter brings snow to Mount Hermon.
Can I go wine tasting there?
Absolutely. The region is Israel's premier wine country, and several estates, including the acclaimed Golan Heights Winery in Katzrin, offer tastings and vineyard tours. Just arrange a designated driver or join a guided tour.
How long do I need for a visit?
Allow at least a full day to see the highlights, as the sights are spread across a wide plateau. With a guide or a car you can comfortably combine a viewpoint, a nature reserve, and a winery in one trip.
Plan your visit
From the rim of an extinct volcano to the spray of Israel's largest waterfall and a glass of award-winning wine, the Golan Heights packs an extraordinary range into one northern day. With a guide to handle the driving and the distances, it is an easy and memorable trip. Browse all our Israel tours, explore our full travel guide hub for more northern itineraries, and pair this with our Sea of Galilee guide for the perfect Galilee getaway. Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 or email sales@booking-tours.com and a real person from our Eilat office will answer.