This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Ginosar.
Ginosar is a kibbutz on the western edge of the Sea of Galilee in the Plain of Ginosar. It is halfway between Tiberias and Capernaum and the easiest way to get here is by bus from Tiberias; some routes are longer than others and may take you over two hours to get here. By car or direct bus it is only twenty minutes.
The modern settlement was founded by a group of young Socialist Zionists on the eve of Purim in 1937; the land belonged to the Palestinian authorities and this group took it by squatting on the land. They constructed a tower and a stronghold to ward off the Arab revolts. Historically, there was a settlement called Ginosar during Biblical times, but there is no archaeological evidence to support that it was at the same site as the current kibbutz.
The accommodation choices in Ginosar are limited to the kibbutz guesthouse/hostel and hotel. The hostel is more of a hotel than a backpackers hostel; there are no shared rooms or common spaces or kitchens. Like most kibbutz accommodation, the hotel and hostel/guesthouse are run by the community; visitors are welcome to use the facilities and restaurants at both lodges regardless of where they are staying.
Ginosar was once an agricultural village, but it is now supported by a large tourism economy. The famous Sea of Galilee boat was discovered on the shores of Ginosar’s lake and is displayed at the Beit Yigal Allon Museum on the kibbutz. Nearby attractions include early Christian churches, the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus performed his famous Sermon on the Mount, and the tomb of Maimonides. The new Israeli government-funded Jesus Trail, which is a hiking and biking trail that connects important Biblical sites, runs near Ginosar. If you are keen to visit some of these attractions without hiking the entire trail, you can base in Ginosar and travel to the nearby sites.
Written by local enthusiast for Ginosar hostels
Jakob Lombardi
