Just before winter: The perfect vacation you must experience in the north

There is something magical in the heights of the Galilee when summer calms down and autumn begins to take over the mountains. The air is clear, the colors soften, and clouds move slowly between the peaks. It is a time when silence returns, trails fill with hikers who have been waiting for cooler weather, and in the small spots between wineries and villages, you can smell freedom in the air.

This period, at the beginning of November, is the perfect time for a relaxed trip in the north—not too hot, not too cold, just a pleasant balance between sun and long sleeves. One or two days in the Merom Hagalil Regional Council can easily turn into a small vacation of calm, good food, and postcard-like views. We’ve gathered a few recommendations you shouldn’t miss.

You can start the day in the moshav Amirim, one of the most beautiful places in the Upper Galilee. Even before your first coffee, you’ll discover a view that looks as if it were painted by an artist—Mount Meron peeking in the distance, the beautiful Kinneret sparkling far away with a touch of blue that only emphasizes the surrounding green. At the corner of the streets Mitzpe Kinneret and Mitzpe Menachem, a quiet and moving lookout dedicated to the memory of Yitzhak Rabin z”l.

It is a place that speaks softly—there are no facilities or noise, just benches, cool breeze, and a view that reminds you how truly beautiful our country is. At this time of year, it seems as if time stops for a moment: Families with children, young couples, and solo travelers sit in the same peace, facing the gentle lines of the landscape.

From the lookout, you can continue directly to the Hidden Trail in Amirim—a short path of about 450 meters, but one that gives the feeling of stepping into another world. A shaded trail between oak and catalpa trees, with the smell of dry leaves and soft light filtering through the canopy. The climb is easy and ends at the observation point named after Lt. Tal Omri z”l, overlooking the Galilee mountains and Mount Meron.

This trail suits everyone—families, couples, or solo travelers—and especially those looking for a moment of tranquility without having to travel too far. The air here is pleasant even in the middle of the day, and the feeling is of precise nature—not too wild, not too touristy.

One of the area’s great surprises is Nahal Gush Halav, a trail that manages to combine nature, history, and Galilean scenery perfectly. The route begins at the edge of the village of Gush Halav (Jish) and descends into a green valley where the stream winds. Even if the water flow is thin at this time, the smell and calm more than make up for any missing drops. In the middle of the trail awaits a special historical point—the ancient synagogue of Gush Halav, built in the 3rd century CE and preserved almost entirely. The local stone, delicate carvings, and surrounding scenery create an almost sacred feeling. After a short visit, you can lay out a mat, open a coffee thermos, and enjoy endless peace and wonderful weather.

At this point of the day, a craving for something sweet arises—and exactly for that, Sharona Boutique in Moshav Safsufa was born. Pastry chef Sharona established a kosher dairy café here that looks like it was taken straight from Provence, but its aromas are completely Galilean. Behind the counter are croissants, impressive cheesecakes, and a variety of stunning desserts that appeal both to the eyes and the palate.

After a period of closure, Sharona returned with a new menu and immense passion. The dishes are served on beautiful plates with a wide smile, against a green view peeking through the window. Sharona Boutique is the kind of place where you can sit for an hour without noticing the time pass—just enjoying the air and the tranquility.

From sweets to the local drink of the Galilee—wine. In the Merom Hagalil area, you’ll find many small wineries, but Rimon Winery in Kerem Ben Zimra is one of the most unique. It is a family winery producing pomegranate wine—not grapes—and manages to surprise even the most devoted wine enthusiasts.

At the new visitor center, you can taste the different wines and hear the story of Moradi Nahmias, the winemaker, who stayed alone in the village during the war to protect the winery. In addition to wine, the place also offers natural cosmetics based on pomegranate extract—a perfect souvenir from a calm Galilean day.

Not far from the winery hides another sweet gem—Madame Elkalai, a small café in Kerem Ben Zimra opened by Bar Elkalai, a local. She grew up among the orchards and vineyards, and when she grew up, she decided to create a place connecting home with the community.

The café is simply designed but full of warmth: Fluffy cheesecakes, fragrant yeast pastries, and sweet jams made on-site. During the quiet periods of the year, the place has become a pilgrimage spot for travelers seeking peace. The view from the window—green vineyards and mist climbing the mountain—is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon tea.

And of course, you can burn off all the carbs on one of the following two trails: Those continuing from Moshav Kerem Ben Zimra can discover a small, surprising natural point—Ein Alvah, a shallow, clear spring that emerges between the vineyards and flows into Nahal Gush Halav east of the moshav. The path is only one kilometer and is easy and pleasant, although some parts are exposed to the sun. Alternatively, one can reach the spring by nearby car access.

The spring itself is nestled among tall poplar trees beside an old, abandoned building that adds a mysterious touch. The cool water flows from the small pool directly into the nearby forest, making it a perfect place to sit with your feet in the water and gaze at the tranquility of the north.

Along the way, you pass agricultural plots and vineyards beginning to change color—orange, red, and purple—a nearly European scene in the soft autumn light. To reach it, you can enter Kerem Ben Zimra in Waze, turn left at the moshav entrance, and drive about 600 meters along the community fence to the gate with clear signage to Ein Alvah.

There is no better place to conclude the trip than the summit trail on Mount Meron, a 2-kilometer circular route passing among oak, terebinth, and pistacia trees. In the evening hours, the colors shift—the light turns golden, the wind strengthens slightly, and the view stretches to Mount Hermon. On a clear day, you can also see the sparkling Mediterranean in the west.

It is a simple yet stunning trail suitable for almost everyone. At the start, there is a designated parking area and informational signs, and at the end, a perfect lookout spot to sit with a cup of tea or wine and watch the sun set behind the mountains.

Merom Hagalil in autumn is not just a travel destination—it’s a state of mind. A rare combination of nature, cuisine, and soul. Between winery and forest, between lookout and café, you discover places that tell the story of the north. Now, with winter approaching, it’s time to go out and discover the Galilee at its best—calm, green, and inviting.