Hugging the border with Lebanon, Metula is the northernmost town in Israel. The discovery of ancient mosaics, wine presses and 3rd-century graves suggest the area has been inhabited since Roman times. In 1896, a Jewish moshava settlement was established here by farming families from Russia.
Things to do in Metulla
Go ice skating and swimming throughout the year at the Canada Center, a family-friendly leisure resort in the heart of Metula. In addition to the Olympic-sized ice skating rink and heated swimming pool, there is a jacuzzi, wet and dry saunas, plus a ten-pin bowling alley. You can enjoy immersive experiences at the 7D cinema, challenge yourself at the shooting range or let the kids run loose at the Gymboree.
Spectacular views across Metula and into neighbouring Lebanon are on offer from the Dado Lookout, which hugs a hillside south-west of town. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Hermon and the volcanoes of Avital and Bental, as well as the Hula Valley and the Crusader fortress of Beaufort Castle.
Want to stretch your legs? Head to the Ayun Stream Nature Reserve, which was established in 1968 to preserve the area’s unique scenery, flora and fauna. Admire the waterfalls that cascade along the Ayun Stream, a tributary of the Jordan River, while keeping your eyes peeled for white-throated kingfishers and Eurasian eagle-owls. Also within the reserve is a historic pump that once provided Metula with spring water.
Getting around Metulla
Metula is around 1.5 hours' drive from Haifa Airport, which has seasonal flights to Cyprus. The much larger Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv is just over two hours away. Buses connect to Metula and the town is small enough to explore on foot.