Is It Safe to Visit Rosh Hanikra Again? Israel’s Northern Gem Reopens

The iconic Rosh Hanikra grottoes, perched at Israel’s northernmost coastal edge along the Lebanese border, are once again open to the public, following an 18-month closure due to security tensions in the region. Once teeming with tourists, the natural wonder was temporarily converted into a military base during the northern escalation. Now, its breathtaking beauty returns to the spotlight.

For a year and a half, the waves continued to crash against the white limestone cliffs, carving new patterns into the stone, but the echoes of tourists were absent. That changes today, as Rosh Hanikra officially reopens its gates to visitors.

“We’ve currently reopened the lower grotto area, and later we’ll turn our attention to restoring the upper cable car section,” said Liat Halevi Cohen, marketing director for the site.

The grottoes suffered damage during the closure period and have since undergone significant restoration efforts. For now, visitors will access the site through the historic British Mandate-era railway tunnel, as the scenic cable car remains under renovation.

“At its core, the cable car is just the transport—what truly matters are the grottoes themselves, and the public can finally experience them again,” Halevi Cohen emphasized. “This site is a cornerstone of tourism in the Western Galilee. We hope its reopening will not only draw visitors back but also help revive other attractions in the region.”

Starting today, guests can once again walk the winding paths through the dramatic sea caves, marveling at the geological formations carved over millennia. The coastal promenade has also resumed operations, offering electric vehicle and bicycle rentals for scenic rides along the cliffs and Mediterranean shoreline.