Sharona: History, Trails and Landscape

Sharona lies in the eastern Lower Galilee near Route 767, between Kfar Tavor and the Sea of Galilee. It is a moshav; its history, a spring with a wading pool nearby, and described hiking trails offer different starting points for planning a trip. Other archaeological sites can be found at Khirbat Sarona in the surrounding area and at sites in the wider Northern District destination. For orientation, it is helpful to consider the town’s history, nearby destinations, and the broader regional context separately.

History of the Moshav

Sharona began in 1913 as a farm belonging to the Ahuzah Chicago Society and was initially called Havat Rama. The year marks its beginnings as a farm, while the name was the place’s first designation. If you also base your choice of destination on a place’s history, these details provide a specific point of reference in time.

Spring, Valley Views and Earlier Settlement Traces

Nearby is Ein Sharona, with a spring and a wading pool; from there, the view stretches across the Yavne’el Valley. Ein Sharona lies in the center of Khirbat Sarona, a settlement that existed in Roman and Byzantine times. Remains of a synagogue with a relief of a seven-branched menorah were found there. Thus, the landscape of the spring, pool, and valley view is linked to an archaeological find. Visiting conditions may change; check them in advance.

Hikes and Route Details

A walking route between Sharona and Yavne’el is five kilometers long. One described hike starts in Yavne’el; from there, vehicles take you to Moshav Sharona, followed by a descending trail past Ein Sharona, Ein HaMishtamet (also called Ein Sharvit), Ein Zarzif, and Ein Tarpa’u. The route passes through open Galilean countryside, by jujube trees and prickly pear bushes. These details answer different planning questions: the five kilometers refer to the walking route between the towns, while the hike description first calls for a vehicle transfer to Sharona. Dates, availability, and conditions may change. Check the schedule and availability with the provider before planning.

Archaeology in the Wider Northern District Destination

The wider Northern District destination includes Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo, two archaeological sites with different areas of focus. Tel Hazor is a biblical tell with significant remains of a city associated with the Bible; visits focus on the upper city. Tel Hazor includes Solomon’s Gate, a gate with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. A Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. The Late Bronze Age palace is described as the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most significant in the Levant.

Tel Hazor also preserves significant remains of an underground water collection system, an advanced engineering feat adapted to the geography for water storage. An excavated shaft is 45 meters deep; steps three meters wide are cut into the walls of the vertical shaft. The fortifications are considered the finest example of their kind in the area stretching from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.

Tel Megiddo is one of three tells that preserve significant remains of cities associated with the Bible and are closely connected with biblical events. Its Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of cult activity, and documented ritual practices. The orthogonal Iron Age city plan has few parallels in the Levant. As a regional comparison, Tel Hazor offers sites such as its gate, palace, and water system, while Tel Megiddo is known for its temple complex and urban planning.

Considering Sharona for Your Hotel Search

When searching for hotels in Sharona, you can first decide whether your trip will focus mainly on the moshav’s history, nearby destinations, or archaeological sites in the wider Northern District. For a hike, the starting point, vehicle transfer, and current availability are important planning details.

Discover more destinations: Gidona, Ein Harod, Ne'ot Golan, Keramim, Arbel, Kadarim, Rishon LeZion, Kfar Adumim

View the wider travel overview: Israel.