Dor Habonim Beach, Nature reserve and beach in Hof HaCarmel, Israel
Dor Habonim Beach is a stretch of sand and rocky outcrops along the coast of Hof HaCarmel Regional Council, protected as a nature reserve. The shoreline shows small coves opening between rounded sandstone cliffs, while shallow tide pools sit carved into the rock.
The Phoenician settlement at Tel Dor served as an important trading harbor in the eastern Mediterranean from the 15th century BCE. The area remained occupied under different rulers until Romans used the port, and later the coastal strip became uninhabited.
The name Habonim comes from a youth movement that settled members along this coast in the early 20th century. Today swimmers rest between dips on flat rock formations that create natural terraces toward the sea.
Separate entry points at the northern and southern ends offer parking and changing areas, so you can choose depending on which section of shoreline you prefer. Waves can be stronger between the rocks, so staying near the main swimming beach is safer.
Ancient salt production installations are carved into the coastal rocks, connected by narrow channels where seawater once flowed. These hollows and grooves remain visible today, showing how salt was made right on the shore.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
