Imagine waking up every morning to the blue water of the Kinneret sparkling under the sun. The air feels cleaner, the sound of birds replaces traffic noise, and even a short walk feels like a vacation. Around the Sea of Galilee, there are towns and neighborhoods where people live like this every day.
This guide explains all of them — what they are like, how close they are to the water, and what kind of people live there.
1. Places Right on the Water
Moshavat Kinneret
This is one of the oldest small towns in Israel. It sits right on the lake’s southern edge. The houses are often wide, one-story homes with gardens. You can walk from your backyard straight to the water. Life here is quiet and simple.
Kvutzat Kinneret
A kibbutz right next to Moshavat Kinneret. It started as a farming community. Most people here live close to nature and love open space. You can see the water from almost every street.
Degania Alef and Degania Bet
These are two of Israel’s first kibbutzim. They are just a few minutes from where the Jordan River begins. Both are flat and peaceful, with a clear lake view and green fields all around.
Ma’agan
A small kibbutz with a hotel, trees, and a calm beach. It feels like a little resort. People come here to relax and to feel close to the water.
Ein Gev
This is a kibbutz on the eastern side of the lake. It has its own harbor, beach, and famous fish restaurant. The view is open and beautiful, with mountains behind and the water in front.
Ginosar
Located on the western shore, Ginosar is both a kibbutz and a tourist area. It’s home to the Yigal Allon Museum and the ancient “Jesus Boat.” The homes here are modern, and many look straight out to the lake.
Migdal
Migdal is a small town north of Tiberias. It’s close to the lake but higher up, so most homes have full lake views. It’s a good mix of quiet and convenient — you’re near the city but still close to nature.
2. Places on the Hills (With Big Views)
Nof Kinneret – Tiberias
“Nof” means “view” in Hebrew, and this area is named exactly for that. It’s high above Tiberias and looks down on the whole lake. Many houses have balconies made just for watching sunsets.
Ramat Kinneret – Tiberias
A modern neighborhood just above the city center. It’s quiet, clean, and close to schools and parks. The higher you go, the wider the lake view gets.
Poria Illit, Poria Neve Oved, and Poria Kfar Avoda
These three small communities sit on hills south of Tiberias. They’re very close to the lake, only a few minutes away by car. People move here because it feels like living in the countryside but with a full view of the water.
Arbel
Arbel is a moshav (a small farming village) sitting near the famous Mount Arbel cliffs. The view here is one of the best in Israel. On clear days you can see the whole Kinneret and even the Golan Heights. Most people here are religious and value quiet, family life.
Giv’at Avni
Just 10 minutes from Tiberias, this place feels modern but still small. It’s home to many religious and traditional families. The houses are large, and most have terraces facing the Kinneret.
Alumot
A small kibbutz above the southern lake area. It’s peaceful and surrounded by fields. Because it’s on a ridge, almost every point gives a panoramic view.
Livnim
A moshav west of the Kinneret. It’s green, quiet, and mostly religious. From many homes here, the lake looks like a painting.
3. What Kind of People Live There
- Religious or traditional communities: Arbel, Livnim, Giv’at Avni
- Mixed areas (religious and secular): Migdal, Nof Kinneret, Ramat Kinneret
- Mostly secular: Moshavat Kinneret, Kvutzat Kinneret, Degania Alef/Bet, Ma’agan, Ein Gev, Ginosar, Poria, Alumot
Each has its own rhythm. Some people move for peace, others for community, and others for the view itself.
4. What Makes the Kinneret Area Special
- The Water: It’s Israel’s only freshwater lake. The color changes all day — silver in the morning, deep blue in the afternoon.
- The Air: Because it’s below sea level, the air is warm but soft.
- The Views: Whether you’re right on the beach or up in the hills, the scenery is stunning.
- The Feeling: It’s slower, calmer, and more connected to nature. Even short visits feel like rest for the soul.
5. Choosing the Right Spot
If you want to walk to the water, look at:
- Moshavat Kinneret
- Degania Alef / Bet
- Ma’agan
- Ein Gev
- Ginosar
If you want to live on a hill and see the whole lake, choose:
- Nof Kinneret
- Poria
- Arbel
- Giv’at Avni
- Livnim
Final Thoughts
The Kinneret is more than just a lake — it’s a way of life.
Each community has its own personality: some are modern and family-focused, others feel like old villages from a storybook.
But all share the same magic — that feeling when you look out and see the water shining back at you.
Living here isn’t only about location. It’s about waking up every day in one of the most peaceful, beautiful corners of Israel.
