The Sea of Galilee is not a sea. It is a freshwater lake, roughly 21 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide, sitting 209 meters below sea level in the rift valley of northern Israel. But what it lacks in oceanic credentials, it makes up for in significance. This lake is where Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm, called his first disciples, and performed many of his most famous miracles. It is also Israel’s primary natural freshwater reservoir and one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the country.
The Geography
The lake is surrounded by hills on all sides, with the Golan Heights rising steeply to the east and the gentle slopes of the lower Galilee rolling away to the west. The landscape changes with the light: golden in the morning, blue at midday, and violet at sunset. The sudden storms that the Gospels describe still happen. The lake’s position in the rift valley creates weather patterns that can turn a calm surface into whitecaps within minutes.
The Gospel Sites
The northwestern shore of the lake is where much of Jesus’ ministry took place. Capernaum, his base of operations, sits on the shore. Tabgha, with the Church of the Loaves and Fishes and the Church of the Primacy of Peter, is nearby. Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, has been recently excavated with stunning results. And the Mount of Beatitudes overlooks it all.
The Lake Today
The Sea of Galilee remains the heart of the Galilee region. Fishing boats still work the waters, though the famous St. Peter’s fish is increasingly farmed rather than caught wild. The promenade at Tiberias comes alive in the evenings, and beaches dot the shoreline. The Yardenit baptismal site, where the Jordan River flows out of the lake, draws Christian pilgrims from around the world.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
The Sea of Galilee is the centerpiece of any Christian pilgrimage and a highlight for all visitors to northern Israel. Hoshen Tours designs itineraries that circle the lake, connecting the holy sites, the nature, and the food of the Galilee.