Sea of Galilee

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is Israel’s largest freshwater lake, with a circumference of 53 kilometers, approximately 21 kilometers in length and 13 kilometers in width, covering a total area of 166 square kilometers. It has a maximum depth of 48 meters and lies 213 meters below sea level, making it the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world.

The Sea of Galilee is not actually a sea but is traditionally called one. On modern maps, it is labeled as Lake Galilee or Tiberias Lake. Its name indicates that it is located in the Galilee region. Other names for the Sea of Galilee include Lake Gennesaret, Sea of Chinnereth, and Sea of Tiberias, while Catholic Bible versions refer to it as the Sea of Galilee.

The Sea of Galilee is fed by underground springs, but its main water source is the Jordan River, which flows through the lake from north to south. The lake lies deep within the Jordan Rift Valley, the boundary between the African and Arabian tectonic plates. As a result, the area experiences frequent earthquakes, and in the past, volcanic activity was also common, as evidenced by the region’s geology rich in basalt and other igneous rocks.

Because the lake is situated in a low-lying rift valley surrounded by mountains, sudden and violent storms often occur. The New Testament even records the story of Jesus calming a storm on the lake. Indeed, one of the lake’s most distinctive features is its ever-changing nature. The entire Sea of Galilee is a popular holiday destination, surrounded by numerous historical sites, especially the main town of Tiberias, which attracts millions of local and international visitors each year.

Sea of Galilee

Must-visit reason: The lowest freshwater lake on Earth

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Israel[Israel]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Northern District [Northern District]