Netanya sits on Israel's Mediterranean coastal plain, roughly midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, and its main draw for a visitor is the long stretch of beach below the town. The city is built on a cliff above the shoreline, so the relationship between where you sleep and how you reach the sand is the single most useful thing to understand before you book.
For a visitor, the practical layout is simple: the tourism and hotel life runs along the cliff edge above the beach, and the main square and city centre sit a short walk inland from there. This guide covers the areas worth basing yourself in, what each suits, and how the accommodation tiers differ.
Best areas to stay in Netanya
1. The cliff edge above the beach
This is where nearly all of Netanya's accommodation is concentrated, strung along the top of the cliff directly above the sand. Staying here puts the sea in front of you and the promenade and beach within easy reach, which is the reason most visitors choose it.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the beach to be the centre of the trip. You will find hotels of various sizes and styles along this strip, from larger establishments to smaller boutique-style places. The one practical point to weigh is the cliff itself: the beach is below you, so access involves the descent and climb rather than stepping straight onto the sand.
2. Around the main square and city centre
The main square and city centre sit just inland from the cliff, a short walk from the seafront hotels. This area gives you the everyday life of the town, with the commercial centre close at hand.
It suits travellers who want to be near shops and services as well as the beach, and it works well for those who prefer to be on flatter ground for daily errands. Several seafront places are within a five-minute walk of the main square, so you can base yourself here and still treat the beach as your main activity. Bus lines serve this area and the beach strip, which helps if you would rather not walk the cliff path.
3. Along the north beach
The northern stretch of beach has its own cluster of accommodation, including boutique-style places set on the elevated cliff overlooking the sea. It is a short walk from the city centre.
It suits visitors who want a quieter base with sea views while staying connected to the centre. Being on the cliff means the same consideration applies as elsewhere along the seafront: you are above the beach rather than on it. Bus line 64 serves this side of town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: expect smaller, simpler places, often inland from the cliff around the city centre, where you trade a sea view for a lower rate and walk to the beach.
- Mid-range: the bulk of the seafront stock, including boutique-style hotels on the cliff edge and near the main square, with sea views and a short walk to the promenade and beach.
- Splurge: larger resort-style properties overlooking the Mediterranean coastline, with the fullest range of on-site facilities and the most direct sea views.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself on the cliff edge above the beach. It puts the sea, the promenade and the sand within easy reach, and the main square and city centre are only a short walk inland. Nearly all of the town's accommodation is here or very close by, so it is also the simplest area to book into without needing to know the rest of the city.
Frequently asked questions
Where are most of Netanya's hotels located?
Nearly all of them sit on the cliff edge above the beach, or very close to it.
How do I get from the seafront to the city centre?
It is a short walk: several seafront hotels are about five minutes from the main square and city centre. Bus lines also serve the area.
Can I stay right on the beach?
Accommodation sits on the cliff above the beach rather than on the sand itself, so you reach the beach by descending from the cliff edge.
Which bus lines serve the accommodation areas?
Bus line 64 serves the seafront and north beach areas, while bus lines 32 and 67 serve the Ben Ami Avenue area near the centre.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.