Things To Do
in Kefar Sava

Kefar Sava is a small, rural moshav on the central Israeli coast, surrounded by citrus groves and farmland. It sits within easy reach of larger cities like Tel Aviv and Netanya, offering a calm counterpoint to urban life. The community is known for its family-run farms, local markets, and friendly neighborhood vibes.

Visitors will find a relaxed pace, with simple amenities and opportunities to connect with locally produced food and crafts.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Kefar Sava, where you can admire the charming architecture and vibrant street art. Stop by a local café for a traditional Israeli breakfast, complete with fresh bread, spreads, and aromatic coffee. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history by visiting the local museum, where artifacts and exhibits tell the story of Kefar Sava's past.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine, head to the beautiful Ganei Yehuda Park for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely walk, take in the lush greenery, and perhaps have a picnic on the grassy lawns. The park also offers various recreational facilities, so consider renting a bike or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to the vibrant marketplace, where you can experience the local culture and try various street foods. Engage with local vendors and taste delicious dishes like shawarma and falafel. End your evening at a cozy bar or café, enjoying live music and the lively atmosphere of Kefar Sava.

day 2
Culinary Delights and Market Tours
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the local market, known as the Shuk, where the aroma of fresh produce fills the air. As you wander through the stalls, sample local cheeses, olives, and baked goods while chatting with friendly vendors. Consider picking up some ingredients to prepare a traditional Israeli dish later in the day.

afternoon
:

Join a cooking class led by a local chef who will guide you through the process of making classic Israeli dishes using the fresh ingredients you gathered at the market. Enjoy the hands-on experience and learn about the cultural significance of each dish as you cook alongside fellow food enthusiasts. After the class, sit down to savor the fruits of your labor in a communal dining setting.

evening
:

Conclude your culinary adventure with a visit to a nearby wine bar, where you can taste some of Israel's finest wines. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting experience, pairing each wine with local cheeses and snacks. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and reflect on your delightful day of gastronomy.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥗Three-course meal for two (mid-range)$40-70
Coffee or tea$2-4
🏨Hotel room (mid-range, per night)$100-170
🛒Groceries for a week$40-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to beaches and major cities
  • Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere
  • Good value for the region
  • Strong local community and fresh food options
  • Limited nightlife within Kefar Sava itself
  • Public transport can be less frequent than in Tel Aviv
  • Some services concentrated in nearby towns
  • Summer heat can be intense for outdoor activities
  • "Shalom" - Hello
  • "Toda" - Thank you
  • "Bevakasha" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Ma nishma?" - How are you?
  • "Slicha" - Excuse me / Sorry

Places to Visit in Kefar Sava

Visit one of these nice places.

Kefar Sava Main Street Vista

Pedestrian-friendly street with whitewashed facades, sunlight through trees, and people-paced activity—great for candid and architectural shots.

Citrus Grove Sunset Point

Row upon row of citrus trees with golden-hour light filtering through leaves; ideal for landscape and still-life photography.

Old Synagogue Courtyard

A small, traditional courtyard setting with stone walls and subtle textures perfect for detail shots.

Rural Field Edges at Dawn

Open farmland with soft morning light, silhouettes of trees, and distant hills—excellent for wide-angle landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kefar Sava

The region blends Mediterranean Israeli flavors with farm-fresh produce, dairy, and seasonal vegetables. Expect bright herbs, tomatoes, olives, citrus, and wholesome preparations that highlight simple, well-balanced meals.

Kefar Sava Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Shakshuka

Eggs poached in a spicy tomato-pepper sauce, often served with bread for breakfast or brunch.

Must-Try!

Sabich

Pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, salad, and tahini-sauce drizzle.

Hummus with Tahini

Creamy chickpea dip topped with olive oil and tahini, served with warm pita.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kefar Sava Market (local market)

A small market scene with seasonal produce, breads, cheeses, and ready-to-eat items; great for sampling locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Nearby Markets (Kfar Saba / Netanya)

Markets offering fresh produce, baked goods, olives, spices, and street-side snacks; ideal for a tastier, more immersive experience.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activities, while summer can be very hot and dry, requiring sun protection and hydration.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Shabbat Awareness

Some businesses close for Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Plan accordingly and show respect in public spaces during these hours.

Dress and Conduct at Religious Sites

Modest dress is appreciated when visiting religious sites; remove hats when entering places of worship and observe local signage.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; practice standard precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded places, be mindful when driving on coastal highways, and follow local guidance during weather events or public gatherings.

Tipping in Kefar Sava

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is customary if service is not included. In cafes or casual spots, rounding up is common; taxis may be tipped modestly or rounded up to the nearest shekel.

Payment Methods

Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly common in shops and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with bloom-filled landscapes; great time for outdoor walks and photography of orchards in blossom.

Summer

Hot and dry; early mornings and late evenings are best for outdoor activities and photography; stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures returning after summer; food markets often feature harvest produce and seasonal dishes.

Winter

Mild to cool with occasional rain; ideal for cozy café visits and seeing green hills after rain; bring a light jacket.

Nightlife Guide

Kefar Sava at Night

Kefar Sava itself is quiet after dark, with limited nightlife within the moshav. For a livelier scene, head to nearby towns or Tel Aviv for bars, live music, and coastal clubs; expect a mix of casual cafés, wine bars, and occasional community events in the surrounding area.

Hiking in Kefar Sava

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ga'ash Forest Loop

Gentle pine forest trail with shaded sections and scenic viewpoints ideal for a family hike.

Coastal Plain Trails

Flat-to-gentle coastal routes offering sea views and easy walking sections.

Alexander River Nature Trail

Riverside walk with birdlife and seasonal water features; check access and preserves.

Airports

How to reach Kefar Sava by plane.

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)

Israel’s main international gateway, located near Tel Aviv; frequent flights to destinations worldwide.

Haifa International Airport (HFA)

Smaller regional airport with several domestic and limited international routes; longer drive from Kefar Sava but useful for certain trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Kefar Sava is a compact, walkable moshav; most daily needs can be met on foot within the village, while longer trips are best done by car or local buses.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Secular families

A large share commute to the metropolitan area and prefer modern amenities.

Religious families

Smaller presence; some neighborhoods reflect traditional practices.

Immigrants (oleh)

Diverse backgrounds from the former Soviet Union, North Africa, and beyond contribute to the community culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the country; local clubs and school teams are active;

Basketball

Strong community and school programs; accessible courts in towns nearby.

Tennis

Public courts and clubs offer recreational play and seasonal leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Good road connections to Tel Aviv and Haifa; expect heavier traffic on peak hours and holiday weekends along the Coastal Highway and major junctions. Buses connect Kefar Sava to neighboring towns; driving offers flexibility for day trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kefar Sava.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for dairy or egg-based dishes and plant-forward plates; many spots offer vegetarian-friendly options and cheese-topped salads; ask to avoid meat or fish and request dairy-free preparations if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Israel offers universal healthcare; residents access local clinics and pharmacies, with major hospitals in nearby Ra'anana, Netanya, and Petah Tikva. Enroll in a health fund (Clalit, Maccabi, Leumit, or Meuhedet) for full coverage.

Discover Israel

Read more in our Israel 2025 Travel Guide.

Israel Travel Guide