Sights & Entertainment Sand and sun addicts, as well as numerous other crawling critters, converge on Natanya’s Waterfront The steps leading to the main beach are at the western end of Ha’Atzma’ut Sq. All of Natanya’s beaches are free; those to the north, under the small cliffs, are the least crowded.

The Natanya municipality organizes various forms of free entertainment almost every night during the summer, and fairly frequently during the winter. The GTIO has complete listings of concerts, movies, and a host of other activities. During the summer, you can watch the sun set over the Mediterranean while listening to classical muzak in the amphitheater, next to the steps to beach (Sun.-Thurs. 6-8pm).

With its rows of cafes and pubs (some of which are actually frequented by Israelis-always a positive sign), the pedestrian mall on Herzl St. by Ha’Atzma’ut Sq. is a people-watching paradise. Another prime place is the Kanion haSharon Mall, at the junction of Herzl St. and Petah Tikva St. For a break from sun-bathing, tour the industrial side of town. The Natanya Diamond Center, 90 Herzl St. (tel. 62 47 70; open Sun.-Thurs. 8am-7pm, Fri. 8am-2pm) offers tours; call for times. Or check out the citrus packing plants in Kiryat Eliezer. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 8am-4pm, Fri. 8am-lpm. Dec-March only.) At the end of the day trot to the Cliff Ranch (tel. 66 35 25) near the Blue Bay hotel for horseback riding.