Water pollution, lack of water…there's a never ending list of problems facing the Sea of Galilee, but what really seems to aggravate both locals and travellers the most is the illegal privatisation of the beaches. Some stretches of shoreline are now completely fenced off, with owners charging up to ₪120 for a bit of fun in the sun.

Most of the beaches immediately around Tiberias are owned by hotels, which do at least provide facilities such as changing rooms and showers. If you don't like the idea of paying for access, either head for the harbour wall to the south of the Radisson Moriah Plaza Hotel, or leave Tiberias altogether and walk or take a bus further south, beyond the hot springs, and stop when you see an appealing site. Bus No 5-Aleph (A) heads south.