Active Pursuits in Safed

Swimming -- As you turn into town, in a hollow to the right of the road, near the Central Bus Station, is Emek Hatchelet Swimming Pool (tel. 04/692-0217), which has been around since 1959. The area is beautifully landscaped, and has lounge chairs, tables, and big umbrellas. Admission is NIS 30 ($7.50/£3.75) for adults and half-price for children. There are two pools (one for children), game tables, a playground, and a minigolf course. Aside from showers and dressing rooms, facilities include a restaurant serving everything from ice cream to a full steak-and-fries meal. It's open daily from June through part of September, 9am to 5pm. Several days a week the afternoon hours are reserved for men-only or women-only swims.