For some of the most spectacular views in Israel, head to the Carmelite Monastery of St Elijah, known to Arab and Jewish Israelis as the Muhraqa. Built to commemorate Elijah’s showdown with the 450 prophets of Ba’al (recounted in I Kings 18), the Catholic complex includes a chapel (built 1883; men are asked to remove their hats) and serves as a home for two monks from the Discalced Carmelite Order ('discalced' is a fancy way of saying 'barefoot').
From the roof (access is via the shop), you can see the Mediterranean, Mt Hermon (when it's clear) and everything in between. Out front is a peaceful little garden with a statue of Elijah.
The Muhraqa is 5km south of the centre of Daliyat al-Karmel; bear left at the signposted Y-junction.
