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Samaria
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Explore Samaria in the West Bank through Nablus, ancient ruins, Samaritan heritage, olive groves and limestone hill country shaped by layered history.

Samaria is a historic highland region in the northern and central West Bank, named after the ancient Kingdom of Israel’s capital, Samaria. The term has biblical, historical and modern political meanings, and its boundaries vary according to context. For travellers, it broadly encompasses the hill country around Nablus, the ancient heartlands near Sebastia and Shiloh, and parts of the northern West Bank extending towards Jenin and Salfit. The area is not a separate modern Israeli administrative region; it lies in territory whose political status remains contested, and movement is influenced by Israeli and Palestinian systems of administration and security.
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The landscape is predominantly hilly, with limestone ridges, olive groves, terraced slopes, springs and deep valleys. Nablus, set between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, is the principal urban centre and one of the region’s most historically layered cities. Its old quarters contain Ottoman houses, mosques, bathhouses, markets and the Church of Jacob’s Well, while nearby Mount Gerizim remains central to Samaritan religious life. To the north, Jenin forms a gateway to fertile agricultural country, whereas the uplands around Salfit and the villages east of Nablus have a more pronounced olive-growing character.
Samaria’s archaeological importance is considerable. The ruins of ancient Samaria at Sebastia preserve remains from Israelite, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, while Tell Balata is associated with the ancient settlement of Shechem. Shiloh, identified in biblical tradition as an early Israelite religious centre, presents archaeological remains and interpretive displays in a rural setting. Churches, monasteries, Ottoman structures, village terraces and ancient cisterns reveal the region’s long continuity of settlement, although access to individual sites can depend on current security arrangements.
Contemporary Samaria is also a place of working farms, universities, religious communities, Palestinian market towns and Israeli settlements. Olive cultivation shapes both the economy and the seasonal calendar, with autumn harvests bringing families together in groves across the hills. The region’s food culture includes musakhan, maqluba, hummus, falafel, knafeh, olive oil, village cheeses and Nablus’s distinctive white cheese. Visitors should approach the area with geographical care, cultural respect and up-to-date security information, since a short distance can cross administrative boundaries with different practical conditions.

When is the best time to visit Samaria?

Best: April–June · 24–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1590
February1780
March1960
April (best)2430
May (best)2710
June (best)290
July310
August310
September2910
October2730
November2250
December1880

Getting to and around Samaria

How to get there

Samaria has no single international gateway. International visitors generally arrive through Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, outside the region, or through Jordan via the Allenby or King Hussein Bridge, subject to entry rules and current operating conditions. Nablus, Jenin, Salfit and other towns are reached by road from Palestinian urban centres and Israeli entry points, but routes may involve checkpoints, restricted roads or changing access arrangements. There is no regular international passenger railway in the region. Confirm the route, required permissions and same-day security conditions before travelling, particularly when crossing between Israel and the West Bank.

Transportation

Road travel is the practical way to explore Samaria, with Palestinian buses and shared taxis serving many towns and Israeli bus services serving some settlements and designated routes. Services are more frequent around Nablus and Jenin than in rural hill villages, and a journey that appears short on a map can take much longer because of checkpoints or road restrictions. An experienced local driver or guide is strongly advisable. Rental-car insurance and permission to enter the West Bank vary by company and route, so check the terms carefully before collecting a vehicle. Walking and hiking should remain within clearly understood, locally appropriate routes.

Top city travel guides in Samaria

The cities of Samaria, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Samaria

Samaria’s attractions combine major archaeological sites, living religious traditions and a predominantly rural limestone landscape. Nablus is the principal cultural base, with its old city, spice and produce markets, Ottoman buildings, traditional soap-making heritage and the Church of Jacob’s Well. Mount Gerizim, above the city, is the sacred centre of the Samaritan community and offers wide views over the central highlands. At Sebastia, the remains of ancient Samaria and later Roman and Byzantine settlement stand among a modern Palestinian village and olive-growing countryside. Tell Balata presents the archaeological site associated with ancient Shechem, while Shiloh interprets an early Israelite religious centre through archaeology and landscape. Beyond the formal sites, visitors encounter terraced hills, springs, village paths, olive groves and agricultural valleys, although access, interpretation and facilities vary considerably. Outdoor exploration requires local advice because roads and trails can cross different jurisdictions or become unsuitable in hot weather.

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Best landmarks in Samaria

The defining landmark of Samaria is the paired skyline of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal above Nablus, a setting central to Jewish, Samaritan and Christian historical traditions. Mount Gerizim contains the principal sacred precinct of the Samaritan community, while the valley between the mountains leads towards the old city and the site traditionally identified with Jacob’s Well. The remains at Sebastia mark the hilltop capital of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and later Roman civic centres, with columns, streets and monumental fragments embedded in the modern landscape. Tell Balata preserves the archaeological setting associated with ancient Shechem. Nablus’s old city is itself a landmark ensemble of stone lanes, courtyards, mosques, bathhouses and market buildings, shaped in large part during the Ottoman period. The terraced olive hills around Salfit, Nablus and northern Samaria are less monumental but equally characteristic, representing centuries of agricultural adaptation to the region’s dry limestone terrain.

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Explore Samaria on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Samaria

Dining in Samaria is closely linked to Palestinian hill-country cooking and the produce of small farms. Nablus is particularly associated with knafeh, the syrup-soaked cheese pastry served warm, as well as Nabulsi cheese, hummus, falafel, stuffed vegetables and breads from traditional bakeries. Across the region, menus may feature maqluba, musakhan, grilled meats, lentil dishes, seasonal salads, yoghurt and olive oil from local groves. Palestinian coffee and sweet tea are common forms of hospitality, while market stalls provide fruit, herbs, pickles and nuts according to the season. Restaurants in Nablus and Jenin range from simple grills and family-run eateries to more contemporary cafés; in smaller villages, dining may be limited to local establishments or arrangements made through a guide. Ask about ingredients when necessary, as menus may change with harvests, religious observance and local availability.

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Best bars in Samaria

Samaria is not a destination for a large nightclub circuit, and evening life is shaped by local customs, religious practice and security conditions. In Nablus and Jenin, visitors are more likely to find cafés, tea rooms, restaurants and sweet shops open into the evening than alcohol-focused venues. Some Christian communities and visitor-oriented establishments elsewhere in the wider West Bank serve beer or wine, but availability is uneven and should never be assumed in a predominantly Muslim town or rural village. Social life often centres on family gatherings, market streets, cafés, football and conversation rather than late-night entertainment. If staying in an Israeli settlement, the evening options may be different, but access between settlements and Palestinian towns can be restricted or inadvisable after dark. Check local arrangements rather than travelling in search of nightlife.

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Best nightclubs in Samaria

Samaria is not a destination for a large nightclub circuit, and evening life is shaped by local customs, religious practice and security conditions. In Nablus and Jenin, visitors are more likely to find cafés, tea rooms, restaurants and sweet shops open into the evening than alcohol-focused venues. Some Christian communities and visitor-oriented establishments elsewhere in the wider West Bank serve beer or wine, but availability is uneven and should never be assumed in a predominantly Muslim town or rural village. Social life often centres on family gatherings, market streets, cafés, football and conversation rather than late-night entertainment. If staying in an Israeli settlement, the evening options may be different, but access between settlements and Palestinian towns can be restricted or inadvisable after dark. Check local arrangements rather than travelling in search of nightlife.

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Best shops in Samaria

Shopping in Samaria is centred on traditional markets, independent food shops and the commercial streets of Nablus and Jenin rather than large retail complexes. Nablus’s old market is the strongest place to browse spices, olives, pickles, soaps, sweets, textiles, household goods and seasonal produce, while its olive-oil soap remains a locally associated craft product. Nabulsi cheese, olive oil, dates, herbs and packaged sweets are practical food purchases, provided they can be carried and stored safely. In smaller towns and villages, shops are primarily oriented towards daily needs, with occasional stalls selling embroidery, ceramics or handmade items. Prices may be negotiable in some markets, but bargain courteously and check weights and packaging when buying produce. Retail hours, market activity and access can change with religious holidays, local events and security restrictions, so treat shopping as part of a town visit rather than planning an itinerary around a particular temporary stall.

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Samaria essentials

Currency and Payment
The Israeli new shekel, coded ILS and commonly written NIS, is widely used in Israel and throughout much of the West Bank, including Samaria. Palestinian towns may also display prices in Jordanian dinars or US dollars for some goods, but the shekel is the everyday currency in many transactions. Cards and contactless payments are common in larger hotels, restaurants and shops, while smaller markets, taxis, rural businesses and village stalls may require cash. Carry modest cash in shekels and do not rely exclusively on international payment apps or card machines outside the main towns.
Safety
Security conditions in Samaria can change rapidly, and demonstrations, road closures, military activity, settler–Palestinian tensions and attacks may affect particular roads or towns without much notice. Follow current government travel advice and instructions from reputable local guides, avoid protests and military installations, and do not photograph security personnel or checkpoints. Rural travel also brings ordinary hazards such as heat, uneven archaeological ground, limited shade and poor mobile coverage. Use marked roads, avoid isolated routes after dark and confirm that accommodation and transport arrangements remain viable before leaving a town.
Emergency Situations
Emergency arrangements depend partly on the area and authority involved. In Israel and Israeli settlements, 100 is used for police, 101 for Magen David Adom ambulance services and 102 for fire and rescue; 112 may also connect to emergency services from some mobile phones. In Palestinian-administered towns, local police, civil defence and ambulance services may be reached through Palestinian emergency channels, commonly 100 for police, 102 for civil defence and 101 for ambulance, although access and response can vary. Ask accommodation staff or a local guide for the correct number in the immediate area, carry identification and know your precise location.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in Nablus’s old city, villages, mosques, churches and Samaritan religious sites, and remove shoes or cover shoulders when local custom requires it. Ask before photographing people, worshippers, military personnel, checkpoints or private property. Queue patiently, negotiate prices politely where bargaining is customary, and accept that some religious or archaeological areas may have restricted access. Do not enter closed roads, abandoned structures or politically sensitive sites without local guidance. Tipping is customary in many restaurants and for helpful guides, while the amount should reflect the service rather than a rigid regional rule.
Local Tips
Nablus is best explored on foot with time for its market streets, soap workshops, historic bathhouses and traditional sweets, while Mount Gerizim requires sensitivity to Samaritan religious practice. Archaeological sites such as Sebastia and Shiloh may have different access arrangements from nearby towns, so check before travelling. Autumn is an important olive-harvesting season, but rural work areas are private workplaces rather than attractions; seek permission before entering groves or photographing workers. Carry water, allow extra time for road checks and keep both Israeli and Palestinian place names available when asking for directions.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloShalom[sha-lom]
GoodbyeLehitraot[leh-ee-tra-oat]
YesKen[ken]
NoLo[lo]
Please/You're welcomeBevakasha[be-va-ka-sha]
Thank youToda[to-da]
Excuse me/SorrySlicha[slee-kha]
How are you?Ma nishma?[ma neesh-ma]
Fine. And you?Tov. Ve'atah?[tov ve-a-tah]
Do you speak English?Ata medaber anglit?[ah-ta meh-da-ber an-glit]
I don't understandAni lo mevin[ah-nee lo meh-veen]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAni rotzeh lir'ot et ha-menu, bevakasha[ah-nee ro-tzeh leer-ot et ha-meh-noo, beh-va-ka-sha]
I don't eat meatAni lo ochel basar[ah-nee lo o-khel ba-sar]
Cheers!L'chaim![le-kha-im]
I would like to pay, pleaseAni rotzeh leshalem, bevakasha[ah-nee ro-tzeh le-sha-lem, beh-va-ka-sha]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Ezra![ez-rah]
Go away!Lech mizeh![lech mee-zeh]
Call the Police!Tzevach et hamishmeret![tsay-vach et ha-mish-me-ret]
Call a doctor!Tzevach leRofe![tsay-vach le-ro-feh]
I'm lostAni t'lah[ah-nee tah-lah]
I'm illAni choleh[ah-nee kho-leh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ani rotzeh liknot...[ah-nee ro-tzeh leek-not]
I'm just lookingAni rak m'vakeh[ah-nee rak meh-va-keh]
How much is it?Kama ze ole?[kah-mah zeh oh-leh]
That's too expensiveZe yoter yakar[zeh yo-ter yah-kar]
Can you lower the price?Ata yachol lehakot et hachir?[ah-ta yah-chol leh-kot et ha-kheer]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ma ha-sha'a?[ma ha-shah-ah]
It's one o'clockZe sha'a achat[zeh sha-ah ah-khat]
Half past (10)Chatzot (10)[cha-tzot]
MorningBoker[bo-ker]
AfternoonTzohorayim[tzo-ho-ra-yim]
EveningErev[eh-rev]
YesterdayEtmol[et-mol]
TodayHayom[ha-yom]
TomorrowMachar[ma-khar]
1Echad[eh-khad]
2Shtayim[sh-tah-yeem]
3Shalosh[sha-losh]
4Arba[ar-ba]
5Chamesh[cha-mesh]
6Shesh[shesh]
7Sheva[she-vah]
8Shmoneh[sh-mo-neh]
9Tesha[te-shah]
10Asar[ah-sar]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Eifo yesh ...?[ay-foh yesh]
What's the address?Ma ha-adress?[ma ha-a-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Ata yachol leharot li (al ha-map)?[ah-ta yah-chol leh-har-ot lee al ha-map]
When's the next (bus)?Matai ha-bus habah?[ma-tai ha-bus ha-ba]
A ticket (to ....)Karta (le ....)[kar-ta le]

History of Samaria

Early Settlements and the Bronze Age

Samaria’s hills have been occupied since prehistoric times, with fertile valleys, springs and defensible ridges encouraging permanent settlement. Tell Balata, near modern Nablus, is commonly identified with ancient Shechem and preserves evidence of a substantial Bronze Age urban centre. Trade routes crossing the central hill country connected local communities with the wider Levant. Archaeological remains from this period include fortified structures, domestic areas and religious contexts, although interpretations continue to develop. The region’s later towns and villages often occupy the same strategic corridors, reflecting the enduring importance of water, agriculture and movement through the highlands.

The Kingdom of Israel and the City of Samaria

In the ninth century BCE, the Israelite king Omri established Samaria as the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. The city occupied a commanding hill near present-day Sebastia and developed into a political and administrative centre. Its rulers maintained connections with neighbouring kingdoms, while the surrounding country supported grain, olives and vineyards. Assyrian conquest in the late eighth century BCE ended the kingdom’s independence and transformed the population and administration of the region. The ancient capital’s foundations, monumental remains and later layers are among the most important archaeological evidence for the northern Israelite state.

Assyrian, Hellenistic and Hasmonaean Rule

After the Assyrian conquest, Samaria became part of successive imperial and regional political systems. Persian rule was followed by the Hellenistic kingdoms created after Alexander the Great, bringing new administrative practices and cultural influences. In the second century BCE, Hasmonaean expansion incorporated the central highlands into a Jewish state, while relations between communities in the region remained complex. Mount Gerizim became the principal sacred mountain of the Samaritan community, whose religious tradition developed alongside, but separately from, Jewish traditions. These layers help explain the region’s unusually dense combination of sacred sites and contested historical memories.

Roman and Byzantine Samaria

Roman rule reshaped the region through new roads, civic institutions and urban development. Sebastia, Neapolis and other settlements acquired theatres, colonnaded streets, baths and public buildings, while agriculture remained fundamental in the surrounding hills. Neapolis, the Roman predecessor of Nablus, later became an important Byzantine city. Christianity spread through the area, leaving churches, monasteries and pilgrimage traditions. Samaritan revolts against Byzantine authority in the fifth and sixth centuries caused major disruption, and the community’s demographic and political position declined thereafter, although Samaritan religious life endured around Mount Gerizim.

Islamic, Crusader and Mamluk Transformations

Following the Arab conquest in the seventh century, Samaria became part of the wider Islamic world, and Arabic gradually became dominant. Nablus developed as an important commercial and agricultural centre, benefiting from its position between the coast and the Jordan Valley. Crusader control affected parts of the central highlands, but Ayyubid and later Mamluk rule re-established Muslim authority and strengthened regional administration. Mosques, markets, caravan routes and agricultural terraces continued to shape settlement. The period’s legacy remains visible in the street patterns and religious architecture of Nablus and in the landscape of long-established hill villages.

Ottoman Samaria and the Growth of Nablus

The Ottoman Empire governed Samaria from the sixteenth century until the First World War. Nablus became a prosperous regional centre whose merchants traded soap, olive oil, grains and textiles. The city’s famous olive-oil soap industry expanded through workshops and commercial networks, while extended families invested in houses, mosques, schools and public buildings. Rural communities maintained terraced agriculture and olive groves, and caravan connections linked the highlands with coastal and inland markets. Ottoman architectural details, including courtyards, stone arcades and traditional houses, remain important elements of Nablus’s old city.

British Mandate and the Modern Political Landscape

After the First World War, Samaria became part of the British Mandate for Palestine. New roads, administrative boundaries and educational institutions altered older patterns of movement, while competing Arab and Jewish national projects increasingly shaped political life. The 1948 war placed the West Bank, including Samaria, under Jordanian administration; Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war. Since the Oslo agreements of the 1990s, parts of the West Bank have been administered by the Palestinian Authority, while Israel retains varying responsibilities and control in other areas. The region’s roads, settlements, cities and archaeological sites must therefore be understood within this unresolved political framework.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Samaria

Discover Samaria with Evendo: Your 100% Free, Comprehensive Travel Guide App Covering Attractions, Landmarks, Restaurants, and More.

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  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Explore the wonders of Samaria, Israel with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Plan your trip effortlessly with detailed information on attractions, landmarks, dining spots, and more.

  • History of Samaria and travel essentials
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Imagine embarking on a journey to the historic and culturally rich region of Samaria, Israel. With Evendo, your adventure becomes seamless and enriching. Our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. From the ancient ruins of Sebastia to the bustling markets of Nablus, Evendo ensures you don't miss a thing.

Discover the ancient city of Shechem, explore the archaeological wonders of Mount Gerizim, and indulge in local cuisine at renowned restaurants like Al-Aqsa and Hosh Al-Yasmin. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

Evendo goes beyond just providing information. You can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the need for multiple bookings and searches. The 'Near me' feature helps you find nearby attractions and amenities, ensuring you make the most of your time in Samaria. Plus, our curated local tips allow you to experience the region like a true local.

Whether you're visiting for the historical landmarks, vibrant markets, or exquisite dining, Evendo has got you covered. And the best part? Our app is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and start your unforgettable journey in Samaria.

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