Bar Kohva
South District, Israel
Bar Kohva is a sandy beach in South District, Israel, with Blue Flag certification since 2016. The beach is open May 5 to October 22 and offers free entry. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season, and facilities include a refreshment kiosk, disabled access, and…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Bar Kohva
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Bar Kohva?
Bar Kohva is a sandy beach in South District, Israel, with Blue Flag certification since 2016. The beach is open May 5 to October 22 and offers free entry. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season, and facilities include a refreshment kiosk, disabled access, and fresh drinking water. May and June are the best months to visit. The beach's Blue Flag status is reviewed annually.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in South District, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Israel certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Bar Kohva faces E toward Red Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
| Apr | 19°C | 16°C | Low |
| May | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 26°C | 23°C | High |
| Oct | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Nov | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Dec | 16°C | 13°C | Low |
The best time to visit Bar Kohva is May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.9°C in July.
How crowded does Bar Kohva get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Israel, Bar Kohva sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Bar Kohva open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (05-05 – 22-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Bar Kohva
Is Bar Kohva safe to swim?Bar Kohva is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Bar Kohva?Peak water temperature at Bar Kohva reaches around <span class="inline-stat">23.9°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 13°C.
What is the beach like at Bar Kohva?Bar Kohva is a sandy beach on the South District coast of Israel. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Bar Kohva have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Bar Kohva meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season.
Transport
Getting to Bar Kohva
How do I get to Bar Kohva by car?Bar Kohva is approximately 2.26 km from Ashkelon. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Bar Kohva?The nearest airport is Be'er Sheva (Teyman) Airport (BEV) (BEV), approximately 46.9 km away.
Can I get to Bar Kohva by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ashkelon.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 05-05 – 22-10 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 31.6851°N, 34.5599°E |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Israel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Bar Kohva FAQ
Is Bar Kohva suitable for children?
Bar Kohva is a Blue Flag certified beach in South District, Israel. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Bar Kohva free to access?
Yes, access to Bar Kohva is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Bar Kohva?
The best time to visit Bar Kohva is May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 23.9°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 26.9°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Bar Kohva?
Bar Kohva is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Bar Kohva?
Bar Kohva is located in South District, Israel. It is approximately 2.26 km from Ashkelon. The nearest airport is Be'er Sheva (Teyman) Airport (BEV) (BEV), 46.9 km away. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
Explore More
More Blue Flag Beaches in Israel
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status — from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Israel — rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore IsraelWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal — not just a marketing tool.
Read more