At 580 meters above sea level (1730 feet) the Carmel Mountains tower above the Mediterranean coastline and their limestone rocks create a cliff-like landscape. Because of the region’s large amount of rain, the slopes and peak are covered with lush natural vegetation. It is no wonder, then, that the name "Carmel" means, in Hebrew, "Vineyard of God"!

The Mt. Carmel range borders the Samaritan Hills to the southeast, the Mediterranean shore to the west, and the Jezreel valley to the north. Nature reserves and planted forests will one day restore the mountains’ astonishing beauty and fauna endemic to the area is being encouraged to return.

Elijah the Prophet taught in the "school of the prophets" on this mountain. On the summit of Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. "Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table. So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. (1 Kings 18:19-20). Today a Carmelite monastery stands at the summit of the highest peak.

Two other Christian sites are found on the mountain. The Carmelite headquarters and monastery complex is called Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) and stands proudly on the northernmost edge. Some believe that Elijah inhabited a cave under the church.

There is also another cave, much further down the slopes. It is here that many Jewish and Christian comes in pilgrimage. Here Elijah is believed to have studied with his pupils and may have offered advice to those who came to seek it.