With its beautiful beaches, its fascinating history, and its impressive natural landscapes, Israel offers its visitors a wide variety of experiences. Here is our guide to the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Israel that will give you a glimpse of the beauty of the country.
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1. Acre
A variety of different cultures have inhabited Acre throughout its history, including the Crusaders and the Ottomans, each leaving their mark on this region. With interesting, culturally shaped buildings, ruins, and landmarks around every corner, Acre is a must-see location in northern Israel. Enjoy a romantic evening along the harbor, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, or take a stroll through the markets of Acre.
2. Nazareth
Located in the Lower Galilee, Nazareth is an important holy destination for Christians around the world. In addition to its great religious value, Nazareth is also a city rich in culture and history, not to mention interesting archeology, which will show visitors a different side to the charm of the Middle East.
3. Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, or as the Israelis call it, the Kinneret, is an important source of water, as well as the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The lake’s history dates back a long time. According to the New Testament, many of Jesus’ miracles occurred here, including his walking on water. Today, tourists visit the Sea of Galilee to enjoy the relaxing lake, have fun building rafts, or engage in various water activities.
4. Golan Heights
In the north of the country lies the Golan Heights, a mountainous region with breathtaking landscapes, marvelous nature reserves, and fascinating historical attractions for the whole family. If you are interested in hiking, the Golan region offers various paths with different levels of difficulty, depending on the time of year. It is awe-inspiring during the spring when the flowers bloom and the fields are green. In winter, Hermon Mountain, located in the Golan Heights, is an ideal destination for skiers.
5. Haifa
Haifa has a variety of different neighborhoods and a mix of cultures, making it a very lively place for visitors. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful port and the vibrant beach, perfect for surfers. Also, they can enjoy the beautiful nature that Haifa has to offer with its unique Bahai Garden.
6. Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv combines relaxing beaches, lively nightlife, authentic markets, culinary delights, and much more. The diverse society is very open, so everyone will be able to find their place here. As Israel’s entertainment hub, Tel Aviv also offers a full calendar of events throughout the year. These include the Gay Pride Parade, Purim Street Party, and Tel Aviv Fashion Week.
7. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is considered one of the holiest cities in the world, as it is home to important spiritual sites for three major religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Visiting Jerusalem is like traveling back in time. In the center you will find the Old City surrounded by a great wall; here, visitors can learn a lot about the religious history of Jerusalem by visiting places like the Al Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Wailing Wall. The Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four quarters: the Muslim quarter, the Armenian quarter, the Christian quarter, and the Jewish quarter. When visiting Jerusalem, visitors should take a trip to one of the museums outside of the Old City, such as Yad VaShem, a Holocaust remembrance center.
8. Ramon Crater
Located in Mitzpe Ramon, a city in the Negev desert, is the Ramon crater, or, as it is called in Hebrew, Makhtesh Ramon. This is the world’s largest makteshim (erosion crater), measuring 40 km (25 miles) in length and 10 km (6 miles) at its widest point. Visitors can tour the crater by jeep, segway, or even helicopter, but hot-air balloon flights offer the most spectacular views from above.
9. Dead Sea
The lowest point in the world, at more than 430 meters (1,412 feet) below sea level, the Dead Sea is not only fun to float in, but it’s also historic, and surrounded by breathtaking beauty. This endorheic lake is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, giving it the perfect buoyancy for floating. Furthermore, you can cover your body in the healthy mud of the Dead Sea to find pure inner relaxation. Once in the Dead Sea area, there are two other sites not to be missed: Masada, with its archaeological significance and incredible views, and Ein Gedi, a water oasis in the desert.
10. Eilat
After traveling around Israel, and getting to know the history, nature, and culture, Eilat is the perfect destination to relax. Equipped with a wide variety of beautiful hotels and resorts, this paradise in southern Israel offers many different activities. Visitors can take diving lessons along the coral reefs and enjoy the impressive underwater world of the Red Sea. Other activities include swimming with dolphins, enjoying good food, or having a quieter day by the pool or on the beach. During the summer, temperatures can reach highs of over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and average lows of 19 degrees Celsius (66.2 degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter.
