From Galilee in the north, through the major cities, coastal retreats and regligous icons in the centre, to the Dead Sea and dusty Negev desert in the south, Israel is a small country with distinct, easy-to-access areas. Read on for our lowdown on what’s what on the Israel map
glorious galilee
the sea of galilee
As well as a name you will recognise from Biblical stories, the Galilee is an area of northern Israel rich in lush landscapes and incredible authentic local experiences (not to mention some fabulous rustic-luxe hotels). From horse riding through the timeless stone city of Safed, tasting of the country’s finest vintages with local winemakers, visiting organic farms (think freshly made cheese), there is simply masses to do. There are Food and drink-based activities aplenty on the rolling hills which have been compared to the beauty of Tuscany. Miles of olive trees grow in view of one of our favourite countryside retreats, providing fabulous views for sipping a fresh local wine at sunset.
In the west you’ll find the historic town of Akko, one of the oldest inhabited sites in Israel, where the old city is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Think stone arches and turrets from the Greek and Roman times, domed Ottoman-style mosques and a stunning walled harbour on the Mediterranean. Don’t forget your camera.
a tel aviv market
the cultural hub of tel aviv
The word ‘hip’ may be over-used, but the fact is, Tel Aviv is bursting with cutting edge hotels, a huge array of nightlife venues (jazz on the waterfront, anyone?) and unusual art galleries alongside it’s historic areas. We love it on it’s own as a city break or mixed in with a longer itinerary going deeper into the country.
The city is divided into clear sections, perfect for whatever you’re in to. Let’s explain… interested in architecture? See the UNESCO White City, where flat white walls rise above the streets, with rectangular slits for windows as an answer to a need for post-war living. The nearby quarter of Neve Tzedek is where the artists live, Gordon street is home to intimate art galleries, head to Shenkin Street in the Yeminite Quarter for high end shopping, Carmel Market for a genuine haggling experience and the old port of Jaffa to really step back in time. And for beach time? Well, the Mediterranean sweeps down the whole coastline, so wherever you are in Tel Aviv, you’re never far from a cooling dip.
the ramon crater
the dusty, dramatic negev desert
Taking up more than half of Israel, the Negev desert is full of dry, rocky landscapes and incredibly dramatic scenery. Head down to visit Bedouin tribes and learn about their culture, sleep in a tent to experience the desert night and dine on barbecued meat the tribal way. Traverse the arid scenery in a jeep and you’ll be following the spice route once walked by everyone from the Canaanites to the Ottomans, and of course, Israelis. This historic area is dotted with sun-bleached ruins, and is even home to three huge craters: reminders that once this land was underwater. And from the crater depths to the mountain top, the Masada Plateau is another must-see, where towers and walls of a fortress overlook the Dead Sea. Blink and you’ll miss it: these structures blend into the unusual natural rock shape, making it the perfect vantage point in once-fought battles. A place of pilgrimage for Israelis from all over the globe, you can feel the significance here as you stand 450 above the desert below.
the azure waters of the dead sea
dead sea
On the edge of the Judean Desert where barren dry land stretches for miles and miles, sits the ever tranquil and stunning Dead Sea. And it isn’t called the Dead Sea for nothing. This body of water has the highest salt concentration in the world meaning that nothing can survive in it. Zilch. But it’s also the Earth’s lowest spa in the world. The salty waters are a huge health benefit to our skin from curing allergies to help balance moisture levels. The deposits of black mud on the bottom provide the skin with nourishing minerals. And if this wasn’t enough, the bromide in the air is also beneficial to the body’s central systems. So all in all, the Dead Sea is probably the most healing vacation spot you’ll ever visit and as a candidate for the ’7 New Wonders of the World’, you won’t want to get there before the crowds do. Along side this phenomenal lake (its technically not a sea) there are breathtaking historic sites adding ancient charm to the area. From the Masada fortress, the ancient Ein Gedi, to the Qumran cave where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, you’ll easily be taken back through time.
view of haifa from bah'ai gardens
the golden coastline
Where the cool Mediterranean Sea meets the coastline of Israel you’ll find the oldest port in the world, ancient ruins and gorgeous gardens. The city of Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s older sister, was the landing point for many of Israel’s first inhabitants. While retaining much of its historical past, this port city is bustling with narrow alleys where you can lose yourself amongst artist’s quarters, old flee markets and fabulous seafood restaurants.
Halfway up the coastline, stumble across the ancient ruins of Caesarea. This port city was built by the Romans and has since been restored to perfection, making it Israel’s most attractive and fascinating archaeological site. Treat yourself to an open air concert in the roman amphitheatre, explore the old Heron Port or simply watch the waves lap onto the beach. Up north, over the Carmel Mountains, you’ll find the third largest city of Israel that’s full of surprises from the gorgeous Bah’ai gardens to German streets. Haifa’s steep roads often spark comparisons of the city to San Francisco. And with its long stretches of golden beaches, glorious historical sites and glitzy film festivals, there’s even more reason to see why.
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