Israel’s diversity is surprising for a country of its size (about the same as New Jersey). Throughout this Middle Eastern nation you will find ancient holy sites described in the Bible. You will also find additional archaeological sites dating back thousands of years in addition to the ancient Roman ruins.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Israel
If history isn’t your thing, Israel also features beautiful beaches, exciting outdoor activities, and a thriving cultural environment. A rundown of the top Israeli attractions:
1. Nazareth
Since the majority of Nazareth, the largest city in Galilee, are Arab Israeli citizens, the city is sometimes referred to as the “Arab capital of the country.” Christians travel to Nazareth because it was supposedly Jesus’ childhood home, having been raised by Joseph and Mary.
The angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus in this ancient city. This is why some people refer to Nazareth as “the cradle of Christianity.” The Church of the Annunciation, the biggest Catholic church in the Middle East, can be found in the city’s Old City. Also, don’t forget to visit the vibrant local market and stroll the charming side streets.
2. Caesarea
Old and new coexist in Caesarea. Herod the Great built it when Caesar Augustus presented him with the city. It was the first and only Israeli city to be run by a private enterprise when it was established in 1952. Ruins from Herod’s massive construction project can be found in the park dedicated to antiquities.
Walking around the old city will lead you to even more remains, or you might watch a recreation of the hippodrome’s horse races. Caesarea now is a sleek and sophisticated city. You may go to the yearly jazz festival, play a round of golf, or just relax on the beautiful beaches.
3. Ramon Crater
The Negev Desert is home to three eroded craters, the largest of which being Ramon Crater. It is thought that millions of years ago, when the ocean started to recede, the geological landform first began to take shape. A crater formed over the course of a few additional million years.
More than 450 metres (1,500 feet) deep and about 40 kilometres (25 miles) long, the multicoloured crater is surrounded by mountains. Hiking, biking, or driving around the world’s largest erosion crater is a great way to take in the varied landscape. A Bedouin-operated campground might be a pleasant experience for campers.
4. Haifa
Haifa is the third largest city in Israel, yet it is not Judaism that brings tourists there. The Baha’i International Center, which has a shrine to the Bab and lovely gardens, draws the most visitors to this picturesque city on the Mediterranean.
Although Haifa is best known as an industrial and port city, visitors will find a wide range of attractions here. Most tourists stop by the Israel Museum of Science, Technology, and Space.
Almost a hundred artists and craftspeople call Ein Hod home, demonstrating the city’s commitment to the arts. Haifa is a great destination to go surfing or sailing because of its beautiful beaches.
5. Sea of Galilee
After the salty Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee holds the record for lowest lake on Earth when it comes to freshwater. The traditional location for Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is a hill with a view of the ocean.
Christian tourists flock there to stand where they believe Jesus walked on water. Attractions also include the sites along the 40-mile-long (65-kilometer-long) Jesus Hiking Trail, where Christians can walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Baptism at the lake’s outlet into the Jordan River also draws visitors from all around the world.
6. Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the economic and cultural centre of Israel. But don’t let it deter you from visiting; there’s enough to do, especially if you’re a party animal. The city of Tel Aviv has earned a reputation as a nonstop hub of nightlife.
Both the national opera and philharmonic orchestra are based in this city. The city is well-known for being LGBT-friendly and has been named among the finest places to visit in Israel by multiple surveys published in travel publications.
Some of the nicest beaches in the world may be found in the Mediterranean. Among the city’s many excellent museums is Beth Hatefulsoth, which traces the history of Jewish persecution throughout the ages.
7. Eilat
Since the time of King Solomon, Eilat, located on the Red Sea, has operated as a major port. The southernmost Israeli city is Eilat. Its arid environment and magnificent beaches make it a popular holiday destination. Some of the world’s best diving may be found here, thanks in large part to the area’s stunning coral reef.
There is an incredible variety of marine life to be seen by scuba divers. Eilat is on the primary migration path between Europe and Africa, so it’s a great place to go bird watching, and Timna Valley Park is home to Solomon’s Pillars and the world’s oldest copper mine.
8. Dead Sea
There’s a good reason why it’s called the Dead Sea. It’s nearly 10 times as saline as the ocean, thus no plant life can survive there. And it’s the lowest point on Earth, at a depth of 400 metres (1,400 feet) below sea level.
The salt and minerals in the water have been utilised in cosmetics for thousands of years. Both the water and mud from the Dead Sea have been shown to offer medical benefits, including the long-term treatment of severe skin illnesses and joint difficulties. All the five-star hotels along the coast have health spas, and they’re always fully booked months in advance.
9. Masada
Masada was the last Jewish stronghold to fall to Rome at the end of the First Jewish-Roman War, and it is located on a plateau in southern Israel overlooking the Dead Sea. Herod the Great first constructed the fortifications of Masada in the late first century BC.
The Jewish rebels of Sicarii took the castle from the Romans in 66 AD; the Romans attempted to retake it seven years later.
The 900 Sicarii committed mass suicide rather than submit to Roman control. Masada has become an icon of ancient Israel and a prime example of Roman defences. If you don’t feel like hiking up one of the several trails, you can use the cable car instead.
10. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities and is considered sacred by the three major religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem, perched atop the Judean Mountains, was originally inhabited by the Jebusite tribe, but King David of the Hebrews conquered it and established it as the nation’s capital about three thousand years ago.
Several competing religious and political powers have besieged, invaded, and captured the city over the years. Jerusalem is one of the most beautiful and fascinating towns due to the preservation of its many historical sites, which have stood the test of time and battle.
The Old City is split up among Jewish, Christian, Armenian, and Muslim neighbourhoods. The city is home to many important religious and historical sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christians believe Jesus to be buried, the Western Wall, and the Tower of David, a mediaeval fortification.
The Temple Mount is home to several significant buildings, including the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Located just outside the walls of the Old City, the Garden Tomb, Hezekiah’s Tunnels, the Jerusalem Botanic Gardens, and the Biblical Zoo are all must-sees for visitors.
