10 Compelling Reasons to Explore Israel

Israel tourist attractions are numerous and varied. This is a relatively new country – celebrating 70 years of independence in 2018 – in what is a very ancient land. The world’s only Jewish and democratic state is home to sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that can be found nowhere else. While these holy places are truly unique attractions, there is more to Israel than religious heritage and complex politics.

Welcoming, energetic cities, exquisite Mediterranean beaches, and exhilarating nature spots abound. Indeed, few countries this small – at 8,019 square miles, Israel is smaller than New Jersey – pack in as much history, geographical diversity, and cultural treasures.

1. Fascinating Things Come in Small Packages

By any measure a tiny country, Israel never fails to beguile. Jerusalem is the official capital and holy city to three world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, while Tel Aviv brims with beaches and bustles with urban vitality. Moreover, the Dead Sea and Masada, the stark, stunning Negev, and fertile Galilee add to the charm. The number of museums and cultural institutions per relative area is larger in Israel than anywhere in the world.

2. It’s a Religious Experience (Literally)

Jerusalem is home to major sites of religious significance and pilgrimage, including the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, and al-Aqsa Mosque. However, regardless of one’s religious views, the overriding spiritual energy of Jerusalem is something unique for everyone to experience.

The Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial is an essential stop for any visitor. Safed is the cradle of Jewish mysticism, and you can retrace Christ’s footsteps along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

3. Israel’s Natural Wonders

For many, the Mediterranean coast is itself a wonder, with many unspoiled beaches despite their proximity to cities. Consequently, away from the coast, the country’s diversity truly astounds: in the south, the vast crater-strewn emptiness of the Negev Desert, while to the east, the Dead Sea beckons with the saltiest body of water on earth, and at 1,388 feet below sea level, the lowest elevation on the surface of the planet. Furthermore, in the north, the Galilee region surprises with its green hills and valleys that (in winter) are a major crossroads for migratory birds – and form the heart of the renowned Israeli wine country.

4. Cosmopolitan Tel Aviv

While many people associate Jerusalem most closely with Israel, Tel Aviv is the country’s answer to Manhattan and the beating heart of its culinary, cultural and nightlife scene. It’s also a beach town – clean beaches run the length of the city – resulting in a unique mix of sophistication and relaxation. The ancient city of Jaffa provides an atmospheric counterpoint to Tel Aviv’s soaring towers and famous curved white Bauhaus buildings, a legacy of the 1930s.

5. Israel’s Great Desert Adventures

Israel’s Negev is visually stunning, its stark landscape home to an infinite variety of beautiful views. Thus, eco-tourism and desert adventure touring options abound, including hiking and biking along desert trails, all-terrain jeep trips, camel rides along the ancient frankincense route, rock climbing, and rappelling. There are also a great range of modern guest cabins and inns, as well as unique spas, to unwind in after an adventurous day in the desert.

6. Visit Israel Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall

Its Mediterranean climate makes Israel ideal for year-round travel. While summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees in places (and even hotter in desert locales like the Dead Sea), you’re never far from the coast, where temperatures are always a bit cooler. In winter, while much of Europe and the U.S. is shivering, most of Israel basks in sunny temperatures that hover around the 70-degree mark, or warmer in the Red Sea resort of Eilat. Though there are some rainy days, it’s generally a dry country. This poses challenges for Israelis regarding water conservation efforts, but for visitors, it means sunblock and shades are a must – regardless of the season.

7. Events and Festivals

Israel has an array of cultural events and festivals that are second to none in the region. There’s always something going on and something for every taste. Here are some highlights:

• The Voice of Music Festival in Galilee (summer)
• International Klezmer Festival in Safed (summer)
• Annual Tiberias Marathon (winter)
• Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theater (September)
• Tel Aviv Gay Pride (June)
• Olive Festival (Galilee)
• Masada Opera Festival
• Tour de Dead Sea (bicycle race)
• Eilat Chamber Music Festival
• Haifa International Film Festival
• Jerusalem International Film Festival

8. Delicious New Israeli Cuisine

It’s not called the Land of Milk and Honey for nothing! Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and agricultural ingenuity, Israel grows an amazing array of organic produce that finds its way into fresh market cuisine served throughout the country. Because it is a crossroads country, there are infinite varieties of food and restaurants, from Jewish Yemenite to Druze, Palestinian to Turkish to trendy New Israeli restaurants that are immensely popular.

9. Amazing Archaeological Sites

With a cultural past that stretches back to even before biblical times, Israel has a rich array of ancient sites that are easy to explore. One of the most famous is Masada, the mountainous stronghold where Jews tried to fend off the ancient Romans. Moreover, there are stunning Roman ruins in Caesarea (some of which can be viewed on an underwater tour), Crusader ramparts in Akko, the ancient Western Wall in Jerusalem, St. Mary’s Well in Nazareth, and much more – with new discoveries being made all the time.

10. Fun for the Whole Family

Israel is a very family-oriented society, and children are welcome just about everywhere. There are special attractions, like Jerusalem’s Time Elevator and Mini Israel, that are tailor-made for kids. Additionally, most larger hotels feature excellent children’s facilities. Combining great weather, fine beaches with gentle surf, and the wealth of historical attractions that offer educational value, Israel is an ideal family vacation destination.