Israel is a historical country brimming with culture and religion, boasting magnificent examples of archaeology, architecture, sport and local cuisine. It offers a great mixture of tourist attractions which are spread across the country
While Tel Aviv and Jerusalem remain Israel’s most popular tourist destinations, this Mediterranean country is bursting with intriguing attractions that fall outside the boundaries of its two biggest cities, just waiting to be discovered by tourists:
The Iris Reserve in Netanya: a true spectacle for all five senses
32 kilometres north of Tel Aviv lies the coastal city of Netanya, home to an enclave of outstanding natural beauty. This is the Iris Reserve, which is one of two in the country that act to conserve Israel’s indigenous Iris atropurpurea plant.
This species is notable for its petals, which adopt different shades of purple and maroon. The plant blossoms in the first quarter of the year, becoming a colourful spectacle for the sight and the other senses, enhancing the aesthetic potential of the city.
Safed: the fourth holy city
Safed joins Jerusalem, Nazareth and Tiberias in the group of Israel’s holy cities. Known as Tzfat in Hebrew, Safed is renowned for its religious history, as it was here where the Hasidic Judaism school of thought gained meaning popularity.
This picturesque city is home to several beautiful streets and squares. Tourists have a wealth of opportunities to lose themselves amongst its dozen-plus historical attractions, such as the city’s cemetery, the Great Stairs or the Defenders’ Square. In a fascinating fusion of history and modernity, Safed also offers visitors the chance to discover it through shopping.
The Darom Adom festival: the magic of a desert in bloom
The arid region of Negev, occupying 60% of Israel’s territory, is one of the country’s main attractions, thanks largely to active tourism. However, it also offers other surprises for visitors and locals alike, as is the case of the Darom Adom festival.
Each year, in the northern green part of the desert, visitors can experience the blossoming of the red-petaled anemone coronaria flower, filling Negev with colour and nature. This event is so special that the Darom Adom festival is now held during the flower’s blooming period, with the next edition due to be held in February 2020.
Attendees at this festival will find farmers markets, bicycle races and artistic performances, overlooking the magnificent and unusual sight of a desert in bloom.
Tel Megiddo: the architectural jewel of the Jezreel Valley
The Jezreel Valley, located in the Lower Galilee region, is home to the Tel Megiddo National Park, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lying 20 kilometres outside of Nazareth, this area is treasured by religious tourists and history and archaeology lovers.
This park—which dates back over one thousand years—is home to 26 different layers of settlements, of which only the first four have been identified to date. Several archaeological remains have also been unearthed here, such as an Egyptian fortress, the remains of King Solomon’s Gate (10th century BC), a Canaan treasure and a hydraulic system dating back to the Iron Age.
Travel back in time at the Hamam al-Basha Turkish bath in Acre
Not far from the Bay of Haifa, the city of Acre (Akko in Hebrew) is home to a three-century-old structure: the Hamam al-Basha Turkish baths, which is a real must-see for visitors to this small city in Northern Israel. This building is one of the symbols of Acre’s transformation, moving from a fisherman’s city into a city that is open to trade. A visit to the Turkish baths is split into three parts:
The bath courtyard, which was previously used as a changing room. The intermediate rooms, which were primarily used for cosmetic treatments, massages, celebrations and childbirth preparations. The warm room, in the epicentre of the building, which was previously home to the hot water bath, the steam room and the sauna.
Experience the beauty of mountains formed by salt water at Rosh Hanikra
Rosh Hanikra, a beach in the coastal area of Galilee, merges with the mountain, creating spectacular caves and rock formations. In fact, the caves are one of more than 60 Israeli National Parks. The park can be explored by cable car, by foot or on bike. It also has an audiovisual room which gives visitors an insight into the area’s history as well as the local flora and fauna.
