Places to discover

Best places to visit in Israel

Israel is a land of extremes: a world of contrasts! It's a densely packed country that stirs the emotions. A region that gave birth to civilizations during ancient times, the home of Judaism, Islam and the Christian Holy Lands, a trip to Israel is a chance to visit legendary sites, whose names are so familiar.

Jerusalem - the famous 'thrice holy city'- the Mount of Olives, the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, Lake Tiberias, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jericho, Masada , the Dead Sea, Jordan... The list is endless! These places live on and have maintained their spiritual integrity. In these sacred lands, home to three of the most important faiths, you can visit the tombs of Christ and David, the Cave of the Nativity, as well as the Dome of the Rock, where Muhammad ascended into heaven during his Night Journey...

Paradoxically Israel is also a modern state, a relatively new country that is still developing. Tel Aviv , the 'city that never sleeps', is as liberal as Jerusalem is religious. A decadent hub of contemporary art and design, life here is good. Its buzz and endless beaches make it a perfect Mediterranean destination. To the north, between Netanya and Haifa , you'll find stretches of stunning beach that line the coast - a surfer and beach-lover's paradise...

But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this Jewish state, is the variety of sites, landscapes and communities that share such a small territory. Strictly Orthodox neighbourhoods such as Mea Shearim in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv's trendy bars, the historic and bohemian Old Jaffa, as well as the ancient Arab cities of Nazareth or Acre : the diversity is mind-boggling. As for the scenery...from the arid lands of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert to the rolling hills of Galilee via the lush, tropical coast of Eilat , you'll rapidly move from one landscape to another!

Constructed from a mosaic of different quarters, each with a strong identity, Jerusalem also houses the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock: three holy monuments for each of the three monotheistic religions.
Outside of the old centre of Jerusalem, the Yad Vashem memorial is undoubtedly the must-see museum in the 'Holy City' .
Mitzpe Ramon is the town that overlooks the incredible crater of Makhtesh Ramon. For a few years some unusual hotels have been opening in this little town. It's a good place to stay to explore the crater.
The Negev is a desert of stone whose vastness and infinite horizons are very seductive. You will love it, whether you love walking, archaeological sites, or meeting genuine locals.
Ein Gedi is an oasis nestling on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Nahal David is the busiest and most accessible valley in Ein Gedi oasis. It's as easy for families to use as for serious trekkers.
Masada is the ruin of the last stronghold of the Kingdom of Israel, before it was completely destroyed by the Romans. It is a very important archaeological site which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ceasarea is one of the most important archaeological sites in Israel. 
Banias nature reserve has the highest waterfall in Israel. 
Safed's style is pure Galilean and its narrow streets and views over the surrounding countryside are sure to please.
Mount Carmel overlooks the town of Haifaand then extends into Galilee. It's a place for walking and pick-nicking. It's also the gateway to the Druze villages.
Sde Boker is the kibbutz where David Ben Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, is buried.
The Maktesh Ramon is the largest corrosive crater in the world. It will delight lovers of exceptional landscapes and desert walking.
Tabgha is considered to be the place where the first Christian church was built in Galilee.
The hills, olive trees, vineyards and stone villages make Galilee Israel's most Mediterranean region.
Most people go to the Red Sea to explore the sea bed. But the "back country" also has some beautiful walks.
The favorite seaside resort of Russian oligarchs and salt water bathing fans: the Dead Sea.
The sea of Galilee will please those who love religious and archaeological sites as much as nature lovers. 
Israel has 150 kilometres of Mediterranean coast with very varied scenery: caves, plains, and seaside town promenades, as well as lots of places where you can indulge in water sports.
Acre

Acre

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The capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the era of the Crusades, the ancient city of Acre was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001.
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