Like Christmas and New Year, Valentine’s Day in Israel isn’t as commonly celebrated as it is in much of the Western world. While this may be comforting for many singles who cringe at the sight of anything red and pink, hopeless romantics of the Holy Land won’t find the usual array of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or googly-eyed stuffed animals anywhere on February 14th. For those wishing to inject a little more romance into an otherwise average day in Israel, we have some easy suggestions for you this Valentine’s Day.
Sunset Bike Ride on the Beach
No bike? No problem. With Tel-O-Fun bikes readily available at multiple stands around the city, you’ll be able to rent bikes by the hour to enjoy the 14 kilometres of Tel Aviv’s beaches. When you get tired, hop off your bikes to enjoy a stroll by the water and enjoy a spectacular Mediterranean sunset.
Stroll Through Old Jaffa
The Old City of Jaffa is a unique city full of charm and surprises, making it the perfect place for a romantic evening. The ancient stone buildings, meandering alleyways, and chic galleries make this a perfect dreamy date destination. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants by the harbour to the sound of gently lapping waves and the sight of the sun setting behind rows of sailboats.
Picnic & Boat Ride in Hayarkon Park
In the north of the city, you’ll find one of Tel Aviv’s best kept secrets: Hayarkon Park. Pack a light lunch of fresh local breads and pastries (don’t forget the amazing Israeli wine!) and picnic in the park by the lake. Rent a boat or paddleboat and venture out into the waters to get a panoramic view of the peaceful park and its gardens.
Spend a Romantic Evening Indoors
Looking to slow things down a bit after a hectic week? We get that. While Netflix & PJs may be you & your partner’s go-to easy evening inside, why not opt for a change of scenery with a getaway in one of Tel Aviv’s most luxurious boutique hotels? The Norman is located right next to the thrilling Rothschild boulevard, but with the gorgeously decorated rooms, a world-class bar, a gorgeous rooftop infinity pool, and mouth-watering fine dining, why would you even want to leave the hotel?
Nothing Says “Be My Valentine Like Roses
Why get your lover a dozen red roses when you can enjoy 19 acres of 400 varieties of roses from around the world? The Wohl Rose Park in Jerusalem a public garden located across from the Knesset. The park won awards as one of the most beautiful rose gardens in the world, so we’re sure it will be the perfect place to impress your honey.
Visit a Winery
Israel’s north has no shortage of wineries to visit. You can easily spend a day touring the different wineries in the Carmel region with your loved one. Many wineries also offer tours of their facilities and tastings of the different varieties of wine they produce. Imagine yourself taking in beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea with a glass of wine in one hand and your loved one’s hand in the other while Cupid shoots an arrow overhead. (Okay, we can’t promise you Cupid, but the rest we can definitely take care of!)
Helicopter Tour for Two
Wine sounds nice, but you’re the kind of couple that wants to add some excitement to each outing. Why not take a helicopter tour of the Carmel and Galilee regions? Get a bird’s eye view of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and land next to Château Golan Winery where you can enjoy dinner together. Professional tip: this is a great place to pop the question, and after an unforgettably romantic day together, we can almost guarantee that she’ll say yes!
Relax by the Dead Sea
So maybe slathering mud all over your body isn’t the romantic getaway you were thinking of, but we promise you won’t regret a Dead Sea spa experience! Pamper yourselves at the lowest point on earth with a couple’s massage. You’ll both end the day feeling rejuvenated and thoroughly relaxed, and you can even take the experience home with a visit to a Dead Sea cosmetics shop where you’ll be able to purchase all the mineral-rich skin care products that this area is famous for.
See Flowers Bloom in the Desert
Every year in the month of February, the Negev desert hosts the Darom Adom festival, where the landscape of the northern Negev blooms with thousands of red anemones, Israel’s national flower. This is truly a remarkable sight to see, and with only four weekends a year where you can witness this spectacle, you won’t want to miss it! The festival also features poetry readings and concerts to appease those creative romantics.
Stargaze in Mitzpe Ramon
A tried-and-true classic, stargazing in Mitzpe Ramon is an unforgettable activity that can be done at any time of the year, but isn’t Valentine’s Day the perfect excuse to take a short roadtrip out to the desert? Grab your partner in crime and a thermos full of something warm, and enjoy the silence of the desert under a blanket of stars at the first international night-sky park in the Middle East.
Need some help planning a perfect getaway with your loved one? You don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day – contact our travel experts today!
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