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How to Honeymoon in Israel

Israel may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think “honeymoon.” However, many young couples, particularly Jewish couples, are choosing the Holy Land as their romantic getaway destination. The appeal of having your honeymoon in Israel goes much farther than the country’s interesting history and stunning beaches. Israel offers a variety of beautiful and romantic settings as well as exciting activities perfect for newlyweds. Have a look at all the places you can visit on your honeymoon in Israel

Celebrate in Tel Aviv

After a long flight, spend a few nights unwinding in Tel Aviv. This city is the perfect combination of relaxation and excitement. Head to the beach to lay in the sand and enjoy the calm Meditteranean seas, or head to one of the dozens of hotels that line the beachfront for a romantic Israeli breakfast spread overlooking the water. Once you’re beached-out, Tel Aviv offers fantastic nightlife opportunities. Try out some delicious cocktails with your sweetheart at Imperial Craft Cocktail bar, considered to be one of the best bars in the Middle East. If you’re still in a dancing mood after your wedding, you can also head to some of the fantastic clubs that the city is known for.

Wander in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a must for any honeymoon in Israel, regardless of if you’re a more religious couple or not. The city offers a multitude of both spiritual and fun activities to partake in. Start by strolling through the Wohl Rose Park to appreciate all the lovely smelling flowers. Wander around Jerusalem’s Old City to admire the charming ancient architecture, historical sites, and appreciate the area’s religious significance. Don’t miss the night show at The Tower of David. The historic structure is lit up with a projected light show and accompanying music. If you enjoy splurging, head to Mamilla Mall to do some shopping at chic stores and boutiques.

Stargaze in Mitzpe Ramon

The Negev is the perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon in Israel. The vast desert offers tons of opportunities for silence and solitude away from the crowds of the city. Stay at the iconic Beeresheet Hotel that overlooks the Ramon Crater and enjoy stunning desert views from your own private pool. At night, you can have a romantic dinner together in quiet surroundings. Later on in the evening, take a Jeep tour out into the desert where you can stargaze under the brilliant night sky, away from any noise and light pollution.

Looking to spend more time in the desert? Check out our expert guide of where to go in the Negev.

Discover Masada and the Dead Sea

While you’re already in the Negev, continue your honeymoon by visiting Masada, an ancient fortress set on top of the mattress. You can either take a cablecar up or choose to hike your way to the top. Once you’ve arrived, you can learn the tragic history of the place, and admire the stunning desert views from an elevated vantage point. Many people opt to hike the mountain in the early morning hours and then enjoy the sunrise from the top. Next, unwind at the Dead Sea where you can cover yourself in therapeutic mud and float on the sea’s surface. Go for a couple’s massage by the sea so that you can continue your honeymoon feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Fly High in The Galilee & Golan Heights

The Golan Heights is the perfect setting for a honeymoon in Israel. With lush green mountains, adventurous activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax, it is an ideal couple’s destination. First, visit one of the many wineries in the region for a tour and a tasting of some award-winning Israeli wine. For something more exciting, you can choose to go on either a hot air balloon ride or opt for a helicopter tour to get a bird’s-eye view on this beautiful area. You can end your day up north with a glass of wine and delicious Israeli food overlooking the Sea of Galilee while admiring the sunset.

Helicopter Tour to Winery in Golan

Get “Roman”-tic in Caesarea

Caesarea is another popular destination for a honeymoon in Israel. These ancient Roman ruins don’t need any more romanticizing, the structures are so beautiful they speak for themselves. Take a tour of the ancient Roman amphitheater and snap some adorable couple’s photos by the Roman aqueduct. Then, stop for a bite to eat and gaze over the impressively blue waters of the sea before you.

Enjoy Yourself in Eilat

Eilat is typically seen as a family destination for the local Israelis, however, that shouldn’t deter you from this beachside destination. This lovely resort town has plenty of things to do during your honeymoon in Israel. If you’re feeling active, you can go for a hike in the desert and walk through stunning canyons. If you’re dying to be by the water, you and your newly betrothed will enjoy snorkeling in the Red Sea’s world-renowned coral reefs. You can also visit Eilat’s Dolphinarium to swim and interact with the local dolphins.

These are only a few examples of the places you can visit and things you can do during your honeymoon in Israel. The options for enjoying a romantic vacation together are endless. Contact our travel experts to begin planning your honeymoon in Israel and let us help you create a perfectly romantic and unforgettable itinerary.

9 Things to Do in Eilat

At the southernmost point of Israel bordering Jordan and the Sinai Peninsula, Eilat is a bustling vacation destination jam-packed with activities for the whole family. Visitors can relax by the beach or choose any of the many exciting attraction in and around the city. Check out our guide for some of the best things to do in Eilat.

Go for a Hike in The Red Canyon

One of the best things to do in Eilat after a couple days is actually to get out of the city. Not because you’ll get sick of it (trust us, there are endless things to do), but because the surrounding nature is stunning and worth exploring. The Red Canyon is like a much smaller scale version of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This simple hike involves walking through some stunning canyon walls, climbing up them, and seeing the canyon from both the top and the bottom. If you’re looking for hikes in this area, then the Red Canyon hike is definitely one of the best.

Explore the Rock Formations at Timna Park

An easy tour from Eilat, Timna Park is home to over 15,000 acres of land. In the park, you’ll find some interesting rock formations, as well as great desert hikes. The park is also home to a hidden desert lake, where you can go a cool down after hiking. Timna Park is great for those interesting in nature and especially geology. The main draw of the park is its mushroom-shaped red sandstone rock pillars that dot the area. Here you’ll also find the world’s oldest copper mine. Timna Park is definitely one of the more interesting things to do in Eilat.

Tel Aviv - Eilat Flights

Go Snorkelling or Diving

The Red Sea is home to crystal clear warm waters and some of the best coral reefs in the world. If you’re looking for things to do in Eilat, exploring the underwater world is an absolute must while you’re there. You can visit the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, relax on the lovely beach, and rent a snorkel for the day. That way, you can jump in and out of the water whenever you want and swim with the fish. If you want a more in-depth view of the sea life, then diving in the Red Sea will be an unforgettable experience. You’ll be able to get an up-close-and-personal view of the colorful fish and marine life, which will be much more interesting than what you can see when floating on the surface.

Visit the Dolphin Reef

Dolphin Reef is another one of the many fun things to do in Eilat. Spend a day by the beach in this area, with the added perk of encountering dolphins in their natural habitat. There are a few observation points from which you can watch the dolphins, or you can opt to jump in the water in order to swim and interact with them. You can also dive with the dolphins to watch them swim under the water. While at the Dolphin Reef, you can also enjoy a water relaxation spa experience or relax by the beach bar.

Looking for interesting things to do throughout the country? Check out our recommendations of 15 off-the-beaten track things to do in Israel!

See the Fish at The Coral Beach Underwater Observatory

If your preference is staying dry but you still want to see the marine life, then the underwater observatory is the place to go. Boasting a large variety of aquariums, the whole family can enjoy seeing stingrays, turtles, an array of fish, and even a shark tank. Once you’ve resurfaced to land, you can relax by the Peace Terrace in the observatory tower. From here, you’ll be in amazed by the surrounding view of the bay that joins Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Boating on The Red Sea

As you may have noticed, most of the things to do in Eilat involve water, and for good reason. The Red Sea is unique in it’s geographical location, and also for the variety of water sports people can experience. If you want to get out on the open sea without doing something as involved as windsurfing or scuba diving, you can easily rent a boat. Head to the marina, where there will be tons of people offering boats of multiple sized for a fun little tour around the bay. Our personal recommendation is to book a trip for the sunset. That way, you won’t be sailing in the heat of mid-day, and you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the water with a view of four surrounding countries.

Take a Day Trip to Petra

Depending on how much time you have in Eilat, we definitely recommend a little trip over the border to neighbouring Jordan. From Eilat, you can easily take a day trip to Petra, where you can discover the ancient Nabatean world. Take a camel ride through the canyon, see the grand Treasury, and explore the Rose City carved into the beautiful pink sandstone walls. The beauty of this day trip is that you can head over to Petra in the morning, and be back in Eilat by dinner time. Or, you can opt for a longer trip to Jordan and also visit places like Amman and Wadi Rum. Whatever you decide, we have the perfect tour to Petra already set up for you.

Jordan Tours from Eilat

Relax with Some Shopping

While tourists head to Eilat for the relaxing beaches, warm weather, and variety of water sports, Israeli’s go south for a different reason: tax-free shopping. The shopping in Eilat is some of the best in the country. You’ll find everything from fun outdoor markets with unique souvenirs, to big malls where you can go to escape the heat. In fact, if you want to confuse your senses, you can even go ice skating at the Eilat Ice Mall! Take a break from the sweltering heat, enjoy some leisurely shopping, and stop for a quick skate before heading back to your hotel.

Explore the Desert on a Jeep Safari

Since it’s close to the desert, one of the most fun things to do in Eilat is to head out on a jeep safari. You’ll be able to take in the incredible desert views while enjoying the breeze in your hair. On the jeep safari, you can visit different canyons (called wadis), or you can hike up nearby Mount Yoash for an amazing view of the surrounding desert landscape. Alternatively, you might want to check out a night safari. This way you can enjoy some desert stargazing and discover the area’s nocturnal animals.

There are so many great things to do in Eilat that will be fun for the whole family. The only problem is it may be hard to choose just a few things to occupy your time while you’re there! That’s why you should leave it to our experts to help you plan your amazing getaway. Contact us today to start brainstorming your trip to Eilat.

15 Off-The-Beaten-Track Things to Do in Israel

You’ve covered yourself in mud and floated on the Dead Sea, climbed Masada before the sun came up, explored the enchanting old city of Jerusalem and the vibrant beaches of Tel Aviv, devoured your bodyweight in hummus, and maybe even innocently fell victim to the charm of a beautifully bronzed Israeli. Now that all the ‘must-dos’ are out of the way, you ask yourself what is left to see in this tiny Middle-Eastern country. As it turns out, you’ve only just scratched the surface of things to do in Israel. From the northernmost border to the edges of the Red Sea in the south, there’s no lack of adventure to satisfy every kind of traveller.

1. Enjoy two seasons in a day

Skiing isn’t the first activity that comes to mind of things to do in Israel. Though the country is primarily desert, during the winter months you can hit the slopes on Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, a mountain which straddles the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. Since Israel is so small, you can spend your morning enjoying the winter wonderland and still have time to relax by a Mediterranean sunset on the beach as your après ski.

In Tel Aviv for the winter? Here are 8 cool things to do on your visit.

2. Kayak through the grottoes

On the border with Lebanon you’ll find Rosh Hanikra, a huge white cliff with impressive views of the Mediterranean coastline. The short cable-car ride to the foot of the cliff is the steepest in the world. It’ll bring you to a plateau where you can learn more about the history of the place and take a walk through caves overlooking picturesque turquoise grottoes. For a unique viewing point, you can organize an excursion to kayak to the grottoes and explore them from the sea.

3. Visit the fortified city of Acre

Acre, or Akko, is unique within the country because it’s one of the few places that boasts a truly mixed population. It is home to Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Baha’i people. This makes it a diverse city full of culture and history perfect for a day trip. You can walk along parts of the old city walls for a panoramic view, stroll through the old town, and visit historic sites like the Hospitallers Fortress or the Templars’ Tunnels. Arguably the best part of the city is the classic Middle-Eastern food. The city’s diverse cultural background comes alive in the flavours on your plate, and many Israelis agree that the country’s best hummus can be eaten here.

4. Wind down with some wine tasting

Israel’s wine industry is some serious business. The northern region of the country boasts dozens of wineries that distribute internationally. A good place to begin your self-guided wine tour is at Tishbi Winery. It’s the first modern winery in Israel, where you can participate in a wine and chocolate tasting. At the Golan Heights Winery, you can take a tour of their vineyards and guzzle down some of their award winning selections.

5. Spend the day in the Garden of Eden

Gan Hashlosha, also known as Sachne, is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The local Israelis have dubbed it “The Garden of Eden.” This national park has natural pools that are constantly at 28 degrees, in other words, perfect for swimming year-round. Pack a picnic and spend your day among the lush greenery within this real-world paradise.

6. Stuff your face in Nazareth

A short stop in Nazareth is just enough time to load up on sweet Arabic delicacies. Though the city is a hot spot for religious tours, some could argue that Jesus of Nazareth is no longer the main event. Foodies love Nazareth for all the tasty street food, that stars of which are the honey-drizzled pastries. Be sure not to leave without trying some homemade baklava, knafeh, and awameh.

7. Take in some local art at Ein Hod’s artist village

Ein Hod is a small artist’s colony near Haifa. Israeli painters, sculptors, musicians, and writers call this eclectic little village home. In Ein Hod you’ll find multiple museums, galleries, and workshops. If you’re the type who prefers exploring on foot, you can wander through the town’s winding streets lined by the artists’ striking work.

What else do you need to know about traveling in Israel? Here’s our top tips.

8. Take a graffiti tour

The street art in Tel Aviv is abundant and part of what makes the city so colourful. You can either sign up for a guided tour, or easily put together a DIY version. While street art can be found almost anywhere in the city, it is a lot more common in the south, particularly in the Florentine neighbourhood.

9. Take a tour of Tel Aviv’s vegan cuisine

Israel has the most vegans per capita. It’s no surprise that Tel Aviv is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world. Not only does nearly every restaurant have vegetarian or vegan options, but Tel Aviv is home to some of the best vegan restaurants. It’s not just the falafel; you’ll find many adventurous vegan eats such as Ethiopian or Georgian restaurants.

10. Desert road trip

A few friends, a car, and a good playlist are all you really need for this one. Israel’s Negev desert begins about one hour away from Tel Aviv. It stretches all the way down to Eilat in the south. Route 40 is well paved and full of fun stops along the way, like the Mitzpe Ramon crater and Ben Gurion’s grave located in a desert oasis. The drive itself is scenic with endless sand and mountains as far as you can see. Pay attention to the signs and watch out for crossing military vehicles and camels!

12. Visit the desert inhabitants

The desert is home for many different animals, and there are a couple great places to observe them. The Hai-Bar Nature Reserve aims to preserve and breed endangered species. Here you can drive through the park and see different breeds of oryx, wild donkeys, large felines, and curious ostriches that like to poke their beaks into cars. Another option is an alpaca farm near Mitzpe Ramon. Here you’ll be able to feed crooked-toothed alpacas as well as camels and horses.

11. Spend a night in the desert

If you’re looking to escape the constant commotion of Tel Aviv, spending a night in the desert is the perfect way to reenergize. Picture this: a calm night spent under a starry sky surrounded by friends and a hookah where the only sound is the crackling fire. There are a few designated campsites and even some rustic accommodations that allow you to take in the incredible spectacle that is the desert at night.

13. Swim with the fish in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is known for it’s spectacular underwater life and diving conditions. The waters are shallow and the visibility is clear. You don’t even need to put on your scuba gear to get up close and personal with the corals and sea life. At the Coral Reef Nature Reserve in Eilat, you can spend your day snorkelling and admiring the colourful world under the sea.

Check out our picks for the best beaches all over the country.

14. Explore the desert highs and lows

When looking for things to do in Israel, it’s a no-brainer to visit the expansive desert. Not far from Eilat there are several great hikes to do. Aside from gorgeous scenic views, Timna Valley Park holds a number of geological and archaeological sites. There are hiking trails to suit different levels and you’ll be able to observe stunning nature and wildlife along the way. The Red Canyon hike is not to be missed. You’ll be running to get your photo-op when the sun hits the red canyon walls to create an eye-catching mix of lights and shadows.

15. Watch the sunrise over 4 countries

Mount Tzfachot is about as south as you can get in Israel. It’s undeniably worth waking up in the pitch black to take in one of the most unforgettable sunrises. A short hike up this mountain will reward you with an incredible peaceful view over four countries. With your feet planted in Israel, you’ll be able to see the sun come up over Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

As you can see, there are no shortage of things to do in Israel. Did we miss something that’s an absolute “must do?” Let us know in the comments below!

Best Beaches in Israel

February 16, 2019 February 16, 2019
Alicia
Israel Blog by Mazada Tours
beach, caesarea, eilat, israel, tel aviv

With 273km of stunning coastline, there are quite a few choices for sunbathers and beachgoers in Israel. While some people prefer the hustle-and-bustle of the lively city beaches, some may prefer a quieter retreat to nature. Thankfully, Israel has it all covered when it comes to beach options. From north to south, and everywhere in between, here are our picks for the best beaches in Israel.

Achziv Beach, Rosh Hanikra

You can begin your tour of the best beaches in Israel at the northern-most tip of the country, Rosh Hanikra. After spending a few hours touring the stunningly-blue grottoes and learning about the location’s history, head down towards Achziv Beach for a relaxing break. In the summer months, this beach is known for the hatching sea turtles that are released back to the sea. You can also find other interesting sea life here, including octopi and sea urchins. With the looming cliffs of Rosh Hanikra as your backdrop, this beach is the perfect relaxing spot for those who want a quiet break from the noise.

Kinneret Beach, Galilee

If you find yourself exploring the beautiful sights of the Galilee region, a stop at the Kinneret, or Sea of Galilee, is defintiely worth it. Though it doesn’t have the sandy appeal of the Mediterranean, the Kinneret boasts warm, calm water perfect for swimming. If you don’t like salt water or big waves, this is a great place to cool down after a day of touring all the fantastic religious sites in the area. There is plenty of shade as the sea is lined with palm trees and other greenery, making the Kinneret great for families and young children. It’s also popular, especially with young Israelis, to camp on the banks of the water. So if you want to spend the night outdoors, pitch a tent and enjoy a barbecue and a night among the stars in the open fresh air of the Galilee.

Galilee Holy Sites Tour

Dor Habonim, Haifa

The best beaches in Israel are all unique and offer something different to cater to all beach-going styles. If you’re more outdoorsy and like to work before you relax, then Dor Habonim beach and nature reserve is the ideal spot for you. Located south of Haifa, this area offers a few beautiful hiking trails with gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean blues. On the trails, you’ll find a few different beaches set between rocky grottoes where you can relax for a while. While it’s not the easiest beach on the list to get to, visitors are rewarded with rugged beauty, tranquility, and smaller crowds.

Caesarea

Caesarea should be a stop on your Israel tour regardless of the beach. Known for its ancient Roman ruins, this site makes for an interesting tour on your trip to Israel. If you want to fit both history and beach time into your busy schedule, this is the perfect spot. After visiting the amphitheater and other ruins, go for a dip in the water at the beach set by an ancient Roman aqueduct dating back to 1 BC. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also visit the underwater museum. Go for a dive to discover a whole other set of treasures and ruins on the ocean floor. As a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty, Caesarea is easily one of the best beaches in Israel!

Western Coast Private Tour

Netanya

The beach in the lovely city of Netanya is a fantastic spot to kick-back and catch some sun. Set beneath the city cliffs, visitors to this beach need to take a glass elevator down to the sand. The waters here are calm enough for a relaxing swim. There are also fun activities like surfing lessons or volleyball. On the weekends the beach gets busier, and at night you might find a DJ and a dance party going on as well.

Tel Aviv

When discussing the best beaches in Israel, Tel Aviv’s coastline is a clear contender. As one of the main attraction of Israel’s most modern and lively cities, this beach definitely isn’t the place for people looking for a quiet break. Tel Aviv’s beaches are almost always busy. In the summer months it can be hard to find a spot unless you go early. However, don’t let that deter you. The beach is wonderful for people-watching, cooling down after exploring sunny Tel Aviv, and absorbing the international vibe of the city. The city’s beaches are divided by location. There’s Banana Beach, Hilton Beach, Gordon Beach, and Metzizim Beach, just to name a few. Generally, the farther north you go on Tel Aviv’s beaches, the quieter it gets. However, many people enjoy the non-stop atmosphere of the busy sections, where you can almost always find surfers, a volleyball competition, musicians playing on the boardwalk, and people from all walks of life enjoying the sun and salty air.

Palmachim Beach, Rishon Lezion

Not far from Tel Aviv near the city of Rishon Lezion, you’ll find Palmachim Beach. This beach is relaxing and scenic. It’s also surrounded by some cliffs perfect for walking along to get a panoramic view of the place. Unlike the neighboring Tel Aviv beaches, there aren’t many amenities here. Visitors like to pack a cooler full of food and set up a spot to spend the day and enjoy a family picnic.

Dead Sea

This is undeniably one of the most memorable beaches in Israel. The mineral beaches of the Dead Sea make for an amazing day trip. As the lowest point on earth, The Dead Sea is a “must-see” when coming to Israel. Visitors love to cover themselves in mud, walk into the still waters, and float on the surface as if by magic. Since it’s in the desert, the weather here is perfect. The beach can be visited at any time of the year. While you’re visiting, you can make your stop here even more memorable by booking a spa day or massage overlooking the Sea.

Dead Sea Spa Tour

Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Eilat

We’ve finally reached the most southern-point in Israel: Eilat. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is definitely one of the main draws of Eilat. Eilat sits on the Red Sea. Unlike the Mediterranean, there is much wider variety of marine life going on here. Rent a snorkel at the Coral Beach Reserve and dive into the calm waters to explore the world underneath it. There’s a huge variety of fish to be seen. The best part is that you don’t even have to be a diver to see them. They’re very visible even if you’re just floating on the surface. If you have the time, you can also head to the nearby Dolphin Beach, where there are often dolphins who swim up to shore to say a quick hello.

Now you have a better idea of the best beaches in Israel. We challenge you to pick your favorite ones and visit them on your tour to Israel! Of course, if you want to see them all, you’ll need to consult with the experts to fit them all in your itinerary. We can help you see the most magificent beaches in the Middle East AND a variety of other fascinating historical and cultural sites. Contact us today to start your planning!

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