As Israel welcomes back tourists, we look beyond the beauty of Tel Aviv and culture of Jerusalem to explore some amazing visits away from the hub.
Rosh Hanikra
Located in the north-west of Israel, this gorgeous attraction combines both sea and mountain views. Not to be missed is a trip into the grottos, which can be done either on foot or by kayak for the more adventurous explorers. There you will be met with crystal clear blue waters inside magnificent caverns, created long ago by a combination of underground tremors and rainwater eroding the rock – a phenomenon found nowhere else in the world.
You can also take a trip up the mountain via cable cart, but the journey isn’t for the faint of heart! As both the shortest and steepest cable car in the world, the trip is 70 meters up at a 60° angle. However, the views at the top are simply incredible!
Rosh-hanikra.com
Mount Hermon
Standing proud in the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon is home to Israel’s only ski resort. Israel isn’t exactly the first place you would think of for a skiing or snowboarding trip, but it is true that with just a two hour drive through the north of the country you can go from desert to snowy peaks.
In winter, Mount Hermon is open for up to 50 days of skiing each year, attracting about 300,000 visitors. The resort has 14 different ski runs to try out, which are popular with both locals and tourists alike.
In summer, the area is a hub for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and cycling, attracting 40,000 visitors every year. Tourists can enjoy guided tours exploring the local wildlife, or even historical tours recounting the two day battle which took place in the area in 1973.
Skihermon.co.il
The Negev Desert
Holidaying in a desert at first glace seems like a poor choice, but so long as one avoids visiting in summer, there’s plenty to attract tourists to the region. The desert sits in the south of Israel and spans 60% of the country’s total landmass, so it’s no surprise that there are hidden secrets to uncover. There are plenty of tours that head out from all over Israel into the desert and by taking part in one you can discover untold natural beauty and remarkable historical sites.
Explore the world’s oldest copper mines at Timna National Park, before cooling down by the nearby glittering lake hidden among the sands. Or visit the home of Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, in Kibbutz Sde Boker.
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, the desert has plenty to offer in that regard. Thrill-seekers can sandboard down the desert dunes or abseil down the Ramon crater. Budding wine enthusiasts should consider a tour of the region’s surprising vineyards, while Kibbutz Revivim can show how the desert can become a hub of agriculture. On top of that, there’s star-gazing, bike tours, and hiking. This region truly has lots to offer.
Touristisrael.com/negev
