The compact nature of Israel makes it a tourist’s playground, offering diverse geography, sites and activities on a manageable scale and timeframe (compared to most countries). Whether you want to scale the walls of ancient fortresses, barter your way through the bustling markets, or camp under the dessert stars, there is much more to offer than the beach (although it’s certainly a good place to start).

Akko (Acre)  

Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, this gem of a city with its layered past is a delight for history buffs, and only 90 minutes or so by train from Tel Aviv. The ancient narrative recalls over 4,000 years of civilizations that occupied the land, from the Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Byzantines, and British. This mixed past has shaped Akko into a coexisting community, with Christians, Muslims, and Jews living side by side. 

Dead Sea, Masada & Ein Gedi  

As the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea (431m below sea level) is a paradise of aqua tinted waters, dense with salt, oils and minerals, where many go to rejuvenate in nature’s spa. At the Northern tip of the Dead Sea sits a 2000-year-old town known as Qumran, the home and discovery site of the Dead Sea Scrolls (ancient Jewish religious manuscripts) that were found in the Qumran Caves. A drive further South will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Masada, which if climbed before sunrise will not disappoint, with commanding views of the Jordan mountains in the distance. Whether you take the cable car, or clamber down by foot, the best way to cool off is at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, just North of Masada. Whilst soaking in the freshwater pools, you might be lucky enough to spot the majestic ibex that inhabit the reserve.  

Haifa  

As the third largest city in Israel, this industrial seaport city is built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, with glorious views of the sea from the Louis Promenade. With mixed demographic of residents, some of Haifa’s most loved areas include the trendy German Colony, the buzzing Arab-Christian quarter and the hip, Lower City, with a sprouting nightlife scene. The crowning jewel of Haifa is the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Baha'i Gardens, a tranquil masterpiece of symmetry, colour and spirituality.  

Jerusalem

Sacred to many, Jerusalem is a spiritual beacon of pilgrimage, at the core of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith. Whilst ancient sites above and below subterranean level recall thousands of years of turmoil, the city has moved with the times. Assisted by a student demographic, Jerusalem holds a youthful and contemporary vibe throughout. The streets buzz with activity, from the frantic nightlife scene of the Mahane Yehuda Market, to the bustling shuks of the multisensory Old City. Having soaked in all the hubbub, you can unwind in the coffee shops, boutiques and museums dotted around town.  

Mitzpe Ramon

In the Negev Desert of Southern Israel, lies a natural phenomenon - the world's largest Crater. The Mitzpe, meaning lookout, was moulded by a volcanic eruption, and today forms Israel's largest national park. One can explore the crater by foot, car or Jeep, via the Albert Promenade above, or from the rocky depths within. The local town known as the Spice Route Quarter, offers a creative meander through a once derelict industrial zone transformed into a bohemian artist colony of handmade goods and coffee shops. For a more luxurious encounter, the popular Beresheet Hotel, perched on the edge of the crater makes for a special weekend away.  

Sea of Galilee (Kinneret)

As the largest freshwater lake in Israel, the locally known ‘Kinneret’ is a beloved spot, with a huge assortment of historic, natural, archaeological, recreational and religious attractions that bring in visitors from near and far. Surrounded by hot springs, national park land, walking trails and some of the oldest ‘Kibbutzim’ (collective communities in Israel, traditionally based on agriculture), there is truly something for everyone.