Most-visited cities



Israel has a total of 75 cities, many of them are considered as most popular tourist destinations. Below is a list of the most visited cities in Israel.



Jerusalem

- Jerusalem is the most-visited city with 3.5 million tourist arrivals annually. One of the oldest cities in the world, it is the capital, and largest city of Israel. It is a holy city to the three major Abrahamic religions-Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and hosts a myriad of historical, archaeological, religious and sundry other attractions.

For places to visit in Jerusalem click here.

Tel Aviv

- With 2.7 million tourist arrivals in 2011, Tel Aviv is Israel's second-largest city, and a cosmopolitan, cultural and financial global city. Tel Aviv exhibits a Unesco world heritage area of Bauhaus architecture. In 2010, National Geographic ranked Tel Aviv as one of the world's ten best beach cities. Tel Aviv is known as the "city that never sleeps" because of its vibrant nightlife scene.

For places to visit in Tel Aviv click here.

Safed

- Safed, in Northern Israel, is one of the four holy cities in Judaism, where much of the Jerusalem Talmud was written and kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) was developed. Famous for its artisans. The grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is in nearby Meron. Visitors to Safed sense the city???s warm embrace as they wander through its alleyways past charming stone houses with their artists??? studios and workshops.

For places to visit in Northen Israel click here.

Akko

- Acre is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the country. The city's fascinating historical heritage, rare blend of East and West, authentic glimpses from the past, and unique mix of religious beliefs and remnants from different cultures. Acre???s colorful Oriental markets, city walls, museums, beaches and water sports facilities, Fishermen???s Port, marina, restaurants, hotels and annual picturesque festivals are just a few more of the City???s tourist attractions.
For places to visit in Northen Israel click here.

Haifa

- Israel's third largest city and northern capital is the heart of it all! Situated in a broad natural bay between the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and the awe - inspiring Carmel mountain, the city's terraced landscape offers a rich variety of breathtaking panoramas, giving the observer the sensation of being on a heavenly peninsula. The city offers a variety of activities and events for tourist all year around.

For places to visit in Northen Israel click here.

Tiberias

Tiberias (Tverya) is synonymous with vacations in Israel. Here one can enjoy a variety of activities in a city that offers wonderful opportunities to mix relaxation with nature, history with contemporary attractions, beautiful beaches of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), serene quiet with active water sports and pilgrimage sites with unique tourist attractions.

For places to visit in Northen Israel click here.

Nazareth

- Nazareth is known as the 'Arab capital of Israel'. Jesus's hometown and the site of many of his reported acts and miracles. Many churches, including The Church of the Annunciation, the largest Christian church building in the Middle East. In Roman Catholic tradition, it marks the site where the Archangel Gabriel announced the future birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-31). Starting point for the Jesus Trail, a network of hiking routes connecting many sites from Jesus's life and ministry.
For places to visit in Northen Israel click here.

Beit She'an

- Beit She'an is a city in the North District of Israel which has played an important role historically due to its geographical location at the junction of the Jordan River Valley and Jezreel Valley. The area surrounding the city is profuse with springs and, consequently, there are abundant nature sites and places to tour. Beit She'an was a Roman Decapolis city. One of the largest archaeological sites in the Middle East.

For places to visit in Northen Israel click here.

Be'er Sheva

- Be'er Sheva is a regional capital of the Negev desert. It serves as a starting point for exploring such sites as the Ramon Crater or the Unesco world heritage Nabathean Incense Route. (Shivta, Avdat, Mamshit). Many businesses, national sites, cultural events, activities and social services take place in the city. The people of Southern Israel spend their free time in Be'er Sheva's restaurants, bars, clubs and markets.

For places to visit in Southern Israel click here.

Eilat

- Eilat, Israel's southernmost city, located on the Red Sea coast, is a hot, sunny year-round travel destination. Popular destination for skin and scuba spaning, with equipment for hire on or near all major beaches. The city attracts every year thousands of tourist from all over the world. The weather in Eilat is warm all year round. The combination of a hot climate, a tropical sea and a breathtaking background of wild, bare granite mountains has turned it into a tourist gem all the year round.
For places to visit in Southern Israel click here.

Caesarea

- Caesarea is a city of the past and the future, the new opposite the ancient. While new Caesarea is graced with magnificent modern homes, ancient Caesarea offers tourists the ruins of unique, impressive buildings. While golfers enjoy lush fairways, horse races are reenacted in the huge hippodrome in the national park. ancient Caesarea is bustling with tourists who come to see the wonders of the past that were built by one of the greatest builders of the ancient world - King Herod.
For places to visit in Northen Israel click here.

10 Must-see places



With its beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean sea and the Red sea, its nature, fascinating history and stunning natural landscapes, Israel offers its visitors a great variety of experiences. Here???s our guide to 10 must-see places to visit in Israel, places you should not miss which will give a glimpse into the country???s beauty.



1
Float in the Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea

The Lowest Point on Earth is one special place to visit. If you need to chill out, and especially if you’re feeling rundown, the Dead Sea is the ideal place in Israel to visit. Bring your newspaper along for that picture opportunity, smother some of that mineral rich Dead Sea mud on and then float on your back in the warm, salty sea. Just avoid diving in!
The Dead Sea has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean basin for thousands of years. It was one of the world's first health resorts (for Herod the Great), and it has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from asphalt for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilisers. People also use the salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea to create cosmetics and herbal sachets.

2
Tour the Old City of Jerusalem

jerusalem old city market

The Old City of Jerusalem is a real must-see, being home to sites of key religious significance, including the Western (Wailing) Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. You can easily spend a full day here (and to be honest,we always end up wanting to spend more time here, there’s always a corner to uncover!): place a prayer between the cracks of the huge stones that make up the Western Wall, browse the stalls in the narrow streets of the Old City bazaar, and visit the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Traditionally, the Old City has been divided into four uneven quarters, although the current designations were introduced only in the 19th century. Today, the Old City is roughly divided (going counterclockwise from the northeastern corner) into the Muslim Quarter, Christian Quarter, Armenian Quarter and Jewish Quarter.



3
Old city of Acre ??? North Israel

carmel market

A variety of different cultures have inhabited Acre throughout its history, including the Crusaders and the Ottomans, each leaving their mark on this region. With interesting, culturally molded buildings, ruins and sights around every corner, Acre is a must-visit location in the north of Israel. Enjoy a romantic evening walk along the port, have a meal at one of the local restaurants or take a relaxed stroll through Acre???s markets.
The city's fascinating historical heritage, rare blend of East and West, authentic glimpses from the past, and unique mix of religious beliefs and remnants from different cultures, have all turned akko into one of the most vital Ancient World cities.

4
Snorkel or scuba in the Red Sea, Eilat

Snorkeling in Eilat

Eilat is the place to go if you want to see amazing coral reef, beautiful fish, and crystal-clear water. What with great weather practically all-year round, this is the place to dust off your snorkel and/or scuba. Alternatively, for the less adventurous there’s always Eilat’s impressive Underwater Observatory and nice beaches. Eilat has its own airport so is easy to get to, and if you’re up for it, is a short drive from the amazing dives of Sinai.



5
Visit Yad Vashem, Jerusalem

Yad Vashem Hall of Names

A more somber spot to visit, but Yad Vashem is an important place to visit in order to get a deeper understanding of Israel, this is Israel’s memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Located on the Western outskirts of Jerusalem, the large complex of museums, monuments, exhibition halls with major archives, library and other resource centers extends over 45 acres. Take your time, and be prepared to be deeply moved. Read more here.

6
Stand at the edge of the Ramon Crater

ramon crater

An amazing geological feature of Israel’s mainly desert south, the Ramon Crater (or Machtesh Ramon as it’s officially known) is located about an hour south of Beersheva. The crater is 40 km long and 2-10 km wide, almost heart shaped, and naturally carved out by water and climate erosion. The largest crater in the world, it sinks some 500m at its deepest point. Get an amazing view of the Ramon crater from the Mitzpeh Ramon visitor center, where yes, you can stand at the edge of the world’s largest crater!



7
Enjoy the beach of Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv beach

The gorgeous sandy beach of Tel Aviv is the perfect spot to catch a sunset. Accompanied by a beer or wine or whatever you prefer, kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes as the Mediterranean laps gently at the shore just meters away. You could also wind down the day at one of the many beachside cafes, the choice is yours.
Expect to pay up to 30 shekels for a bed. Glass bottles are officially banned on beaches but this isn???t really enforced. Be prepared to hear the tick tack of matkot, Israel???s national sport, on most beaches. The busiest days are Friday and Saturday (the weekend) and public holidays.

8
Visit the mountain fortress of Masada

masada israel

The mountain fortress of Masada stands on an isolated rock plateau in the south east of Israel, overlooking the Dead Sea. The tale of Masada is one of Jewish heroics, 1000 inhabitants committing mass suicide rather than surrendering to their Roman enemies. Take a walk up the Snake Path to the top of Masada if you’re feeling adventurous, otherwise take the cable car or try walking the Roman ramp from the Western side of Masada (much easier).

Perhaps the ultimate way to enjoy Masada is by watching the sun rise over the Dead Sea while sitting at the top of this stunning mountain.



9
Marvel at the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa

Haifa-Bahai

The magical terraces of the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa are possibly just off the primary tourist track. But they really should be added to your visit to Israel. The Baha’i gardens must be one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and are a memorial to the founders of the Baha’i Faith, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Free to enter though you should dress modestly.

10
Sea of Galilee

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee, or as Israelis call it, the Kinneret, is a major water source, as well as the largest freshwater lake, in Israel. The history of the lake goes way back. According to the New Testament, many of Jesus??? miracles occurred here, including his walk on the water. Today, tourists visit The Sea of Galilee to enjoy the relaxing lake, have fun building rafts, or practice various water activities.



The list above is a list of the top 10 must-see places in Israel.







National parks in Israel

The national parks of Israel are declared historic sites or nature reserves, which are mostly operated and maintained by the National Nature and Parks Authority. Today, the national parks of Israel encompass 67 protected areas. Below is a list of all national parks in Israel.





To sort the table, please click on the relevant title

ParkNearby CityPhone
Ahziv Beach National ParkNahariya04.9823263
Alexander Stream Hof Bet Yanai National ParkKfar Vitkin09.8666230
Apollonia National ParkHerzliya
Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve04.6732904
Ashdod Nitzanim Sand Dune ParkAshdod
Ashkelon National ParkAshkelon08.6736444
Avdat National ParkKibbutz Sde Boker08.6586391
Baram National ParkBarAm04.6989301
Beit Alfa Synagogue National ParkKibbutz Hefzibah04.6532004
Beit Guvrin National ParkKibbutz Beit Guvrin08.6811020
Beit She'an National ParkBeit She'an04.6587189
Beit She'arim National ParkKiryat Tivon04.9831643
Caesarea National ParkCaesarea04.6361358
Capernaum National Park04.6793865
Castel National ParkMevaseret Zion02.5342741
City of David (Jerusalem Walls) National ParkJerusalem02.6250143
Coral Beach Nature ReserveEilat08.6376829
Ein Afek Nature ReserveKiryat Bialik04.8778226
Ein Gedi Nature ReserveKibbutz Ein Gedi08.6584285
Ein Hemed National ParkJerusalem02.5342741
En Prat (En Fara) Nature ReserveJerusalem057.8936708
Source: www.science.co.il



Nature reserves in Israel

Israel has 375 nature reserves extending on - an area of ??????about 5317 square kilometers. Every nature reserve characterized with habitats, landscapes and unique regions, or contains rare species of animal, vegetable and geological phenomena. The exact number of nature reserves in Israel is changing as a result of processes declaration of new nature reserves throughout the years.





To sort the table, please click on the relevant title

Name Region
Adullam Near Beit Shemesh
Adullam Grove Beit Shemesh
Tel Afek Northern district
Alonei Yitzhak Northern district
Alonei Abba Northern district: Jezreel Valley
Nahal Amud Northern district: Upper Galilee
Tel Anafa Northern district: Upper Galilee
Ashdod Nitzanim Sand Dune Park Central district: Shephelah, southern Israeli Coastal Plain
Avshalom (Stalactites) Cave Central district: Central Israel
Nahal Betzet Northern district: Upper Galilee
Balfouria Northern district: Jezreel Valley
Bitan Aharon Northern district: Sharon plain
Bnei Zion Center
Carmel Hai-Bar Nature Reserve Northern district: Mt. Carmel
Coral Beach Nature Reserve Eilat region: Eliat and the Arava
Dan (ancient city) Northern distric
Dor and Ma'agan Michael beach islands Northern district: Mt. Carmel coast
Ein Afek Nature Reserve Northern district: Western Galilee
Eilat Mountains Southern district
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Southern district: Judean Desert and The Dead Sea
Ein Tzukim Nature Reserve Southern district:Judean Desert and The Dead Sea
Gamla Nature Reserve Northern district: Golan Heights
HaMakhtesh HaGadol Southern district
Hasbani River Northern district
Hurshat Tal Northern district: Upper Galilee
Hula Valley Nature Reserve Northern district: Hula Valley
Kerem Ben Zimra Northern district: Upper Galilee
Nahal Kziv Northern district: Upper Galilee
Maoz Haim Northern district
Mount Arbel Northern district: Lower Galilee
Mount Gilboa Northern district
Mount Meron Northern district: Upper Galilee
Mount Tabor Northern district: Lower Galilee
Nahal Tavor Northern district: Lower Galilee
Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve Northern district: Mt. Carmel
Nahal Ayun Northern district: Upper Galilee
Neot Kedumim Central district: near Modi'in and the Ben Shemen forest
Pa'ar Cave Northern district: Upper Galilee
Nahal Poleg Central district: Sharon Plain
Rosh HaNikra Northern district: Western Galilee
Shimron Northern district: Jezreel Valley
Nahal Taninim Northern district: Mt. Carmel coast
Tel Dan Nature Reserve Northern district: Upper Galilee
Tel Yitzhak Northern district: Upper Galilee
Timna valley Southern district
Tel Anafa Northern district: Upper Galilee
Udim Center
Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve Northern district: Golan Heights, Sea of Galilee, and Galilee
Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve Eilat region: Eliat and the Arava
Zakum (Maoz Haim) Northern district: Beit She'an valley
Source: wikipedia.org



Hiking trails in Israel

There are hiking trails all over Israel, the major one is The Israel National Trail, which is a hiking path that crosses the entire country of Israel. Its northern end is at Dan, near the Lebanese border in the far north of the country, and it extends to Eilat at the southernmost tip of Israel on the Red Sea, a length of 580-620 miles. Wikiloc.com brings you a list of 106 recommended hiking trails in Israel.






See the complete list of hiking trails in Israel





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