Towering over 15 miles of Israel’s Mediterranean Coastline, the Carmel range has always been a symbol of beauty. Rolling views across the flat coastal plain on one side, and the Galilee on the other, coupled with quaint villages, nature reserves, and wineries make it special

The Druze are a minority group who live peacefully in Israel and are renowned for their hospitality. Their villages in the Carmel and Golan regions offer not only an insight into their interesting religion, but great food as well! Isfiya and Daliyat El Carmel are two such villages located in the Carmel region, just north of Zichron Yaakov, and just over a one hour drive from Tel Aviv.

UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Rock musician and guitarist Carlos Santana will include Israel in his summer tour, it has just been announced. He will come to Tel Aviv and perform at Jaffa’s Blumfield Stadium in June, joining Beyonce, Rihanna, Pixies, Elton John and U2 who are also going to be performing in Israel this year.

Paul Anka, the iconic 60′s singer had such a good reception at his two concerts in Tel Aviv in November 2009, that he’s returning, in May of this year.

A selection of photos from Israel in the first week of 2010.

Tel Aviv has a shopping experience as diverse as the people of this city. Malls such as Azrieli and Dizengoff, as well as high-end brand names in Kikar Hamedina contrast with creative boutiques in Sheinkin Street, Neve Tzedek, and Gan HaHashmal.

5 Off the beaten track things to do in Tel Aviv which you might not expect from the city. From a restaurant of Israel’s leading dairy, through to the hidden Tel Aviv around the bus station, these attractions are not for every tourist, but are something a bit different!

Whilst the 18-hole Pete Dye course at Caesarea is currently Israel’s only full size golf course, there are plans to build 16 new courses over the next decade to make Israel have its mark on the world golf map!

Whilst Israel is covered in cycle trails, few are more mesmerising than that around the Sea of Galilee. After all, this ride combines breathtaking scenery, Biblical locations, and great riding! The Jerusalem Post takes us on a ride around what is the lowest freshwater lake in the world, and a major setting in the Bible.

Israel has seen a gastronomical revolution over the past decade and now boasts cuisine to rival the world’s best. In this article originally published in the Seattle Post, we are taken through one writers food journey through Israel.