The expansive beaches of Tel Aviv form the whole western edge of the city. Yes, that’s one long Mediterranean beach!  In the summer months especially, but also throughout the spring and fall, and even on the occasional winter day, Tel Aviv’s beaches come to life with tourists and locals alike taking advantage of the sun-quenched sand, warm waters, and watersport opportunities. Each beach along Tel Aviv’s coast has a different character, popular with different people looking each for a different beach experience.

Hilton Beach

Long sandy beaches by Flickr user Novecentino

Near the Hilton Hotel in the north of the city, the Hilton beach is known as Tel Aviv’s gay beach, as well as being popular with surfers and the city’s residents bringing dogs. A great beach to meet interesting people, this beach is fun no matter who you are. The beach has bathrooms, beach chairs, and volleyball nets, and can be accessed via a service road from Metzizim Beach. This beach is also very popular with surfers as a natural offshore reef creates a swell.

Tel Aviv's beaches offer beautiful sunsets by Flickr user Shayan (USA)

Gordon-Frishman Beach

The Gordon-Frishman beach is right in the heart of Tel Aviv and whilst it is busy at weekends and all times during the summer, its a meeting point for Tel Aviv’s most trendy and beautiful, popular with those looking to pop along and sit in the sun for a while.

Banana Beach

Best for a drink, Banana Beach (named after the Banana Cafe located here) is popular with Tel Avivians and tourists alike. Low tables are set out on the beach, and people come here for a drink, to relax, to play matkot (an Israeli sport with paddles and a small ball) and to watch the always beautiful Tel Aviv sunset.

Fun on Tel Aviv's beach by Flickr user miss pupik

Dolphinarium Beach

Maybe not Tel Aviv’s best general beach, but this beach is notable for its music festival each Friday. All sorts of drummers and performance artists come along making the beach a fun hub of activity at the start of the Israeli weekend. Popular with a young crowd, Dolphinarium Beach has an even more relaxed and laid back atmosphere.

Alma Beach

In the south of the city, Alma Beach does not have a life guard and as such is not as busy as some of the city’s other beaches. It is laid back and cool, however, and a fun place to chill out and enjoy your time in Tel Aviv especially if you are looking for somewhere a little quieter than the guarded beaches.