What to do in Israel

The question of what to do in Israel has many answers. There are literally thousands of amazing things to do in Israel. These range from visiting historic and religious sites dating back thousands of years, to exploring the amazing nature and geography of Israel. An Israel tour would typically combine these many different activities to create a varied itinerary. Read on and we’ll take you on a journey through what to do in Israel, and then guide you on to read more about what interests you.

Religion

What to do in Israel - the beautiful landscapes of the Galilee
What to do in Israel – the beautiful landscapes of the Galilee (Image courtesy of Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee)

Israel is ‘the Holy Land’, holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is a city holy to all three faiths. Its Old City is one of the most intense and fascinating places in the world. Within it are the Western Wall, the most sacred site in Judaism, the Church of the Sepulcher, holy to Christians, and the Dome of the Rock, holy to Muslims.

As well as the sites within the Old City, the rest of Jerusalem has many sites holy to Jews and Christians. Also, dotted across the country are important Biblical sites, many of which are in the Galilee where almost every town has some Biblical history. In Israel you will drive along roads and see signs to places you might have read about in the Bible or in history books!

History

As well as the Biblical history found across Israel, there are amazing ruins dating from almost every historic empire  and period. The Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, and many more, were all here. There are fortresses such as Masada in the Negev Desert, port cities such as Jaffa, Caesarea, and Akko, and ancient towns such as Beit Shean,  Zippori, and Nazareth. Almost every inch of earth in Israel has history of some sort, and exploring it is a fascinating thing to do on a visit to Israel.

Geography & Geology

Whilst Israel is only a small country, there is an incredible natural diversity within it. You can see the Negev Desert, which covers much of the south of the country. Less than two hours away are the hills and mountains of the Galilee which are somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, and there is even a ski resort in the Golan Heights at Mount Hermon. There is a long, flat coastal plain with beautiful beaches, a city on the Red Sea, and amazing limestone hills. There are tens of national parks and nature reserves in Israel, all of which has  its own story, adventure, and memories to be had.

Relax

There are amazing beaches in Israel – on the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. At the Dead Sea, the saline waters have renowned medicinal properties, there are tens of spas, yet there are also many more spas in Israel. These can be found across the country, in the cities and also among the rural hills of the Galilee.  There is also a great range of hotels in Israel ranging from boutique hotels to large resorts, and world-class hostels to quaint bed and breakfasts. There are also great campsites, luxury hotels, suite hotels, and apartment rentals.

Adventures

There are amazing opportunities for extreme sports in Israel. From watersports such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, and many more, to real adventures such as caving, canyoning, and paragliding. Take a jeep tour in Israel, or hike or bike, and explore places not often seen by tourists. Alternatively, take a less demanding adventure, and go on one of the large number of unique and exciting Israel tours and activities which are sure to appeal to any interests you may have.

What to do in Israel: Question Answered!

We hope this article has given you a small glimpse into what to do in Israel. There is a massive range of activities, and our website should contain enough information for you to find what to do in Israel whether it be for one hour, one week, or one month! You can use the menus at the top of the page to find ideas for places to visit in Israel as well as lists of some of the best things to do in different parts of the country, or different types of activities.