Israel Holidays Guide

The Midddle East

middle east accommodation guide

Israel is one of the most historically rich countries in the Holy Lands. While it’s inherently a Jewish state, Israel contains many places of significance to Muslims and Christians too, and is of cultural and religious interest to a fairly high percentage of the world’s population – in fact, many of the places you’re likely to want to visit are spiritually significant in some way. As well as attracting pilgrims, Israel attracts tourists eager to see its many attractions, enjoy its hot climate, and to see its many famous historical sights. You can also enjoy the excellent city nightlife, fun resorts and beautiful beaches, olive groves and diverse interior landscape.

map of israel middle east
Map of Israel
Israel

Tower of David (Citadel)
The Israel Museum
Western Wall And The Temple Mount In Jerusalem
The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher
The Dead Sea
Masada
Tel Aviv Jaffa
Bahai Gardens In Haifa
Caesarea
Sea Of Galilee

Israel Holidays Planner

Jerusalem is the obvious place to start. Visit the Old Town (and it is old – more than three millennia) to go to King David’s Tomb, the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall and Temple Mount, among other must-see locations. Remember that Israel isn’t all solemn religious locations, however.

Tel Aviv is the capital and one of the liveliest and most liberal cities in the Middle East – it has a number of museums and sights, but also an excellent beach and a fantastic nightlife. Eilat is Israel’s top beach resort – visit the Observatory to see the colourful marine life, and Dolphin Reef can arrange swims with the friendly marine mammals.

There are an enormous number of notable things in Israel. Akko, or Acre, is particularly associated with the Crusaders, and is a holy centre for the Baha'I faith. You can soak in the Dead Sea and get a cable car to nearby Masada, a fortress built by Herod. A site of troubles a decade ago, Bethlehem is something of Middle East peace success story. It's now safe to visit and see the birthplace of Jesus, Rachel's tomb, and the Shepherds' Fields. It seems strange to think of a Biblical location in the context of water sports, but Tiberias in the Sea of Galilee is a bustling resort town.

Travel Facts

Capital: Jerusalem
Language(s): Hebrew, Arabic
Demonym: Israeli
Area: 22,072 km2 (151st)
Population: 7,746,000 (95th)
Currency: Shekel (ILS)
Time Zone: IST (UTC+2)
Drives on the: right
International Airport: 15 km southeast of Tel Aviv
Weather Jan: Av Temp: 8°C / Rain Days: 6
Weather July: Av Temp: 23°C / Rain Days: 0

Israel Travel Info
If you’re at all interested in history or culture, you’ll find endless things to do in Israel. And even if you’re not, you can enjoy the beaches and city nightlife.
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