Most memorable experiences in Israel
Israel is full of pinch-me experiences from watching the sunrise over the Negev Desert to floating in the Dead Sea to hiking to hidden oases, it really is a trip of a lifetime. Add to that phenomenal food (Israeli cuisine has to be among my favourites) and year-round sunshine and you have a pretty perfect holiday destination. I recently spent 10 days road-tripping through Israel and Jordan and here are just a few of the most memorable experiences from our time in Israel.
Sunrise hike to Masada
The highlight of our entire trip was hiking to the ancient ruins of Masada fortress for sunrise. You can't help but be overcome with gratitude as you watch the sun slowly rise over the Dead Sea and the surrounding desert. I spent the next couple of hours exploring every corner of the fortress in the magical morning light and taking in the views over the surreal desert landscape.
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Wadi Arugot
Wadi David is the most visited, but I’d heard Wadi Arugot was the prettiest so my mind was made up. We stupidly started the hike at midday in close to 40 degree heat, but having the water pools all to ourselves more than made up for it. I would definitely recommend carrying on past the waterfall to the upper pools as they really are an oasis.
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Sunset over Jerusalem
No trip to Israel is complete without visiting the holy city. Weave in and out of ancient souks, visit the holy sites and watch the sunset over the magical skyline punctuated by the iconic Dome of Rocks. Divided into four quarters, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian, each of which have their own personality. Head to the Notre Dame rooftop bar at sunset to see the whole city bathed in a magical pink light.
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Explore Jaffa
Old Jaffa is easily the most scenic part of Tel Aviv with ancient architecture and views over the ocean. Scattered with Israeli restaurants, outdoor bars and ceramic shops, it's easy to while away a whole day weaving in and out of its backstreets.
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Wildlife at En Avdat national park
En Avdat National Park is a mecca for wildlife with ibex teetering along the cliffs and griffin vultures soaring high above. This was our favourite walk in Israel as the nature trail follows the water where the animals come to feed and then ascends high above the waterfall so you can see it from aerial view.
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Eat your way through Tel Aviv
Eat your way through the culinary city of Tel Aviv and make sure to sample homemade falafel from Johnny's Falafel, grilled aubergine sandwiches from Sabich Tchernichovsky, frozen yoghurt from Anitas, hummus from Hummus Abu Hassan and fresh seafood at HaBasta.
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Walk through Red Canyon
For a minute you feel as though you've been transported to the Grand Canyon in the States as you weave your way through the red sandstone walls of this narrow canyon. The start of the path takes you through the canyon and the return journey passes above so you can admire rock formations from every angle.
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Visit the Negev desert
The Negev desert spans half of Israel and provides an epic landscape like no other. Unlike the sand deserts typical of the Middle East it's made up of rock formations, craters and deep canyons. Driving through the Negev is one of the most unique roads you can drive and at times feels like you're driving on Mars.
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Float in the Dead Sea
One of the most memorable experiences that Israel offers is floating in the Dead Sea. It defies logic that no matter how hard you try, all you can do is float.
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Brunch overlooking the Red Sea
After a bit of googling the night before, I thankfully read about an idyllic breakfast spot on one of the Red Sea’s local beaches. Having an Israeli breakfast with our toes in the sand beneath swaying trees was easily the most relaxing morning we enjoyed. It was pure bliss. I would highly recommend Moshe Beach Bar, not just for the delicious shakshuka, but for the whole experience.
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Cristina – Memories of the Pacific says:
December 1, 2019 at 8:58 pm
Your photos of Israel are breathtaking! I’d love to visit some day
Harshu says:
December 3, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Very scenery and photography of Israel.