A small wonder
NIGEL THOMPSON on Israel – a country with something for everyone
ISRAEL packs an awful lot of holiday options into a small country. From beaches and historic sights to outdoors activities and great food via cultural gems, there’s something for everyone.
As international travel starts to open up again, we’ve teamed up with the tourist board to look at the best places to see and what to do...
TWO CITIES, ONE BREAK
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are just an hour apart by road, yet separated by the centuries – and twin-centre trips are a popular choice.
Jerusalem’s Old City has a near unsurpassed wealth of ancient sites including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David, Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock.
In contrast, Tel Aviv is a largely modern, cosmopolitan city with skyscrapers, fine beaches, vibrant nightlife and a leading arts and culinary scene. Although it’s Israel’s economic and technological hub, the city’s port of Jaffa offers a historic perspective too – and the White City is a collection of UNESCO-listed International Style 1930s buildings.
THE LOW’S A HIGH POINT
A visit to the Dead Sea, at 1,412ft below sea level, the lowest point on Earth, is unmissable. It’s a hyper-saline lake that is around nine times saltier than the sea and which makes human bodies more buoyant.
Visitors famously float with ease and also lather themselves with the mineral-rich, black mud known for its skin-rejuvenating properties.
COMFY KIBBUTZ
The kibbutz movement started in 1905 as a collective way of living and today the settlements produce 30% of Israel’s agricultural output.
They’ve also diversified over the decades to embrace everything from art to technology and many host tourists too.
Accommodation ranges from small guest houses to full-service hotels. booking-kibbutz.com
PLANT POWER
With more than 500 vegan restaurants throughout the Tel Aviv area, it’s hailed as the Vegan Nation.
Chefs take pride in using the freshest of vegetables, and often meander through “shuks” (markets) for seasonal menu inspiration. Israeli staples such as houmous and falafel feature of course, but expect imaginative plant menus including tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, courgettes, watermelons and plums. Many restaurants grow their own for an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Roasted whole cauliflower followed by non-dairy ice cream, anyone?
L’CHAIM!
L’chaim in Hebrew means a toast to life – and Israel certainly boasts a buoyant beer, wine and spirits scene.
Winemaking goes back to Biblical times, and today there are more than 300 wineries, even in the desert.
Craft beer is thriving too and BeerBazaar serves the pick of Israeli ales and lagers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The aromatic Akko gin at Jullius Distillery in Galilee is created only from ingredients such as grapes that grow in the area.
UNESCO UNLEASHED
While Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are the best known UNESCO sites, other archaeological gems include: originally built by Herod the Great in 30 BC on a flat plateau above the Dead Sea. It can be reached by hiking up two steep routes or by taking a cable car. The site attracts around 750,000 visitors a year and the views are superb.
■ Old City of Acre: This Med port has remnants of Crusader structures above and below street level and dates back to between 1104 and 1291.
■ Baha’i Gardens, Haifa: At almost 1,000 yards long, these colourful manicured terraces of the Baha’i Faith, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, tumble down the slopes of Mount Carmel and round the Shrine of the Báb. Like Masada, the views are excellent.
ANCIENT BUT ACCESSIBLE
Jerusalem’s Old City has 2.5 miles of streets in the Muslim, Christian and Armenian quarters, all now made accessible. There are also 1.2 miles of handrails added on steps.
LOVING LGBT
Tel Aviv’s Pride parade is one of Israel’s biggest and most vibrant celebrations – 250,000 people attended in 2019 – and the city has become a popular and welcoming destination for LGBT travellers all year round.