5 Beautiful Coastal Israeli Cities to Visit
May 21st 2018
The Mediterranean coastline of Israel is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and ancient historical sites. From the chalky cliffs in the far north to the sand dunes in the south, the coast of Israel is diverse. The Coastal Plain is also home to most of the country’s population and economic hubs, which include the beautiful cities of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Haifa, and Netanya, to name but a few.
If you’re planning to visit Israel, and you enjoy exquisite beaches, vibrant city life, and diverse cuisines, then the following 5 coastal Israeli cities are a must see:
Tel Aviv-Jaffa
Tel Aviv is Israel’s second city and lies on the Mediterranean coastline 60 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem. Initially it was a small settlement but then quickly grew during the mid-20th Century into a big city which connected with the nearby ancient port city of Jaffa.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the financial and technological center of Israel and is also famous for its gorgeous beaches, vibrant culture, exciting nightlife, diverse architecture, and tourist hotspots. These include the Rothschild Boulevard, the Jaffa Flea Market, the Carmel Market, Yarkon Park, and countless museums.
Haifa
Haifa is Israel’s third largest city and is built on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Despite being primarily an industrial port city, Haifa has a lot to offer tourists including beautiful views across the Mediterranean Sea and a glorious beach promenade. There are numerous museums, cultural centers, and theatres.
Perhaps the most internationally renowned attraction in Haifa is the Bahá’í World Centre which has been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which is a destination for Bahá’í pilgrims worldwide. The Bahá’í gardens are a spectacular sight, both by day and by night.
Netanya
Netanya is a city roughly half way between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The city is famous for its beautiful wide beaches which stretch for nearly 12km. The spacious promenade and delightful parks are less crowded than their Tel Aviv equivalents. This makes the city a perfect relaxing location away from the more well-known tourist hotspots.
Netanya features a number of museums and galleries including a museum of Yemenite Jewish Heritage, plus a couple of nature parks.
Zichron Yaakov
The city of Zichron Yaakov is located just next to the coast, 35 kilometers south of Haifa. It’s the perfect little city to visit if you love wine and have an interest in the history of modern Jewish settlement in Israel. It is one of the oldest settlements having been founded in 1882 at the beginning of the First Aliyah.
The hilly city, situated on the southern end of the Carmel mountain range, is known for its tranquility and beautiful old architecture which combine wonderfully with resplendent views across the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a wine city and home to the prestigious Carmel Winery, which is open to the public.
Acre
Acre (Akko) sits just across the bay from Haifa. The historic walled port-city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features the remains of countless cultures that once thrived in the city. These include Crusader-period streets, Ottoman-era citadels, Phoenician-era seawalls, and ancient Judean ruins.
Acre is a mixed city and is home to Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Baha’is. There are plenty of varied culinary delights (especially seafood) to be enjoyed from different cultures as well as fascinating walks along the ancient walls next to the sea. You can even take a boat ride.
