Top Beaches in Israel
May 17th 2017
Now that the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, Israelis are flocking to the beach to tan, swim, surf, and play Matkot (Israeli paddle ball). Grab your sunscreen and towel and get ready to hit the beach.
Although a desert country, Israel has three seas – the Mediterranean, The Dead, and the Red – and one Lake – called the Sea of Galilee (known as the Kinneret in Hebrew). Each offers its own unique beach experience.
Mediterranean Beaches
Beit Yanai Beach, located approximately six kilometers north of Netanya, considered to be Israel’s most beautiful beach and kite-surfing locale. It’s the perfect place to camp with picnic tables, restaurants, and showers located just steps from the surf.
If you’re looking for a more urban setting, try Banana Beach on Tel Aviv’s southern edge near Jaffa. People gather here to sunbathe, rent surfboards, windsurf, or play Matkot. The adventurous can sign up for surfing lessons, while the more sedate can rent beach chairs and watch the action.
Dead Sea Beaches
The Dead Sea is renowned for its mineral rich mud. People come from around the world to experience its healing powers for a wide variety of skin ailments. Ein Bokek Beach is a southern Dead Sea Beach. It is free of charge and offers sunshades and a wide sandy shore. When you’ve tired of floating in the Dead Sea or spreading healing mud on your skin, you can enjoy a shaded picnic spot and the use of a barbecue. Beach chairs and beds are available for rent, as well. There is also a restaurant, cosmetic store featuring Dead Sea skin care products, and a refreshment stand.
Red Sea Beaches
Coral Reef Beach, located in Eilat, is set on the world’s northernmost coral reef. It’s the perfect place to see the multicolored coral garden and fish, some of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. This is a favorite snorkeling site in Eilat and is popular for diving, as well. A family-friendly beach, you can rent a snorkel, mask, flippers, and a life jacket. Just walk along a short pier, step down into the shallow warm water, and find yourself surrounded by gorgeous aquatic creatures. Sunshades, beach chairs, hot showers, and a snack bar are available.
Sea of Galilee Beaches
The Sea of Galilee otherwise known as the Kinneret is known for being the lowest freshwater lake on the planet, and the second-lowest lake in the world (after the Dead Sea). Bora Bora Beach is a privately-owned beach located on the west side of the Sea (Tiberius). There is an entrance fee, but it’s beautifully maintained with two levels of shaded seating – on the water or on the terrace. There are clean showers and restrooms, watersports, two bars, and delicious food. The beach is open from early morning until very late at night, so is suitable for families, couples, and social events.
