This summer, don’t limit yourself to going to the beach every day. There is so much to do in Israel outside of the Tel Aviv bubble! Whether you are looking to experience nature or culture (or both!), this guide is for you! #5 is a can’t miss read. IT IS THE BEST EVENT PUT ON IN ISRAEL. PERIOD.
1# Ein Prat, Judean Desert
This magical oasis located in heart of the Judean Desert will undoubtedly take your breath away. It’s natural freshwater pools, fun hiking, and amazing nature provide the perfect place for Israelis to come and relax. And of course, the Parks and Nature Authority installed picnic tables at the entrance so visitors can enjoy a good meal before or after a hike and a dip. Interestingly enough, it is only about 30 minutes from Jerusalem and 1 hour from Tel Aviv.
2# Yehudia, Golan
We head north to one of the more exhilarating hikes in Israel. The Yehudia. The forestry, the animals, the incredible waterfalls, the natural freshwater pools, and treks adapted to different levels, make it friendly for all ages and levels. If you are an adventurous and experienced hiker, challenge yourself with the full day Yehudia hike, you will NOT regret it! Check this hike out on Tripadvisor, it has AMAZING reviews.
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3# Independence Trail, Tel Aviv
Independence trail opened to the public a little over a year ago to commemorate Israel’s 70th anniversary. The one-kilometer trail, marked with golden bricks that are lit up at night, has 10 stops, highlighting important places in the history of Tel Aviv and the State of Israel, including Independence Hall, where Prime Minister David Ben Gurion signed the Declaration of Independence. The trail also includes the first homes of Tel Aviv built on sand dunes, the mosaic of Jaffa’s history created by Nahum Gutman, the Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium, the Great Synagogue, the Haganah Museum, the first branch of the Bank of Israel, the monument commemorating Tel Aviv’s founders, the statue of the city’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff, and of course Independence Hall – which originally was Dizengoff’s home that he converted into the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
4# The International Arts & Crafts Festival at The Sultans Pool in Jerusalem
For 1 week every August at the Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem, over 150 of the best Israeli artists and artisans exhibit paintings, prints, ceramics, metalwork and jewelry, weaving, textiles, judaica, toys, crafts in various techniques, wood work and more.This year, the festival is welcoming guest artists from the Far East, South and Central America, Asia, Europe, and Africa to exhibit their unique skills at the International Pavillion.
Of course, the highlight of this amazing week is the delicious food served at stands and food trucks, prepared by leading Israeli chefs, as well as the incredible concert that concludes every night of the festival. Previous performers include Shlomi Shabbat, Idan Raichel, Hanan Ben Ari, Mosh Ben Ari, Evyatar Banai, and more! We are so excited for this years lineup!
#5 The Jerusalem Wine Festival
THIS IS THE BEST EVENT IN ISRAEL, period.
This year will be the 15th year of the Jerusalem Wine Festival, which will run over the first week of August. Hundreds of Israeli wines can be tasted in the beautiful gardens surrounding the Israel Museum. Guests can enjoy live music shows and small snack foods, including cheese platters, to accompany your wine. Admission costs 95 shekels – for UNLIMITED WINE!