Israel is an ancient and modern treasure waiting for you to discover its history and beauty. While Jerusalem has a spot on most bucket lists, the other regions are equally fantastic to explore and learn. During my recent trip to the Land of Creation, I experienced great beauty from the lowest spot on earth to the wide-open spaces of the Coastal Plain. I marveled at architectural feats and roamed ancient ruins. I shopped at markets and discovered art in museums. This is the Israel that I experienced.
5 Bucket List Regions to Visit in Israel
1. The Dead Sea
The lowest spot on the face of the earth, and a natural health spa, the Dead Sea is one site I didn’t want to miss. At 400 meters below sea level, this body of water has the highest concentration of salt in the world. It’s called the Dead Sea because its salinity prevents the existence of any life forms in the lake. That same salt provides tremendous relief to the many ailing visitors who benefit from its healing properties. Covered in mud, I bobbed in the sea like a cork in a glass of wine. I could instantly feel the effects on my skin and I felt rejuvenated. If that wasn’t reason enough to want to experience the Dead Sea, it’s a lot of fun floating and playing in the buoyant water.
2. The Sea of Galilee
Israel’s largest fresh water reservoir, the Sea of Galilee is the country’s largest and most important source of drinking water. The Sea of Galilee played an important role in the early years of Christianity and has now become a pilgrimage site for many Christians. According to Christian tradition, Jesus lived, preached and performed miracles in the sea and the surrounding region. It was here that he walked on the water and the miracle of the loaves and the fishes happened in nearby Kfar Nakhum. In the city of Tiberias, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises of my life. It was peaceful, golden and majestic. Its beauty will inspire and impress both Christians and non-Christians.
3. The Coastal Plain
Warm, soft sand, waves that lap the shore and wide open spaces – these are the features of Israel’s Coastal Plain, Israel’s western coastline which stretches along the Mediterranean Sea. Most of Israel’s population is concentrated in the Coastal Plain, in cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa. It remind me of home in southern California. It offers gorgeous, pristine beaches to relax next to large cities with endless dining and entertainment options. To add to its glory, there is history and culture in abundance. Cobblestone streets and bustling markets can be found in Old Jaffa along with museums and artists.
4. The Judean Desert
The Judean Desert is bordered by the Mountains of Judea to the west and by the Dead Sea to the East. It is considered a relatively small desert, spanning only 1,500 square kilometers, but it contains many fascinating nature reserves, historic sites, monasteries and panoramas that make it an exciting and unique place to visit. The desert is known for its rugged landscape, which has provided a refuge and hiding place for rebels and zealots throughout history, as well as solitude and isolation to monks and hermits. During the days of the Maccabees (about 2,000 years ago), large fortresses such as Masada were established in the desert. While I loved the history of Masada, it was the breathtaking views that were constantly changing that had me wanting more. Mountains and cliffs stand alongside plateaus, riverbeds and deep canyons. It was a photographers dreamland.
5. The Jerusalem Hills
The Jerusalem hills offer many secrets from a deep past as well as fascinating nature sites and tremendous beauty all year round. As their name indicates, the Jerusalem hills are a hilly region in the Judean mountains with Jerusalem nestling in the middle. The Jerusalem hills are known for their great historic importance. Pilgrims past this way thousands of years ago making their way to the holy sites for prayers, sacrificial offerings and just to visit; armies and many divisions of soldiers fought here, forcing their way between the mountains to the city. As I explored the streets of the Old City, I felt like I was passing through history. The sacred atmosphere is present everywhere in the city and the colorful markets and narrow alleyways bring life to the modern world.
I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived in Israel. Stories of war, terrorism and Iron Dome missile defense systems filled my head and worried me. But the Israel that I experience was a drastically different world. It was filled with beauty, culture, history, architecture and kindness. I explored the regions and connected with locals. I felt at home in a far-away land and I dream of returning for more.
A special thanks to Israel Tourism for making this trip a reality. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I love Israel so much and all the locations mentioned by you are well worth a visit! I had a great time floating in the Dead Sea, so much fun and such a weird experience!
I love Israel so much and all the locations mentioned by you are well worth a visit! I had a great time floating in the Dead Sea, so much fun and such a weird experience!
Israel does intimidate me a little bit, but I don’t think that’s going to stop me from traveling there someday. Everything you put on this list has been the very reasons why I want to go in the first place!
Israel does intimidate me a little bit, but I don’t think that’s going to stop me from traveling there someday. Everything you put on this list has been the very reasons why I want to go in the first place!
It looks amazing Lesley.
I really didn’t know much about Israel other than the Dead Sea before reading this. Now I’d most like to visit the Jerusalem Hills. That pic of the temple (is it?) look stunning and I’d probably spend hours photographing it.
It looks amazing Lesley.
I really didn’t know much about Israel other than the Dead Sea before reading this. Now I’d most like to visit the Jerusalem Hills. That pic of the temple (is it?) look stunning and I’d probably spend hours photographing it.
looks like a fantastic trip. I’d particularly like to see the tiled buildings in Jerusalem Hills. And wonderful that you felt to at home – very reassuring!
looks like a fantastic trip. I’d particularly like to see the tiled buildings in Jerusalem Hills. And wonderful that you felt to at home – very reassuring!
After reading your bucket list, Israel appears to be a an even more exciting and beautiful country! And who doesnˋt want to float in the Dead Sea once in their lifetime?!
After reading your bucket list, Israel appears to be a an even more exciting and beautiful country! And who doesnˋt want to float in the Dead Sea once in their lifetime?!
I have not been but these are certain must visits. Looks like you had a blast.
I have not been but these are certain must visits. Looks like you had a blast.
I was bound for a press trip to Israel supposedly but I had to cancel last minute. Seeing your photos here make me yearn for it! Hopefully next time, my schedule permits it. It’s a lovely country!
I was bound for a press trip to Israel supposedly but I had to cancel last minute. Seeing your photos here make me yearn for it! Hopefully next time, my schedule permits it. It’s a lovely country!
Great photos. I would really like to go to The Dead Sea. I’ve heard it’s really good for your skin. The Jerusalem Hills look beautiful.
Great photos. I would really like to go to The Dead Sea. I’ve heard it’s really good for your skin. The Jerusalem Hills look beautiful.
The more and more i read about Israel, the more and more i am fascinated by it. I too, hear about violence and danger from the media, but hear more real accounts of its beauty! I would love to float in the Dead Sea and Marvel at the beautiful architecture in Israel. Thank you for being another voice to what it is really like there! Did you travel with your family? would you say it is “family-frendly” or to wait until the kids are older?
The more and more i read about Israel, the more and more i am fascinated by it. I too, hear about violence and danger from the media, but hear more real accounts of its beauty! I would love to float in the Dead Sea and Marvel at the beautiful architecture in Israel. Thank you for being another voice to what it is really like there! Did you travel with your family? would you say it is “family-frendly” or to wait until the kids are older?
Wow, that close-up photo of the Dead Sea certainly puts Israel now into my bucket list! I, too, worry about the peace and order situation though. But it looks like that is no problem from your account!
Wow, that close-up photo of the Dead Sea certainly puts Israel now into my bucket list! I, too, worry about the peace and order situation though. But it looks like that is no problem from your account!
Hey, Lesley,
Nice article and great photos!
I am planning to visit Israel in the next couple of years. I was wondering – what time of the year you would suggest going there?
I have heard it could boiling hot in summer, so I guess spring or fall is better.
What would you recommend?
Svet
Hey, Lesley,
Nice article and great photos!
I am planning to visit Israel in the next couple of years. I was wondering – what time of the year you would suggest going there?
I have heard it could boiling hot in summer, so I guess spring or fall is better.
What would you recommend?
Svet