Does Israel have nice beaches? Of course. If you love the sun and the fine sand, you can jump on a plane to discover the best beaches in Israel. Tourists quickly travel along the country’s coastline, where the beaches are remarkably beautiful. The Mediterranean coastline stretches all the way to Israel’s western border, with 273 km of the seashore. It is a true gift from heaven that this nation has many beaches, some of which have striking ecological features. Here are some of the best beaches in Israel.
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Best beaches in Israel
Map with the best beaches in Israel (zoom for details)
Palmachim Beach, Palmachim
An appealing beach south of Tel Aviv, Palmachim was declared a national park in 2003 and is one of Israel’s last remaining stretches of coastline in its natural state. The low cliffs at the southern end and the views of Tel Aviv on the northern side are equally breathtaking, and the crystal clear water, soft white sand and hundreds of shells washing up make for a beautiful seaside. As it’s a little way from the city, it’s obviously cleaner and – speaking of quiet beaches in Israel – is more peaceful than Tel Aviv’s beaches, but there are also fewer facilities. However, there is a lifeguard, shaded tents and toilets.
Achziv Beach, Kiryat Gershon Tez
A hidden gem beloved by locals, Achziv Beach lies about 5 km north of Nahariyya and 6.4 km from Rosh Hanikra and the Lebanese border. With cliffs,coves, and lagoons hidden among the rocky outcrops, the Mediterranean water is clearer than ever here. Quieter than the city’s beaches, Achziv is adjacent to Achziv National Park, where ruins from the Ottoman and Crusader periods can be seen from the shore.
Sea turtles love this place; you can catch them laying their eggs here between May and September. The rock pools are also home to anemones, sea urchins, starfish and sometimes octopuses. During the summer there are lifeguards, toilets and other facilities. Remember it’s not a free beach: admission costs 33 new shekels for adults and 20 new shekels for children.
Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv,
Gordon Beach is one of Tel Aviv’s most vibrant beaches. Conveniently located across from the Sheraton Hotel in the “middle” of the 14 km of beach that runs along the city, you can play beach volleyball, enjoy a beautiful saltwater pool lined with lawns, have a drink, lunch, dinner or taste a famous Israeli breakfast. After dark, the beach becomes a party spot with open-air beach bars and DJs. Gordon Beach is a great place to unwind for a day or more, whether you’re with your family or not.
Aqueduct Beach, Caesarea
Still on the Mediterranean Sea, about 50km north of Tel Aviv, explore the ruins of Caesarea while enjoying the pleasures of Aqueduct Beach. Yes, this is not a seafront lined with shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours but an aqueduct dating from the Roman era. As the benevolent master of the place, it gives a unique, soothing and timeless atmosphere to this long stretch of soft sand. To be enjoyed without moderation while planning picnics and drinks. From the Aqueduct beach, head a few kilometres south to continue your journey through time to the underwater ruins of the Herodian port of Caesarea.
Hilton Beach, Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv has 10 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline and 13 separate beaches, most of them connected by a promenade. There’s not much difference between them; although often crowded and noisy, they’re great fun and all offer soft sand, blue water and views of Tel Aviv’s Old City or Jaffa.
Hilton Beach, named after the adjacent hotel at the northern end of the promenade, is a favourite because of its three distinct sections: the surf zone, the gay beach (marked by rainbow flags) and the dog beach. There’s also a breakwater where beachgoers can stroll for great views of the turquoise sea. Visit TopSea for kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing lessons and equipment hire.
Bora Bora Beach, Sea of Galilee
At Bora Bora Beach on the Sea of Galilee, relaxation and comfort are at their peak. Whether you enjoy water sports, cocktails on the water, beach parties, or just lazing around, everything is designed to provide you with an unforgettable experience. On the sand, on the terrace or the soft grass, deckchairs and sofas await you, as well as two bar-restos, showers and toilets. Open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, the private beach of Bora-Bora also offers many water activities: kayaking, paddle, water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, banana, etc.
Kalia Beach, Dead Sea
A trip to the Dead Sea may not be your typical beach experience, but it is a must when you are in Israel. While Ein Bokek is where most of the big resorts are located, the beach here is extremely crowded. Smear yourself with mineral-rich mud and float in the salt-laden waters before enjoying panoramic views of the turquoise waters and surrounding beautiful mountains from a terrace above the beach. There’s also a camping area, a tented restaurant serving Bedouin-style meals, food stalls, a spa and the world’s lowest bar right on the beach. The entrance costs 60 new shekels. For a quieter scene, head north to Kalia.
Habonim Dor Beach
On the most beautiful part of Israel’s coast lies Habonim Dor beach. Located just an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv, the site has a clear blue sea, wide stretches of sand, a lagoon, a cluster of small bays and a great atmosphere.
Habonim Dor consists of two strips of beach. It is possible to pass from one to the other, camp for the night, or visit the nearby ruins. Large parts of this beach belong to a nature reserve, so we recommend you book your spot in advance to ensure you can enter under the space regulations imposed so as not to increase the spread of coronavirus.
Coral Reef Beach, Eilat
Located in the city of Eilat, this beach, although not a private beach, charges a small fee to enter; these funds are collected for the care and cleanliness of its coastline.
The beach has extremely calm waters, ideal for people who practice diving, allowing them to see a grandiose aquatic world in its reef of multiple colours where fish of all sizes and species dwell.
With services such as hot showers, toilets, coast guard and food kiosks, it is one of the best beaches in Israel to share a peaceful holiday with your loved ones.
Beit Yannai Beach, Netanya
Beit Yannai is located in Netanya, and here you can see how the Alexander River flows into the sea. Declared a Nature Reserve in 1994, this beach has the name of a king of the ancient civilization of Judea.
Untouched, pure and peaceful are some words that can perfectly describe this beach, considered by Israelis as one of the best beaches in Israel, as far as beauty is concerned, full of exuberant flora and fauna worthy of admiration.
It has a eucalyptus forest and ruins dating back more than 1000 years, near its shores, is very popular with bathers, has camping areas, free dining areas, toilets, showers and restaurants nearby unmissable to visit.
Bonus
Mineral Beach, Dead Sea
If you choose to go to the Dead Sea Mineral Beach, you can receive therapeutic and cosmetic treatments such as mud, natural sulphur pools or mineralized baths in the waters of the Dead Sea. For those who come to this place to treat some kind of ailment, you will find numerous hotels and specialized centres that treat all kinds of conditions, dermatological, rheumatological, respiratory, etc.
We recommend a visit to the Ahava factory where the famous Dead Sea cosmetics are produced, as a visit to the factory gives you a discount on admission to Dead Sea Mineral Beach. See hotels in the Dead Sea.
Conclusion – best beaches in Israel
This is a subjective top of the best beaches in Israel. But Israel has many more beaches, and a simple Google search will surely bring up more names on this list. Remember that the country has a very hot summer, with the highest temperatures on the continent, ideal for bathing on its delicious beaches, reaching temperatures of over 50° Celsius, between April and October, due to which Israel has become a leading nation in the use of solar energy.
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