Israel : 11 Places You Have to Visit in Israel

#israel #jerusalem #travel #nazareth #bethlehem
            Israel is a much sought-after place, especially for all the religious attractions that it holds. To be true, some of the most interesting stuff happening in the Old Testament of the Bible happens in Israel. This is the birthplace of all the Abrahamic Religions in the world such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and so on. The immense mythological significance of Israel coupled with its rich history, culture, and tradition make it a very appealing place to visit for history buffs, conspiracy theorists, as well as the religious crowd. Added to that, Israel has so much more to offer to those looking for adventure, peace, and even picturesque destinations. So, without further ado, let's dig into all the brilliant places that you have to visit while you are planning a trip to Israel.

Jerusalem  

Jerusalem is the city that has witnessed legendary kings, outstanding religious warfare (the Crusades), and has been the envy of many a conqueror. It is one of the most important religions to the Abrahamic faith. And what a city it is! As you walk through the streets of Jerusalem, you would be able to feel years, centuries of history blowing with the wind. It is indeed one of the oldest cities in the world and you can feel that with every step that you take through this ancient city. The skyline of Jerusalem is notable and known worldwide especially because of the glittering golden Dome of the Rock. The city itself looks quite ancient with all the houses built from caramel-hued stones.

The city is very close to the sect of people following a monotheistic form of religion. The alleyways form a labyrinthine passageway throughout the city taking you on an impressive and interesting course of history. If you are especially walking through the Old District, you very well will come across some significant religious sites. There are also many museums in the city that stores many stories from the past and is definitely worth your time.

Haifa

While Tel Aviv caters to the modernistic lifestyle and Jerusalem invites you into the ancient world, Haifa sets its own tune. It is a town set along the sea and thus a port, and the cliffs cascading into the sea make for a picturesque setting. The best thing about Haifa is the numerous cafes and restaurants that this place has to offer to its many visitors. Haifa could be best described as the perfect base to visit all the most interesting places in Israel.

The most impressive place to visit in Haifa would undoubtedly have to be the Baha'i Gardens. The Baha'i Gardens are listed as a World Heritage Site because of the terrific beauty and innovation it showcases. Free tours in a range of languages are organized every day for the convenience of the visitors. The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery is another stunning place that you have to go to while visiting this port town. A particular trail extends from the monastery and goes down into the grotto- Elijah's Cave. It is believed to be the dwelling or the final resting place of Elijah. Added to the fantastic historical stories that Haifa has in store for you, it has also got very happening beaches. Bat Galim Beach is the one to go for if you are looking for adventure activities while Hof HaCarmel Beach is a lovely day out for someone looking to lie back and relax.

Nazareth

Nazareth is one of the most important cities to visit among those about the Christiaan faith. This city has biblical relations with Jesus bringing in hordes of Christian pilgrims every year. The holy sites that Nazareth has in store for you are some of the most important Christian holy sites in the whole wide world. Nazareth is the city where the Annunciation in the New Testament of the Bible happened. It is the place where Jesus, the son of God was brought up. There are many important churches still prevailing in this city to this day that celebrates this bit of mythology or history.

While you are in Nazareth, you have to visit the Basilica of Annunciation. It is a very significant site and it loos grand too. So, whether you are religious, a history buff, or just want to enjoy some fascinating relic from the past, this is the place you have to come to. There is more to Nazareth than all the important religious sites, especially in its bazaars. The marketplaces in Nazareth are always bustling and seem to have a life of their own. Exotic spices, delectable food items, and interesting artifacts are some of the most impressive things that you will find in the bazaars of Nazareth, a place definitely worth your time.

Jaffa  

Jaffa is situated along the sea and is an important port town. The houses made from honey-colored bricks form a terrific backdrop behind the cool blue waters giving you some terrific, picturesque moments. You have to come to Jaffa to see it for yourself before believing how grand it can get!

Jaffa is regarded as a laid-back town best for chilling and lazing around. The town is designed such that you can aimlessly wander around throughout the town without much to do. Added to this, Jaffa has a remarkable flea market, one, where you are likely to procure all the souvenirs that you could on your Israel trip! Being very near to the ultra-modern Tel Aviv, Jaffa helps you go back to the past in the blink of an eye.

Many streets go down from the city into the sea. Imagine how majestic it once might have been when the huge Mesopotamian ships used to dock in this region for exchanging wares! The streets are now lined with all kinds of cafés for you to try out without much difficulty. You will also have a great time sightseeing through the old city as you take one of the winding lanes to the sea. Jaffa also features numerous art galleries and craft shops in recent years which adds to the pretty things you could be doing here. There are so many newly opened restaurants for you to try Middle Eastern cuisine. The weekends see Jaffa get really busy with so many shoppers and diners!

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea has one of its ends in Jordan while the other end stretches into Israel. It is a truly fascinating natural delight that you have to behold. The mystery and intrigue of the Dead Sea can only be felt once you see it first hand- an immense waterbody so salty that you just can't sink in it. The Dead Sea makes way for some of the more fun activities in Israel away from all the holy shrines and religious sites.

It is the deepest point on the earth and has quite the wacky deal to offer to you. The Dead Sea is locked in by the Great Rift Valley cliffs and has existed in this region for centuries. The soil around the Dead Sea is also very mineral-rich and is said to have healing and rejuvenating properties. The Dead Sea area has seen much development recently and certain resorts, spas, hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc. have opened up in this region. This allows for all the facilities that you might be requiring while visiting the region such as a place to take a bath after taking a dip in the ultra-salty waters of the Dead Sea. The resorts also allow you to stay here for the night and enjoy the quiet nightlife around the Dead Sea region.

Bethlehem

Even if you have not read the Bible, the name of Bethlehem immediately rings a bell in your head! It is indeed one of the most important cities to those belonging to the Christian faith is the place where Jesus Christ is said to have been born. The Church of Nativity is built on the exact site where Christ's birth is said to have taken place and this is a remarkable place to visit. The Church is also intricately built and has a stately complex overlooking the bazaar. Overall. This combination makes for a really good place to visit, making the Church area a stunning highlight alongside the West Bank. Most of the travelers coming to Bethlehem visit the place as a day trip option from Jerusalem. However, staying here for a day or two will do you good. This is a beautiful place especially if you are looking for a fine base to visit the Byzantine monasteries in the surrounding areas.

The St. Catherine’s Church is another remarkable architectural feature in the region that you have to visit. You should also visit the Milk Grotto, a chapel where the holy family is said to have hidden before they fled into Egypt. The Palestinian Heritage Centre is the place to get exclusive local handicraft works and thus should be on your list of places to visit in Bethlehem. While in this region you should also find time to give St. Theodosius Monastery a visit.

Timna Park

If you want to immerse yourself in nature in its rawest form, then you have to take the road down to Timna Park it is situated near the Red Sea towards the resort in Eliat and is a stunning, picturesque spot that Israel has to offer. Timna Park has one of the most rugged desert sceneries out on offer for you. The land in this region has a mystical feel what with all the rocky, tall mountains, odd-shaped boulders, and stretches of dunes between the two. It looks like a setting carved out from a fantasy world calling upon folks with the promise of a great adventure ahead.

Don’t think that raw beauty is the only thing that Timna has to offer. It also has a colorful history mostly related to copper mining in this area. The copper mining activities date back to the ancient Egyptians which makes it all the more interesting. There are so many ancient mine shafts that you can marvel at in this region. You will also find many inscriptions done on rocks that tell so many stories from the past- a perfect place for an adventurer or a history buff!

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is an impressive spot along the shoreline of Israel which has something to offer to any kind of traveler. If you are religious and want to visit places significantly mentioned in the bible you can head to Tabgha, where Jesus delivered his crucial Sermon on the Mount. If you want to laze around under the hot tropical sun, then you should visit Tiberias where there are hot pools for your comfort and convenience. Even if you want to go on adventurous hiking expeditions, there are provisions to do so around the area. It is an amalgamation of all the wonderful things that you could be doing in Israel.

Masada

Masada is situated near to the Dead Sea region and you can visit both places on the same day. However, the significance of this ancient relic demands a separate mention such that you do not forget to put this up on your list of places to visit while you are in Israel.

Masada features a fortress on the top of a mountain that peers down upon the Dead Sea. The fortress is the stuff from legends as so many awesome things have happened around here. The fortress is the exact place where the grand palace of King Herod was built. This is also the defensive area from where the Zealots took a stand, their last stand, against the mighty Roman Legions. These titbits of history make the place worth your time and visit. The best way to reach the top would be on foot, hiking through the winding Snake Path. As you traverse through this path, you will come across some terrific vistas and panoramic views of the entire region. If it is difficult for you to walk that much or you don't have much of an adventurous spirit, you can easily take the cable car to the top of the fortress.

Mar Saba Monastery

Constructed in the Byzantine Era, the Mar Saba Monastery could be regarded as an architectural marvel! It is built in such a way on the cliffside that it looks like it has sprouted out of the rocks! Such is the mighty significance of the Mar Saba Monastery- you'll look, you'll look, and you'll keep looking! Female travelers are not allowed entry into the monastery but no matter what, they could still behold this architectural marvel from the old world.

Beit Shean

Israel has lots and lots of ruins to look through in a very short period if you are planning a trip. However, amongst all the relics that Israel has to offer Beit Shean stands out simply because of the excellent condition it is in. it could be regarded as one of the best-preserved ruins from the ancient world where you get to witness first-hand how the ancient Byzantine and the Romans used to live. In the ruins, you get excellent perspectives into a grand theatre, colonnaded streets, and the extensive bathhouses from Roman times.