Best 16 Israel Beaches

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Although technically in Asia, Israel sits at the junction between three continents; Asia, Europe and Africa. That said the country is considered part of the Middle East, but with a very European feel to the cities. Maybe this is why Israel get to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest?!

Modern Israel covers an area of just over 22,000 km2, or just less than 8,500 mi2. It lies on the south eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea where its southernmost point ends at Eilat at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. It has land borders with Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt in the southwest. It also borders with the Golan Heights, West Bank and Gaza inside its own territory. The population count currently stands at just over 8.5-million, with around 75% being Jewish. Hebrew and Arabic are the two official languages.

The nation of Israel is a land of contrasts, and, although it is relatively small, it has diverse geographic features, with the Mediterranean coastal plain serving as home to around 60% of the population. From the arid Negev desert in the south to the mountain ranges of Galilee and Golan in the north, Israel has just about everything else in between, with the incredibly fertile Jezreel Valley serving as the nation's food storehouse in the centre of the country. The Jordan Rift Valley carries water from Mount Herman in the north into the Sea of Galilee, before continuing south and eventually draining into the Dead Sea.

Israel's climate has as much variety as its diverse geographic scene. Not surprisingly, a typical Mediterranean climate prevails along the western seaboard. This means cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The Beersheba area is semi-arid with cold winters and conversely hot summers - rain is a little scarce here. The Negev region at the southern end of Israel has a typical desert climate and stark, dramatic terrain. At the opposite end of the weather scale, the mountainous northern regions of the country can be windy and cool to even cold.

Tourism plays an important role in Israel's economy, and ranges from religious through archaeological to leisure tourism. Well geared to receive and entertain visitors, the country has seasonal influx of visitors from around the world. Millions arrive every year for different reasons, and in our case it's to enjoy many of its fine beaches. Sit back and relax as we present you with our selection of Super Cool Beaches. Then you can decide where you fancy spending time on your visit to vibrant Israel – Number One Tip: try the Dead Sea experience for something out of the ordinary!

The Best Israeli Beaches...

  • 1. Ein Gedi // Dead Sea

    Ein Gedi
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Ein Gedi is a lush oasis situated between the sterile waters of the Dead Sea and the unforgiving Judean Desert. It is a hugely popular seaside resort attracting visitors from all corners of the globe, and the local economy has benefitted as demand for top-rated facilities remains insatiable. This is a unique seaside experience offering relaxing leisurely activities, together with life-boosting health treatments.

    The vistas are stark and spectacular… read more »

  • 2. Beit Yanai // Mediterranean

    Beit Yanai
    © yoni leibtag Pikiwiki Israel / CC BY

    Beit Yanai ("House of Yanai") is a small settlement and community of farmers with a population around 450. Formed in 1933 by settlers from Poland and Lithuania, this settlement is in the Sharon plain in central Israel. Known for its beach of the same name, this coast ranks among the best in Israel thanks to its long and wide stretches of white sand along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean… read more »

  • 3. Gordon Beach // Mediterranean

    Gordon Beach
    Dennis Jarvis

    The name Tel Aviv means "hill of spring", but this modern city started out as a new neighbourhood called Ahuzat Bayit in 1910. Situated just north of the ancient port city of Jaffa, Tel Aviv soon assumed the distinction of being the main commercial hub of Israel. Moreover, it became a hotshot tourist destination too. The residents of Jerusalem make the 67 kilometre / 42 mile journey in under an… read more »

  • 4. Dor HaBonim // Mediterranean

    Dor HaBonim
    © Lehava Beitshean

    Those in the know describe HaBonim Beach - "Generation of Builders" - as the most beautiful in all Israel. It is part of the HaBonim Nature Reserve, where the wind and waves have sculpted rocky inlets and hills alongside this rugged stretch of coast. These provide fabulous walks of discovery, stunning views and amazing photographic opportunities. You will find lots of interesting fauna and flora to enjoy and when the… read more »

  • 5. Caesarea Aqueduct Beach // Mediterranean

    Caesarea Aqueduct Beach
    Shai knaani
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming
    • Surfing

    Roughly halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa is Caesarea, a coastal town bursting with history. Dating back to the reign of King Herod, 2000 years ago, Caesarea was a major port. Today the remains of the harbor are one of several surviving archaeological gems to be found here.

    One such surviving ancient structure is the Caesarea Aqueduct which carried water to the old city for over a thousand years. Although… read more »

  • 6. Hilton Beach // Mediterranean

    Hilton Beach
    © Deror avi
    Great for:
    • Swimming
    • Surfing

    As you might have guessed Tel Aviv's Hilton Beach gets its name from the Hilton Hotel which overlooks the beach. But this isn't a private hotel beach. Far from it this is one of the most bustling, diverse beaches in Tel Aviv.

    Popular with both locals and tourists alike this central beach is a series of well-manicured sandy crescents separated by rocky breakwaters. Not only do the breakwaters help keep the… read more »

  • 7. Frishman Beach // Mediterranean

    Frishman Beach
    israeltourism
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Frishman beach is one of the most central, and hence most popular, beaches in Tel Aviv. That is not to say it isn't one of the best though. A wide stretch of soft golden sand in front of the colourful facade of the Dan Hotel this is everything a city beach should be.

    Often cited as one of the best family friendly beaches in Tel Aviv, Frishman beach lives up to… read more »

  • 8. Dolphin Reef Beach // Red Sea

    Dolphin Reef Beach
    israeltourism
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    Located on the northern shores of the Red Sea, in Eilat, is the Dolphin Reef. One of the biggest tourist attractions on the coast it lives up to its name consisting of a large semi-enclosed area of beach and reef which is home to a number of bottlenose dolphins.

    The first thing to stress is that the dolphins are not captive, they are able to freely swim into the open sea… read more »

  • 9. Achziv // Mediterranean

    Achziv

    While Jerusalem may be enticing from an antiquities perspective, any visit to Israel should include at least a day out on one of its many magnificent beaches. In this respect the lush verdant hills and pristine beaches in the north of Israel have a lot to offer. Here, we check out Achziv Beach, a lovely strip of sand on Israel's northern coastline some 5 kilometres / approximately 3 miles north… read more »

  • 10. Coral Beach // Red Sea

    Coral Beach

    We are on Coral Beach in Eilat, Israel's most southerly city at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. This is a stone's throw from the Jordanian city of Aqaba, a few kilometres to the east of Eilat, while the Egyptian border is but a few kilometres to the southwest. Saudi Arabia borders with Jordan on the right flank of the Gulf of Aqaba and is visible from Eilat.… read more »

  • 11. Nahsholim beach // Mediterranean

    Nahsholim beach
    Bukvoed
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Set at the foot of the Mount Carmel range with white sands and clear blue water blue waters, this is a pristine beach on the Mediterranean Sea. Nahsholim Beach is wide and long, and there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy it. This stretch of coast is divided up into a number of smaller coves, each with its own character. Most have little islands just offshore and some… read more »

  • 12. Neve Midbar // Dead Sea

    Neve Midbar
    © Ri Butov
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    The Dead Sea beach of Neve Midbar is situated just to the south of Kalia Beach at the northern tip of this vast salt lake. Like its neighbor this is a fairly relaxed spot and has a spacious, sandy beach. Both require an entry fee, with Neve Midbar being a little more expensive. For this reason Neve Midbar tends to attract more of a family crowd while Kalia is popular… read more »

  • 13. Kalia Beach // Dead Sea

    Kalia Beach
    Dan Lundberg
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Located in the north-western corner of the Dead Sea, Kalia Beach is a beautiful, laid back spot. It is a world away from the hotels and resorts of Ein Bokek down the coast, but that is not to say it doesn't have great facilities. This is also one of the most accessible beaches on the Dead Sea, being just half an hour's drive from Jerusalem.

    You will find many amenities here,… read more »

  • 14. Hod Private beach // Dead Sea

    Hod Private beach
    Jorge Láscar
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Swimming (or just floating) in Israel's Dead Sea is one to tick off the bucket list for many people. If you intend to give this a go one of the choices you will need to make is whether you go for the free or the paid option.

    The free option might involve just pulling up at the roadside, but this is actually harder than it sounds as access is difficult.… read more »

  • 15. Ein Bokek Beach // Dead Sea

    Ein Bokek Beach
    Mark Nakasone
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Located near all the main hotels on Israel's Dead Sea coastline is Ein Bokek Beach. A wide, clean, sandy beach this is arguably the best beach on the coast. With year-round sunshine, anytime is a good time to visit; there is a lifeguard service (even in the winter), beach chairs, sunshades, facilities, and food outlets. Ein Bokek can be busy as it is in the heart of the resort area.

    Access… read more »