Israel is a small country. It is long and narrow and stretches around 450 kms from north to south and, on average, 55 kms from east to west. Unfortunately, many visitors to Israel tend to limit their visit to the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Masada or some just fly into Eilat in the south for sea and sun.
Israel's Tourist Attractions or Distractions
Even when travellers visit the recommended tourist areas, they are guided to the most popular sites and never get to experience the authenticity of the place in the same way Israelis do. So, they miss out on the hundreds of real treasures that Israel has to offer.
Israel Beyond Jerusalem
For instance, tourists may visit the markets in Jerusalem but have they ever been to the market in Beit Shean? Have they ever even heard of Beit Shean? It’s a town located in the valley of the springs where there is a 7,000-seat Roman theatre, amphitheatre, Byzantine bathhouse, and a main, colonnaded street.
Water with your Israeli Desert?
Besides being led only to the touristy areas, visitors are given the general impression that the land of Israel is tense, noisy, dry, dusty and arid. Of course southern Israel is taken up by a large expanse of desert area, but Israel also has fresh water areas, as well as 190 kilometres of coastline. In addition, large areas of the less populated north of Israel are green and forested, have rivers and wetlands, waterfalls and springs and snow and skiing in the winter season.
Israel Outdoor Solutions
Israelis are keen travellers and the predictable Mediterranean climate and immense variety of scenery in this small country allows for a range of outdoor pursuits which many tourists are unaware even exist.
To cater for outdoor recreation, Israel has over 60 national parks, ten of which are along the Mediterranean coast, and nearly 200 nature reserves, where travellers can find culture, heritage, well-marked hiking trails, organised picnic areas and designated camping sites.
Israel - Not Just a Pretty Flower
Few people know that although Israel is about ten times smaller than the British Isles it has about 2500 species of plants over 100 of which are endemic to Israel. Locals know that wildflowers are for observing only since strict laws exist against the picking of wildflowers and trafficking of plants.
All Creatures Great and Small
Besides wildflowers, serious birdwatchers know that Israel, located at the intersection of three continents, is traversed twice every year by over 500 million migrating birds.
Also, since Israel is the meeting place of Europe, Africa, and Asia visitors can find 26 species of fresh-water fish, six species of amphibians, 90 species of reptiles, more than 500 bird species and 90 species of mammals.
Israelis are Well-Catered-For
Israel's cosmopolitan society is reflected by the infinite range of food available in the country. The cuisine shows the influence of African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Spanish, German and Eastern European cooking styles.
Given that one of the joys for Israelis is eating, especially a good breakfast, fine coffee and nothing less than pastries and cakes from a patisserie, there are numerous small coffee houses, local bistros and takeaway food shops around every corner.
DIscover Israel
Israel is an adventure for serious travellers, nature lovers, photographers and for those who just want a variety of cultures, scenery, good food and amazing weather. To see the best of Israel, visitors just need a little inside information to help them get the best out of their trip.
Resources:
International Bird Watching Center of the Jordan Valley
Israel Nature and Parks Authority
Israel Society for the Protection of Nature SPNI
Lesley Lanir - Freelance writer, lecturer and teacher trainer Lesley Lanir, writes on foreign language learning disorders, linguistics, and literature.
