Israel is a real beach nation and the question of which are the best beaches in Israel is one of great controversy and debate. Life’s a beach in Israel. From the urban beaches in Tel Aviv to the rural beaches of the Western Galilee, every Israeli has their favorite beach, and Israel’s beaches come to life throughout the year with every conceivable watersports, beach sport and beach activity taking place.
This small country is blessed by three seas — the Mediterranean, the Dead and the Red. The Sea of Galilee is really a lake, though it does have beaches too.
The Mediterranean
Israel has a long coast on the Mediterranean Sea which is one long beach. Whilst everyone has their own favorite beach, try out our selection of Israel’s most amazing beaches and let us know what you think.
Caesarea Aqueduct Beach
The Caesarea Aqueduct Beach is one of the most breathtaking beaches imaginable.
The ruins of an ancient Roman Aqueduct mark the inland edge of the beach and the clean sands don’t attract hoards of tourists. You can’t beat this Caesarea beach for its setting among ancient Roman ruins. While sitting on the clean white sand, you’ll marvel at the raised aqueduct built by order of King Herod in the first century BCE and expanded upon 300 years later to bring running water to the old city of Caesarea from the springs of Shunni six miles away at the foot of Mount Carmel.
This beach gets busy at the weekend with locals and the breathtaking aqueduct is a stop off for many tour buses, however with no restaurants/bar (just a kiosk), promenade, and often no lifeguard (which means that bathing isn’t always allowed) it is a great place to get away from it all. There are no loud music or crowds.
The beach is a couple of kilometers north of the ancient harbor and city which makes Caesarea famous, and the modern residential development. A combined trip to the two makes a lot of sense. The beach is located about half way between Tel Aviv (just 30 minutes drive north from Tel Aviv) and Haifa, and because of the aqueduct, is especially beautiful at sunset. No entrance fee.
Beit Yannai Beach
Just South of Caesarea is Beit Yannai Beach, similarly a rural setting, this time in a nature reserve. Beit Yannai beach is considered by many to be one of Israel’s very best beaches. It’s a big hit with those prepared to travel out of Tel Aviv (about 20 minutes), and also those who love to kite surf. It’s a gorgeous beach, usually kept very clean, and usually quiet, probably due to the fact that it’s run by the Israel Parks and Nature Authority. Considered by many to be Israel’s most beautiful beach ,Beit Yannai is pristine and quiet.Named after the ancient Judean king Alexander Yannai, the Alexander River north of Netanya was in a sorry state until a 1994 restoration project transformed the area into a lovely, wheelchair-accessible nature reserve. The beach is at the spot where the river runs into the sea. You can camp overnight, and there are fairly decent facilities, including showers and restaurants. Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Israel, being within the nature reserve means that there is an entrance fee payable, however, ensures that the beach is well maintained.
The Beit Yannai beach is also the estuary of the Alexander River which runs across Israel from its spring in the West Bank.
Also worth catching are the eucalyptus grove and ancient ruins nearby. You can camp overnight here, and there are picnic tables, restaurants and showers. Entrance fee. For more details call 09-8666230.
Herzliya Beach
Herzliya is an upscale neighborhood just north of Tel Aviv. Herzliya Beach is considered one of Israel’s best beaches, notably quieter than those in Tel Aviv but still getting very busy at summer weekends, yet still developed in the surrounding infrastructure with lots of life-guards, restaurants, beach bars, and even a mall at the Herzliya Marina end. The beach is lined with four or five large hotels and is popular with tourists, the locals of Herzliya and the many surrounding cities, and surfers.
Tel Aviv Beach
Of all the beaches in Israel this is the first one you’re more than likely to feel the sand between your toes on…Tel Aviv’s western border is the Mediterranean meaning that the city is one long beach. Tel Aviv beach is actually a collection of smaller beaches, most of which are just off the bustling city streets, and each of which has its own unique character and clientage.
For example, if you’re looking for a family beach, try Jerusalem Beach or the more northernTzuk (Cliff) Beach; if you’re looking for some eye candy, head to Gordon or Metzitzim; and if you’re looking for a gay-friendly spot, head to Hilton Beach. The Dolphinarium Beach has a drumming festival every Friday. Be prepared to fall in love – but not on a Saturday when it becomes very crowded.
Free to access (except for some of the more northern beaches).
Banana Beach, Tel Aviv
The entire west flank of Tel Aviv is one long shoreline lined with beaches. Banana Beach, located on the southernmost edge near Jaffa, has become a sort of hippie bohemian sanctuary on Friday evenings. It’s a great place to end a walking tour of Tel Aviv, as young people begin gathering here at sunset for drum circles, singing and dancing on the cliffs.
The rest of the week, it’s a fairly tranquil spot. The Banana Beach café right on the sand screens films and sports events in the evenings for free. You can rent surfboards and wind surfers, or sign up for surfing lessons, at the Galim surf shop.
No entrance fee; sand chairs available for hire.
Dado Beach and Zamir Beach, Haifa
This central Haifa beach has pretty gardens along its long boardwalk promenade, beachside restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, free parking, benches and sitting areas, a dance arena (with weekly public dances and Israeli folk dancing on Saturdays), an amphitheatre for summer events, sports and playgrounds and a pool for toddlers. It’s even got Wi-Fi.
The picturesque boardwalk runs from its southern tip to the northern part of Carmel Beach next door. For the disabled, Dado Beach offers reserved parking, adapted showers and bathrooms, and ramps for easy access to and from the beach.
Information: 1-800-305-090; 04-853-5606/5
