Israel Travel Guide

(*Foreign offices advise against all non-essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to the ongoing military conflict. Travellers should avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip as well as the border with the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the borders with Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.)

Israel is so steeped in history that it can seem like a quality of the very air. The country welcomes millions of visitors to its shores annually, making it one of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East. While most tourists are keen historical sightseers eager to explore the incredible attractions found in the Old City of Jerusalem, there are plenty of other things to see and do in the country.

Tourists looking for a party can check out bustling, backpacker-heavy Tel Aviv. It's a vibrant, modern city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a gorgeous, perpetually sunny Mediterranean coastline. The city is also home to the famous Carmel Market, where shopaholics will find more than enough to satisfy their wants, as well as a host of interesting museums and art galleries.

Outdoor types will be pleased to learn that there are lots of exciting activities on offer as well. Diving in the Red Sea near Eilat on Israel's southern coast is rated as one of the best diving experiences in the world, while Galilee is celebrated for its beautiful scenery and wide range of hiking trails and health resorts.

Of course, Israel's status as the centre for the major religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam brings many visitors. Followers of all three faiths make the pilgrimage each year to connect with the historical source of their religious convictions, and even non-religious tourists will find themselves awe-struck by the beauty and majesty of some of the most famous churches, temples, mosques and synagogues in the world.

Best time to visit Israel

The weather is good all year round, but the best time to visit Israel is in the months of May, June and October, when conditions are simply perfect (sunny and warm, not too hot) and there aren't too many tourists around. Accommodation might be a little steeper in October, as this is holiday season in Israel.

What to see in Israel

-Head out to the Judean Desert, and be inspired by the mountain-top fortress of Masada.

-Even for the non-religious, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a must-see tourist attraction in Israel.

-Jerusalem's sobering Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorial provides a vital memorial to the six million Jews killed during World War II.

-Make the trip to Beit She'an National Park to see the ancient ruins of a Roman theatre and Byzantine bath house.

What to do in Israel

-Take a trip to the Dead Sea, lie back in the water, and float effortlessly below a flawless blue sky.

-Be swept up by the sights and smells and hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv's Carmel Market.

-Visit the lovely port city of Haifa, and take a trip to the impeccably maintained Baha'i Gardens.

-Head down to Eilat and snorkel with bright tropical fish in the Red Sea.

Getting to Israel

There are cheap direct flights to Israel available from both the UK (flight time of five to six hours) and the US (between 12 and 17 hours). International flights to Israel arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, located about 40 minutes from Tel Aviv and an hour from Jerusalem.

Read

Exodus by Leon Uris, The Mandelbaum Gate by Muriel Spark, and The Family Orchard by Eve Nomi.

Listen

Chava Alberstein, Arik Einstein, Ehud Banai, and Noa.

Watch

Exodus (1960), To Take a Wife (2004), Turn Left at the End of the World (2004), and Lebanon (2009).

Drink

Arak, an anise-flavoured liqueur usually served topped up with ice and water.

Eat

Falafel: small fried balls of flavourful mashed chickpeas, usually served inside a pita bread with hummus (seasoned chickpea puree), french fries, salad and tahini (sesame paste).

What to buy

Cosmetics made from mud and minerals from the Dead Sea, Israeli wine and jewellery, and Judaica trinkets such as shofars.

What to pack

Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing that isn't too revealing (especially if visitors are planning on visiting religious sites), and plenty of sunscreen.

What's on in Israel

The Israel Festival (May, June), held in Jerusalem, showcases opera, dance, classical music and theatrical performances by Israel's top artistic talents. The Haifa International Film Festival (October) draws crowds in excess of 60,000 people to see more than 150 new films from both established and emerging film-makers.

Did you know?

-Israel has more museums per capita than any other country in the world.

-Israel's Dead Sea is the lowest point on land at 1,315 feet (about 400m) below sea-level.

-Israel is the only country in the world that transitioned from the 20th to 21st centuries with a net gain in its number of trees.

A final word

Sun-soaked Israel is fast-becoming a heavyweight Middle Eastern tourist destination. It's a proud nation, located in a region with a formidable historical legacy.