10 Outdoor Activities You Must Experience In Israel

Israel has a unique and abundant range of adventurous outdoor activities to explore from. From water sports in the Red Sea to climbing desert mountains and camel riding, here are the best.

Biking

Tel Aviv has a bike share program where you can rent bikes from the streets hourly, daily, or even annually and they’re all open 24/7. There are over 150 Tel-O-Fun rental stations all over the city; outside the Carmel Market, Rothschild Boulevard, Hayarkon Park, and many more. Luckily for cyclists, Tel Aviv has plenty of bike lanes for avoiding traffic. Next time you’re visiting Tel Aviv, grab a green bike from the Namal and ride along the boardwalk, stretching the length of the beach from North to the South to enjoy life as a Tel Avivian.

Rock climbing in Hayarkon

Botanical Garden, Park, Sports Center, University, Zoo

In the heart of Tel Aviv, those who are feeling adventurous can check out the rock climbing wall, located in Hayarkon Park. The wall is available to the public and open to all levels. The Olympus wall is an open sky wall and has different levels of climbing activities; from beginners to advanced. If you’re up to try something new, test your climbing skills for only 50 NIS ( approximately $12) and hopefully make it to the top for an exceptional view of Tel Aviv.

Surfing

Israel has over 186 miles of stunning beaches, and luckily a sea that is free of seaweed and sharks. Due to the relaxed waves of the Mediterranean Sea, the beaches are ideal for laid back surfers and beginners. Whether it’s winter or summer in Israel, there are over 20 surfing beaches to chose from. Even if you’re new at surfing, you can rent a surfboard and have the opportunity to take both private and group lessons with the best instructors. Whether you want to get great exercise or just have a passion for being out in the sea, rent out a surfboard and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea’s waves.

Scuba Diving in the Red Sea Reef

The South of Israel, Eilat is known to be the number one holiday destination. The Red Sea is known to be one of the top three locations in the world to go scuba diving. The Red sea has small wave actions and is known to be the warmest, which is ideal in order to discover the underwater world. You can see over 1000 different species of fish and more than 250 species of corals. Divers from all over the world come to Eilat to see its underwater wonders. Even if you are afraid to scuba dive in the Red Sea, you can first attempt courses and chose from over 10 diving sites.

Swimming with Dolphins

Resort

The Dolphin Reef in Eilat is located on the shores of the Red Sea and is a unique site of Israel where visitors come especially to meet and swim with dolphins. A variety of dolphins and even babies are born at the site, all free to live their daily routines and meet people to play with. If you’re not afraid to get wet, you have the opportunity to get close to the dolphins and even swim with them.

The Hermon Mountain

School, Shop

The Hermon Mountain, located in the North of Israel, has an altitude of 2020 meters above sea level. It is the ideal winter destination to enjoy outdoor activities in the snow. It covers around 45 miles of tracks for skiing and snowboarding of all different levels. You can rent equipment at the shop and even take skiing and snowboarding courses at the Ski School. If you aren’t an avid skier or boarder, you have other options; snow sledding, mountain slides, and even go up the upper cable car and see the magnificent view of Israel from up top yourself.

Dead Sea Floating

Natural Feature

Located on the lowest point on the earth, The Dead Sea, is known to be the only body of water where you can float. Every aspect of the Dead Sea is fascinating; from having the greatest concentration of salt in its waters, to its mineral’s natural healing advantages. There are plenty of beaches that surround the Sea with sitting areas where you can relax and enjoy the tranquility. If you want to benefit from its healing advantages, buy black mud (or scoop it up from the sea floor) and massage it over your body, wait for it to dry, and dip in the Dead Sea and find your skin transformed anew and deliciously smooth.

Rosh HaNikra Grottoes

Natural Feature

The Grottoes of Rosh Hanikra are a spectacular natural phenomenon and a must-see. Located in Israel’s North-Western tip, you will have the chance to experience breathtaking views. The Grottoes, or Sea Caves, were formed by underground shocks and ripped open gaps. During your visit, you will be treated to a sound and light show, which will describe the sea and the view of Rosh HaNikra. The cable cars will take you down to the Sea Grottoes. It is a place to spend the day and discover the unique landscape of Israel and the wonders of the sea.

Camel Riding

Park

Camel riding is a unique way to discover the Negev Desert in Israel. Camel rides in Israel are available throughout the desert, for all ages and of course no skills are necessary. You can rent camels for an hour or even a whole day for as little as 65 Nis per hour ($16). The Negev Bedouins offer a variety of desert trips overlooking the never-ending surrounding mountains and the settlements of Bedouins. If you’re up for an authentic experience for two, discover the Negev Desert with camel riding.

Hiking Mount Bental

Mount Bental is a dormant volcano and also has a fascinating military history. If you’re up for a great workout with a fascinating view, you can hike up Har Bental and grab a drink at Coffee Annan. This will probably not be your ordinary coffee place; it is located in the Golan Heights and overlooks three Middle Eastern Countries at once; Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy hot or cold beverages with a light meal. Translated to Hebrew, the name says it all — “Cloud Coffee,” which is also a play on words after the ex-UN Secretary General, Kofi Anan. For a unique coffee in the sky, go up, explore and have a look for yourself.

Merom Golan +972 4 682 0664

About the author

Salomé Chemla

Salom? is a second year communications student at IDC, majoring in marketing. She is passionate about food, music, and art. Apart from that Salom? enjoys running, exploring and traveling the world, which is why she would love to share her view of Tel Aviv with others.