Three Cities to Stay in Israel (Besides Jerusalem and Tel Aviv)
Whenever tourists travel to Israel, it seems like the only
cities they always want to see and stay in are Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
For many, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv seem like the only cities worth visiting.
However, if possible, every tourist should set their sights on more than just those two cities.
There is much more to the country waiting to be discovered beyond
the confines of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Therefore,
here are three other cities that every tourist should try to visit during their time in Israel.
Three Cities to Stay in Israel:
Haifa:
Haifa is a port in the northern part of Israel built on the slope
of Mount Carmel. It is the third largest city in Israel with
a population of around 600,000 people. Haifa boasts a few different,
interesting, and also it is unique attractions.
It is perhaps most well-known for being the
location of the Baha’i World Center or the Baha’i Gardens.
This location is the center of the Baha’i religion,
and many Baha’i conduct a pilgrimage here every year.
The Baha’i are a group that subscribe to the teachings
of a 19th-Century Persian man named Bahá’u’lláh.
Their beliefs mix the Abrahamic religions with Indian
religions and emphasize the unity of humanity and all religions.
The gardens themselves are very beautiful and offer a great
chance to learn about the Baha’i and their beliefs.
Additionally, there is an old German colony located near
the Baha’i Gardens that many may find enticing.
The German Colony, as it is called, offers an interesting
look into the role of the Templers in Israel’s history.
Today, the area features good food and shopping and
offers a nice way to relax during a day off.
The architecture is beautiful and many of the old buildings
have been restored and repurposed as cafés or restaurants.
Some may be lucky enough to even find lodging in this
beautiful part of the city. Finally, for those more interested in museums,
the Israel National Museums of Science is located in Haifa and always features interesting exhibits.
Eilat:
Although not every one know eher is the best place in Israel for scuba diving and swimming
Eilat is a city located on the coast of the Red Sea.
It is Israel’s southernmost city and is often seen as the
best place in Israel for scuba diving and swimming.
Eilat is warm all year round.
So many visit during the winter months as well as the sping and summer ones.
The Underwater Observatory, an Israeli marine museum that displays a
wide collection of fish and other sea life, is located in Eilat.
For dolphin lovers, Eilat also offers the Dolphin Reef.
Dolphin Reef is perfect for those who want to get up close
and personal with these marine mammals.
To the north of Eilat are the Eilat Mountains,
another wonderful natural attraction.
Here one can travel on hiking paths, take jeep tours, or go on camel tours.
Many recommend hiking with groups due to the climate of the
area in order to remain safe.
Eilat is perfect for those who want a more
tropical experience or see some of Israel’s natural attractions.
Nazareth:
Nazareth is located in the northern part of Israel,
and it is home to a large number of Arabs.
Slightly more than two-thirds of the Arabs in Nazareth are Muslim,
and slightly less than a third of the Arabs are Christian.
Nazareth is considered the birthplace of Jesus, and many
Christian pilgrims visit Nazareth every year.
One can find sites like Mary’s Well, the Church of the Annunciation,
or the White Mosque in Nazareth.
For those not interested in the religious aspect of Nazareth,
there are other things beyond the religious sites, churches, and mosques to visit.
Elbabour, a historic 250-year-old spice mill located near Mary’s Well,
has a massive array of spices for sale, and the El-Rais
house offers a great example of Ottoman architecture.
Nazareth also has a local market called the Shuk that
has a wide variety of traditional wares and tasty local food.
Today, one can also find more modern goods in the Shuk.
The Shuk is a truly Middle Eastern experience and a must
see for all those traveling to Nazareth.
While Nazareth is primarily a religious city,
there are non-religious attractions as well that contribute to the uniqueness of the city.
Although not every one will be able to visit all of these places
during their time in Israel, travelers should make some
attempt at staying in or seeing at least one of these cities.
Each city has its own charm, and all contribute to the character of Israel as a country.