Israel beaches & beyond

A trip to the Dead Sea will take you to the lowest place on Earth. Lying 427 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is shared between Israel and Jordan, and is famous for its unnaturally high levels of salt. In fact, the water is so dense that it’s physically impossible for you to sink. When you enter the water, you’ll feel completely buoyant and float on the surface without any effort at all.

As well as its supernatural side effects, the Dead Sea has another benefit. The water is full of minerals – 12 of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world – so your skin will feel revitalized after a dip. You could even slather on some of the mineral-rich mud, if you fancy. Or, if you’d rather leave the skin treatments to a professional, visit your hotel’s spa. Two of our favourites, Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel and Herods Dead Sea Hotel, both have a fantastic health centre. You can unwind in their Dead Sea pool and soak in the sulphur pools, before enjoying a soothing massage, facial or body wrap.

In northwest Israel, Acre – known locally as ‘Akko’ – is lapped by the balmy Mediterranean Sea. The ancient port has a lovely stretch of powdery sand and plenty of history, to boot. So if you’re looking to discover Israel’s beaches and culture in one trip, this place should be on your list.

Argaman Beach is the prime sunbathing spot in Acre, just south of the city. The beach curves around the bay for just under a kilometre, so you’ll have no trouble finding a space to unroll your towel. You can curl up with a book or go for a dip in the warm waters. The waves can become choppy when it’s windy, but there’s always a lifeguard on duty. And, when you fancy a cold drink or a bite to eat, you can retreat to one of the beach restaurants.

The Old City of Acre is also worth exploring. With some architecture dating back to the Crusades and the Ottoman Empire, this UNESCO-listed area is crammed with age-old buildings, including public baths, citadels and mosques. Make sure you also stroll along the ancient city walls to look out across the sea.

Less than an hour’s drive east of Acre, the Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on the planet. Also known as Lake Tiberias, this place is very popular for Israel beach holidays. More significantly for some religious groups, though, the Sea of Galilee is where Jesus is said to have walked on water, and multiplied loaves and fishes to feed 5,000 people. And the Mount of the Beatitudes is also nearby, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

To discover the Sea of Galilee, you’ll likely stay in Tiberias. On the lake’s western shore, this age-old town is home to several beaches, ranging from bustling stretches to sleepy coves. You’ll find a number of beachfront pools and spas here, too. And, if you’re taking the kids, be sure to spend an action-packed day zooming down slides and chutes day at Gai Beach Water Park.

If you’d like to visit a few different beaches in Israel, why not let someone else take care of all the logistics? When you book one of our Israel tours, you’ll have a private chauffeured vehicle and an English-speaking guide – so you can just sit back and admire the sites. Your accommodation is all sorted, too, with standard, deluxe and boutique options available.

You could embark on a four-day tour of Israel. Taking in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, this fascinating tour combines beaches and history in to one unforgettable trip. And, if you wish to extend your holiday with a few extra days by the Dead Sea, just speak to our travel specialists – they’ll be able to sort out all the details.

Alternatively, take a look at our in-depth eight-day Israel tour. Whether you’re looking for scenic beaches or cultural attractions, you’ll love this jam-packed itinerary to Tel Aviv, Acre, Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea.