Unparalleled natural wonders
The natural landscape of Israel is highly diversified. That is one of the reasons to go to Israel. There is always something to amaze you in this tiny country, no matter where you go. The gorgeous beaches of Haifa and Tel Aviv can be found on the west coast. Haifa, located on Mount Carmel, is an unusual city to traverse. The advantage is that the scenery and terrain are breathtaking. Take in the vista from Mount Carmel of the Louis Promenade across the Port of Haifa. It travels north through the Western Galilee. Take the Carmelit, Israel's only subway. It ascends and descends the mountain. Check out Hof Hacarmel, Haifa's beaches, at the bottom.
To the south, you'll find yourself lost in the huge Negev Desert, which occupies more than half of the country. Touring through the Negev Desert is an incredible experience, and there is so much to see! There are a few journeys to the Negev that begin in the country's heart. Many individuals travel to the desert on their own, either by vehicle or by bus, and then take advantage of the incredible adventures that await them. A jeep excursion adds to the excitement. An skilled driver navigates the difficult terrain, and the contrast of contemporary machinery with the timeless beauty of the desert is striking. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Dead Sea is located in the east and has the lowest elevation (1,400 feet below sea level) and the saltiest water (34 percent salinity, 10 times saltier than the ocean), allowing you to float effortlessly. The Dead Sea, with its magnificent natural beauty of blue-green waves juxtaposed by red-colored mountains, is one of Israel's tourism calling cards. Celebrities, politicians, and tourists have all taken photos while covered in mineral-rich mud or floating in the world's deepest salt lake.
To the north, the verdant hills and valleys of the Galilee region, where a billion migratory birds spend the winter, would astound you. Because of Israel's location on the migrating bird superhighway, Hula Nature Reserve is a world-renowned birdwatching destination. Approximately 500 million migrating birds pass through the country's sky twice a year on their journey to and from Africa, Europe, and Asia. During their annual visit, ornithologists can witness almost 400 species of feathered friends at the natural reserve. This is where you can observe massive flocks of cranes, pelicans, storks, flamingos, cormorants, herons, ducks of all kinds, and a large variety of raptors, among many other things. Aside from being a birder's delight, this is the country’s first official nature reserve, opened in 1964.
- Travel tips: If you are not an expert driver with nerves of steel, don’t drive in Israel. Renting a car or using public transportation are both good ideas to discovery natural wonders in Israel.
