With 273km of stunning coastline, there are quite a few choices for sunbathers and beachgoers in Israel. While some people prefer the hustle-and-bustle of the lively city beaches, some may prefer a quieter retreat to nature. Thankfully, Israel has it all covered when it comes to beach options. From north to south, and everywhere in between, here are our picks for the best beaches in Israel.

Achziv Beach, Rosh Hanikra

You can begin your tour of the best beaches in Israel at the northern-most tip of the country, Rosh Hanikra. After spending a few hours touring the stunningly-blue grottoes and learning about the location's history, head down towards Achziv Beach for a relaxing break. In the summer months, this beach is known for the hatching sea turtles that are released back to the sea. You can also find other interesting sea life here, including octopi and sea urchins. With the looming cliffs of Rosh Hanikra as your backdrop, this beach is the perfect relaxing spot for those who want a quiet break from the noise.

Kinneret Beach, Galilee

If you find yourself exploring the beautiful sights of the Galilee region, a stop at the Kinneret, or Sea of Galilee, is defintiely worth it. Though it doesn't have the sandy appeal of the Mediterranean, the Kinneret boasts warm, calm water perfect for swimming. If you don't like salt water or big waves, this is a great place to cool down after a day of touring all the fantastic religious sites in the area. There is plenty of shade as the sea is lined with palm trees and other greenery, making the Kinneret great for families and young children. It's also popular, especially with young Israelis, to camp on the banks of the water. So if you want to spend the night outdoors, pitch a tent and enjoy a barbecue and a night among the stars in the open fresh air of the Galilee.

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Dor Habonim, Haifa

The best beaches in Israel are all unique and offer something different to cater to all beach-going styles. If you're more outdoorsy and like to work before you relax, then Dor Habonim beach and nature reserve is the ideal spot for you. Located south of Haifa, this area offers a few beautiful hiking trails with gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean blues. On the trails, you'll find a few different beaches set between rocky grottoes where you can relax for a while. While it's not the easiest beach on the list to get to, visitors are rewarded with rugged beauty, tranquility, and smaller crowds.

Caesarea

Caesarea should be a stop on your Israel tour regardless of the beach. Known for its ancient Roman ruins, this site makes for an interesting tour on your trip to Israel. If you want to fit both history and beach time into your busy schedule, this is the perfect spot. After visiting the amphitheater and other ruins, go for a dip in the water at the beach set by an ancient Roman aqueduct dating back to 1 BC. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also visit the underwater museum. Go for a dive to discover a whole other set of treasures and ruins on the ocean floor. As a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty, Caesarea is easily one of the best beaches in Israel!

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Netanya

The beach in the lovely city of Netanya is a fantastic spot to kick-back and catch some sun. Set beneath the city cliffs, visitors to this beach need to take a glass elevator down to the sand. The waters here are calm enough for a relaxing swim. There are also fun activities like surfing lessons or volleyball. On the weekends the beach gets busier, and at night you might find a DJ and a dance party going on as well.

Tel Aviv

When discussing the best beaches in Israel, Tel Aviv's coastline is a clear contender. As one of the main attraction of Israel's most modern and lively cities, this beach definitely isn't the place for people looking for a quiet break. Tel Aviv's beaches are almost always busy. In the summer months it can be hard to find a spot unless you go early. However, don't let that deter you. The beach is wonderful for people-watching, cooling down after exploring sunny Tel Aviv, and absorbing the international vibe of the city. The city's beaches are divided by location. There's Banana Beach, Hilton Beach, Gordon Beach, and Metzizim Beach, just to name a few. Generally, the farther north you go on Tel Aviv's beaches, the quieter it gets. However, many people enjoy the non-stop atmosphere of the busy sections, where you can almost always find surfers, a volleyball competition, musicians playing on the boardwalk, and people from all walks of life enjoying the sun and salty air.

Palmachim Beach, Rishon Lezion

Not far from Tel Aviv near the city of Rishon Lezion, you'll find Palmachim Beach. This beach is relaxing and scenic. It's also surrounded by some cliffs perfect for walking along to get a panoramic view of the place. Unlike the neighboring Tel Aviv beaches, there aren't many amenities here. Visitors like to pack a cooler full of food and set up a spot to spend the day and enjoy a family picnic.

Dead Sea

This is undeniably one of the most memorable beaches in Israel. The mineral beaches of the Dead Sea make for an amazing day trip. As the lowest point on earth, The Dead Sea is a "must-see" when coming to Israel. Visitors love to cover themselves in mud, walk into the still waters, and float on the surface as if by magic. Since it's in the desert, the weather here is perfect. The beach can be visited at any time of the year. While you're visiting, you can make your stop here even more memorable by booking a spa day or massage overlooking the Sea.

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Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Eilat

We've finally reached the most southern-point in Israel: Eilat. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is definitely one of the main draws of Eilat. Eilat sits on the Red Sea. Unlike the Mediterranean, there is much wider variety of marine life going on here. Rent a snorkel at the Coral Beach Reserve and dive into the calm waters to explore the world underneath it. There's a huge variety of fish to be seen. The best part is that you don't even have to be a diver to see them. They're very visible even if you're just floating on the surface. If you have the time, you can also head to the nearby Dolphin Beach, where there are often dolphins who swim up to shore to say a quick hello.Now you have a better idea of the best beaches in Israel. We challenge you to pick your favorite ones and visit them on your tour to Israel! Of course, if you want to see them all, you'll need to consult with the experts to fit them all in your itinerary. We can help you see the most magificent beaches in the Middle East AND a variety of other fascinating historical and cultural sites. Contact us today to start your planning!