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Masada

archaeological site

16km

31.3155555635.35388889

Bethlehem

city in West Bank, Palestine

48km

31.70305635.195556

Hebron

city in the West Bank, Palestinian territories

48km

31.53333335.095

Jericho

city in the Palestinian Territories and is located near the Jordan River in the West Bank

49km

31.8535.45

Jerusalem

ancient city in the Judean Mountains

53km

31.783335.2167

Nablus

city in Nablus Governorate, Palestinian Authority

87km

32.2158235.27258

Mitzpe Ramon

small town in the south of Israel

103km

30.6134.8

Tel Aviv

second largest city by population in Israel

106km

32.0803234.78061

Beit Shean Valley

The Beit She'an Valley is an area in the Jordan Valley of northern Israel. It consists of the town of Beit She'an (also spelled Beit/Bet/Beth Shean/She'an/Shan), as well as a number of kibbutzim and other small agricultural communities.

108km

32.479435.5058

Desert Castles

fortified palaces or castles in what used to be the Umayyad province of Bilad ash-Sham

127km

31.1394736.63848

Gaza Strip

– the largest city in the Palestinian Territories, with 450,000 people, Gaza city is a coastal city and the administrative capital of the Gaza Governorate, but it has been heavily damaged in several wars between Israel and Hamas and, due to border closures by Israel and Egypt, you probably can't get in

129km

31.416734.3333

Eilat

Israel's southernmost city

181km

29.5534.95
Sights (77)

Bar Yehuda Airfield

airfield located in the southern Judean desert

12km

31.3281694435.38860833

Dead Sea

salt lake bordering Jordan and Israel

15km

31.535.5

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi is a Kibbutz and nearby oasis (and official Nature Reserve) set in stunning desert canyons, which are great for hiking and experiencing nature. Also features the remains of a synagogue in the Old City Eye - Capricorn, from the Byzantine period, including a mosaic floor well preserved. The close-by public beach at the Dead Sea is closed now due to sink holes, but there is another one a few kilometres south.

17km

31.4535.38333333

Mount Sodom

A low mountain next to the Dead Sea which is 80 % made of salt. It includes fascinating landscapes, the Flour cave where the eroded rock has a texture similar to flour, and an impressive 200 m salt cave. The Biblical towns of Sodom and Gomorrah may have been nearby (though other opinions place them elsewhere around the Dead Sea), and tour guides will point out to you a rock formation which they say is

27km

31.0719444435.39694444

Ein Feshkha

archaelogical site

36km

31.714435.4533

Kalya

Also has a water park with hot water pools and slides. There are three beaches near Kalia, all of which are closed off and charge a fee to get in.

39km

31.7486416735.46622778

Deir Hajla

The Greek Orthodox monastery of Deir Hajla near Jericho commemorates St. Gerasimus, whose lavra was nearby. Gerasimus left his family wealth and worldly affairs to become a monk. He departed for the region Thebaid in the Egyptian desert, later again returning to his native Lycia. About the middle of 5th century Saint Gerasimus went to Palestine and settled in wilderness near the Jordan River. There he established a monastery and became known for his righteous life of asceticism and prayer. The story of Gerasimus and the lion, when the saint tamed the animal by removing a thorn from its paw and taught it obedience, became widely known in the Christian world. He is reputed to have attended to the Fourth Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon in 451.The history of the monastery is also linked to another Christian narrative. Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus were said to have found refuge in a cave here during their flight from Herod. An underground chapel was built on the spot where the Holy Family is believed to have spent the night. The crypt floor also contains the bones of monks who were massacred during the Persian conquest of the Holy Land.

46km

31.8202777835.50194444

Qasr el Yahud

Located near Jericho on the Jordan River is the site where Jesus is said to have been baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (this site in Jericho is rivalled by another in Northern Israel at Yardenit). It is also believed to be the spot described in the Old Testament where the Israelites crossed the river to enter the Land of Canaan.

48km

31.8383333335.53916667

Tell es-Sultan

This site is the center of archaeological digs in Jericho. It was the location of the ancient Jericho of the Biblical times and is located some 2 km north-west of the modern city centre, overlooking the natural spring of Ein Sultan. If you prefer to focus on other things, then it is relatively easy to see the gist of the site from the surrounding roads. The site's car park features not one but two separate fountains both claiming to be Elisha's spring.

51km

31.8711111135.44388889

Hisham's Palace

This winter palace was built by the Umayyad Caliph Hisham Ibn Abdul Malek, before being destroyed by an earthquake soon after completion in 747 CE. The extensive site contains royal buildings, a mosque, water fountains and spectacular mosaic floors.

52km

31.882535.45972222

Israel National Trail

hiking path that crosses the entire country of Israel

71km

31.3977777834.86138889

Tel Be'er Sheva

Located outside the city to its east (next to Omer), this archeological park is a World Heritage Site and one of the top sites to explore how people have lived in Biblical times.

73km

31.2447222234.84083333

Monument to the Negev Brigade

Located on a hill to the northeast of the city, this large monument made out of concrete, commemorates symbolically the different aspects of the Negev Brigade which conquered the Negev region in Israel's War of Independence. There is a superb view on the city and its surroundings from this site.

75km

31.26734.821

Abraham's well

Located at the edge of the Old Town and on the Wadi Beer Sheva, this small site contains the well where according to tradition Abraham made the oath with Abimelech.

79km

31.23722534.79307778

Kifl Haris

village council in Salfit Governorate

83km

32.1186111135.15694444

Mount Gerizim

mountain in Judea and Samaria Area, Israel

85km

32.1994444435.27277778

Jacob's Well

The spot where it is believed that a Samaritan woman offered a drink from the well to Jesus and he then revealed to her that he was the Messiah (John 4:5), is located here. All Western monotheistic religions also believe this to be a site where Jacob camped near Shechem during his travels, hence the name. A Greek Orthodox Church is located on the site, and it is free to tour. Its hours are unpredictable, however. Ask a taxi driver downtown to take you to "Be'er Ya'akov" (₪2-5). If you come for a visit, do not venture down the road away from the city center as you will find yourself inside rough neighbourhoods.

86km

32.2119444435.27777778

Mount Ebal

mountain in the immediate vicinity of the city of Nablus in the West Bank

88km

32.23435.2733

Ben-Gurion's Hut

The house where the first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, lived with his wife Paula, after leaving his office. It was preserved in almost the same shape as it was when Ben-Gurion lived there. Guided tours are available.

90km

30.8741666734.78916667

Ramla

city in central Israel

90km

31.9333333334.86666667

Aqabah

village in Tubas Governorate

95km

32.3377535.41677778

Hatzor

human settlement

96km

31.7720972234.72039722

Negev

desert and semidesert region of southern Israel

102km

30.534.917

Mount Gilboa

mountain range in northern Israel

104km

32.4338888935.41444444

Sde Eliyahu

Religious kibbutz in northern Israel

104km

32.4401972235.515

Makhtesh Ramon

Mitzpe Ramon's biggest sight, Machtesh Ramon is 500 m deep, 40 km long and 10 km at its widest. The geological erosion that formed it created geological formations unlike any others. Complete with a magnificent panorama, it presents a fascinating story of geomorphologic evolution. Prominent viewpoints from Mitzpe Ramon include:

104km

30.5786111134.81777778

Tel Aviv central bus station

Planned by overambitious architects, its incomprehensible vastness, multiple levels and intertwining corridors make it a model for what an urban jungle would feel like

105km

32.0558333334.78

Azrieli Center

Visitors can climb to the top of the mall for a nice view of the city.

105km

32.0743222234.79208056

Yarkon Park

Tel Aviv's central park along the Yarkon River

105km

32.0996166734.81118889

White City (Tel Aviv)

neighborhood of Tel Aviv, Israel

105km

32.0666666734.78333333

Sarona (colony)

A district with restored German Templer architecture, known for its picturesque paths and buildings, upscale restaurants, and luxurious food market.

105km

32.0723916734.78661944

Afeka College of Engineering

Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering

105km

32.11504634.817779

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Art museum

106km

32.0774416734.78684722

Rothschild Boulevard

A lot of Bauhaus architecture, restaurants and cafes in Tel Aviv's prettiest street

106km

32.0655194434.77702778

Palmach Museum

106km

32.1045083334.79916111

Rabin Square

The largest public square in Israel

106km

32.0808833334.78057222

Neve Tzedek

Quarter of Tel Aviv.

106km

32.0612638934.76559167

Dizengoff Center

Israel's most iconic shopping centre with a very lively food market every Thursday and Friday

106km

32.0752027834.77483889

Carmel Market

The largest and most famous market in Tel Aviv, Carmel Market open all week except Saturday. Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair is one of the most famous in the world. The art fair is open on Tuesdays 10am-6pm and Fridays 10am-5pm

106km

32.0686833334.76904722

Bialik House

Museum

107km

32.07288834.771007

Jaffa Clock Tower

107km

32.05534.75611111

Shluhot

Place in Northern

107km

32.4718972235.4812

Jaffa Port

One of the oldest ports in the world, now a must-see, holds various shops, restaurants and events

107km

32.0516527834.74961667

Tel Aviv Promenade

A previously run-down but beautiful area, which is now gentrifying

107km

32.0768472234.76595556

Wise Observatory

The Wise Observatory, far enough from the town to avoid light pollution, is remotely-operated by the Tel Aviv University. The facility is unmanned so really there isn't much to see or do, except watch the structure from the outside.

107km

30.59727534.76225833

Tel Aviv Port

One of the most dynamic areas in Tel Aviv, including a multitude of shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

108km

32.0964833334.77325278

Ashkelon

city in the Southern District of Israel

108km

31.6666666734.56666667

The Freedom Theatre

A theatre in the refugee camp hosting a large variety of plays and productions, many concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With it's dedication to bringing art to the community the Freedom Theatre is a visible and well-known institution in Jenin. The theatre is also accepts volunteers from the artistic community. For visitors, there's a small café within the theatre complex.

109km

32.463435.2872

Nir David

Place in Northern

110km

32.5036111135.45722222

Church of Saint Porphyrius

Orthodox church, celebrating Saint Porphyrius who was Bishop of Gaza around 395-420 CE. The current church was built around 1150 by crusaders and renovated extensively in 1856.

116km

31.50395934.46203

Belvoir Fortress

castle

119km

32.5955555635.52138889

Mount Ramon

Standing tall over the westernmost edge of the crater, this peak is highest point remaining from the massive mountain that turned into the Ramon crater. It can be reached by route 171 from HaRukhot junction (see the above map). The entire crater is well visible from here, as well as the tall, pointy Mount Ariff in the south.

124km

30.5029166734.63925

Mount Tabor

The site of the Mount Tabor battle between Barak under the leadership of the Israelite judge Deborah, and the army of Jabin commanded by Sisera, in the mid-12th century BC. It is believed by many Christians to be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The mountain is very prominent, and covered with forests. There are several nice hiking trails going up and down.

128km

32.6872222235.39027778

Caesarea Golf Club

128km

32.50165534.906998

Birds Mosaic (Caesarea)

A little-known but beautiful archaeological site. The site of a Byzantine palace, there are complex mosaics here with pictures of birds and other wildlife as well as geometric forms. The site can be freely visited with no admission fee.

129km

32.505834.9033

Caesarea Maritima

Ancient Caesarea Maritima is one of the archaeological treasures of Israel and the Mediterranean. This giant city and port was created 2000 years ago by Herod the Great in honour of the Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Much of the Roman city remains, including an aqueduct, theatre, and acres of excavated houses, mosaics and palaces. In the 12th century CE, Caesarea was recreated as a massive Crusader fortress, whose moat, balustrades and towers still stand. The ancient and medieval city are preserved within the Caesarea National Park, and the Roman aqueduct can be seen for free on the beach a few kilometers north of the National Park.

129km

32.534.89166667

Basilica of the Annunciation

built above the sunken grotto which according to the Roman Catholic faith was the home of the Virgin Mary and the place where she received the Annunciation (the announcement of the imminent birth of Jesus). The large and impressive modern-day church is built above the remains of churches dating back to Crusader and Byzantine times, still visible on the lower level. The church boasts dozens of pictures donated by Christian communities around the world. The Largest Church in the Middle East and one of Christianity’s Holiest shrines, its imposing dome dominates the Nazareth skyline and is an ideal landmark and starting point for visiting Other churches. It marks the spot where the Archangel Gabriel Informed the Virgin Mary that God had chosen her to bear his son; there is also a tradition that Mary lived in a house on this site. The complex of the modern Basilica is built on two levels. The lower one,Making the traditional Roman Catholic site of the Annunciation, contains ancient remains of churches from the Byzantiane and Crusader eras. During archaeological excavations, relics were found dating back to the Canaanite settlement of Nazareth, Though the most interesting find was of a typical Nazarene house, hewn out of the rock, from the Roman Period. The upper level, built between 1959 and 1969 on the site of an 18th-century church, is in strikingly modern architectural style. With its stained- glass windows highlighted against bare stone.A garden and courtyard connect the Basilica to St. Joseph’s Church and Workshop. Admission to the Basilica is free.

130km

32.7022222235.29777778

St. Joseph's Church, Nazareth

next to the Basilica of the Annunciation. Also known as Church of the Nutrition and Joseph’s Workshop, because it is believed that the cavern in the basement was Joseph’s carpentry shop, Built in 1914, on the foundations of a Crusader church, with Romanesque influences.

131km

32.7030555635.29833333

White Mosque, Nazareth

The white mosque, the first mosque in the city was built by Abdalla El Nini, two hundred years ago. El Nini was a well respected judge and the first of the El Fahum tribe (El Fahum means the wisest of man). He set forth a policy that preaches for love and respect. In order to make sure his policy will continue after his death, he wrote in his will that the responsibility on the mosque will be given to the wisest of his sons or daughters or to the Ka-a-bee in Mecca so that the mosque will not be governed under any rule. Till today, the person responsible for the mosque (Ateph El Fahum reads all the sermons before they are preached to make sure they are fit and in honor of holidays of other religions sermons are being addressed in their honor. Opening hours: All light hours except praying hours and without per-arrangement. Notes: please dress modestly and speak softly. In carpeted areas please take off shoes.

131km

32.70342535.29823611

Mary's Well

The structure surrounding Mary’s Well (known as el-Sabil in Arabic) was recently renovated and restored to its original form. Mary’s Well is the symbol of Nazareth Municipality. Next to Mary’s Well is a pleasant souvenir shop named Cactus, belonging to Elias and Martina Shama. After buying the shop in the 1990s, the Shamas discovered that beneath it was concealed one of the most exciting and important discoveries in Nazareth in recent history: a network of beautifully preserved ancient stones arches that once supported a giant bath house. It is believed the exposed remains beneath the shop may date back to the ancient Roman era – that is, to the time of Jesus – and have been fed by the same water that supplied Mary’s Well­. There is an entrance fee to the site, but no advance reservation is necessary and guided explanations and hot and cold drinks are available to visitors.

131km

32.7067111135.30156111

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

Built above a spring believed to be the source of a well where Mary drew water each day. This is the site where the Greek Orthodox tradition maintains that the Angel Gabriel revealed to Mary knowledge of the impending birth of Jesus. The Orthodox Museum is closed. Those working at the church are temperamental, and have been known to arbitrarily shout at or remove pilgrims from the church.

131km

32.7070833335.30158333

Galilee

large region in northern Israel

134km

32.7635.53

Kafr Kanna

The site of the Marriage of Cana.

134km

32.7535.35

Sepphoris

archaeological site and national park in Israel

135km

32.7455555635.27861111

Tzippori

An archaeological site famous for its well-preserved mosaics from the Roman period. It was once the biggest city in the region.

135km

32.7455555635.27861111

Beit She'arim National Park

Beth Shearim was a Jewish town and necropolis in ancient times. Most of the remains date from the 2nd to 4th century CE. Among those buried in the caves are such famous figures as Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, author of the Mishna, the text to which the Talmud is a commentary. You can explore several burial caves with intricately carved sarcophagi and wall decorations.

135km

32.7022222235.12694444

Alonei Abba

136km

32.7294444435.17166667

Bethlehem of Galilee

A German Templer town from the 19th century with beautiful houses from its former settlers. Though, it has not much in common with Bethlehem itself. The scenic/interesting road is the upper one running through town.

136km

32.7366666735.19138889

Scots Hotel

This was a small Scottish colony during the 19th century. It now houses a boutique hotel and a church.

137km

32.78935.5415

Tomb of Maimonides

This revered rabbi, who died in 1204, was one of 12th-century Egypt's most highly regarded sages, while working as a doctor in the court of the Muslim ruler Saladin. Legend has it that before his death in Cairo, he instructed followers to load his remains onto a camel and bury him wherever the camel expired. The camel was apparently drawn to Tiberias. Next to the grave is the Maimonides Heritage Center museum. Also buried here is Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakkai, the leading rabbi at the time of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. Ben Zakkai is said to have faked his own death, escaping the city hidden in a coffin, and then prophesizing that the Roman general Vespasian would become the new Caesar. When the prophecy came true, Ben Zakkai was granted one wish by the new leader; a Jewish learning centre for him and students.

137km

32.7935.537222

Maimonides Heritage Center

educational and cultural non-profit organization in the Israeli city of Tiberias

137km

32.790135.5376

Nabi Shu'ayb

In Druze (and Muslim) tradition, this is the burial site of the prophet Shu'ayb (called Jethro in the Bible). Visitors are welcome. You can take photographs, but not in the tomb chamber. From April 25-28 each year, the Druze have a massive pilgrimage to this site.

138km

32.8076805635.45507222

Sea of Galilee

largest freshwater lake in Israel

141km

32.8333333335.58333333

Hecht Museum

houses a fine collection of archaeological artefacts relating to Jewish history before the Diaspora. There is plenty of ancient pottery, weapons and even a pair of 2100-year-old petite-sized sandals. The museum highlight is a 5th-century-BC Greek ship found near Caesarea in 1984. It has been carefully rebuilt and placed in a specially designed annex of the museum. An art wing upstairs contains sections on French Impressionist and Jewish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the works are paintings by Monet, Pissaro and Van Gogh.

145km

32.7634777835.01797778

Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

protected area

148km

29.87140635.050292

Israel Railway Museum

Housed in the old Haifa East train station, The Railway Museum features a collection of stamps, photographs, tickets, timetables and rolling stock. Old timetables remind you that you could at one time travel from here by train south to Cairo or north to Beirut or Damascus.

149km

32.8111916735.00671111

Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space

Established in 1984, MadaTech - the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space is housed in two historic landmark buildings in mid-town Haifa. Designed, at the turn of the century, by renowned German Jewish architect, Alexander Baerwald, these were home to the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel’s first institution of higher education.

149km

32.8101444434.99627222
Nature

we will see

Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

Israel
Someday we will visit Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank) or begin to dream about going there! However, for now its not on our radar. Let us know in the comments if you think that should change!

Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

The Dead Sea (Hebrew: ים המלח, Hebrew transliteration:Yam HaMelach; Arabic: البحر الميت, Arabic transliteration: al-Bahir al-Mayyit) has its western coast in Israel and the West Bank. It is the lowest point in the world at 394.6 m (1269 ft) below sea level. 25 km of Dead Sea coastline lie within Palestinian Authority territory, including Qumran and Ein Feshka.

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Climate

Average temperatures

Jan

21°C13
Precipitation: 7.8 mm

Feb

22°C14
Precipitation: 9 mm

Mar

25°C17
Precipitation: 7.6 mm

Apr

30°C21
Precipitation: 4.3 mm

May

34°C25
Precipitation: 0.2 mm

Jun

38°C28
Precipitation: 0 mm

Jul

40°C30
Precipitation: 0 mm

Aug

39°C30
Precipitation: 0 mm

Sep

37°C28
Precipitation: 0 mm

Oct

32°C25
Precipitation: 1.2 mm

Nov

27°C19
Precipitation: 3.5 mm

Dec

22°C14
Precipitation: 8.3 mm
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