Summer Fun In Israel

There are so many things to do and see in Israel, narrowing it down is no easy task! A trip to the Holy Land for your summer vacation has the ability to be relaxing, restoring, enlivening, educating, and thrilling all in one. Truly, Israel is like no other place on earth.

Now, while planning a trip to Israel in the summertime, one thing you may wish to keep in mind is the intense heat. Because of this, I would recommend visiting outdoor holy and historic sites early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, when temperatures are at their coolest.

If you have children, morning is most likely when they will be feeling most energized and attentive. Then devote the rest of your day to indoor activities or water fun, since these are great ways to stay cool!

There are several places in Israel where you can enjoy swimming during the summer months. One of the most popular is the Dead Sea, which is located at the lowest geographical point on the planet.

The water at the Dead Sea is filled with intensely purifying minerals, and it contains a very high 33% concentration of salt. Because of this, the sea is a natural spa. It is a beautiful place to relax in the water, or slather yourself in goopy black mud.

You’ll find that your body is so buoyant in the water that you can simply float on your back while reading a newspaper or magazine. You will, however, want to avoid diving in or putting your head under water. All that salt can burn your eyes!

Another few things to keep in mind are:

• Cover any nicks and cuts you have with bandages or Vaseline
• Make sure not to shave right before going in the water.

Rumor has it that because of its unique geographical position, you cannot get a sunburn at the Dead Sea. Personally, I am not willing to test this theory! I recommend bringing sun block as well as plenty of fresh drinking water.

In order to visit the Red Sea, you’ll want to travel to Israel’s southernmost city, which is called Eilat. Here you’ll find all of the attractions that make the town a hot summer tourist spot: gorgeous shimmering water, seafront bars, diving clubs, spectacular underwater coral reefs, plenty of opportunities for water sports, and even a water park called King City.

Despite the name’s implication, the Red Sea is not actually red. Its original name is the “Reed Sea,” or Yam Suf in Hebrew. Its modern name is the result of a mistake in translation, which changed “reed” to “red.”

Although, at sunset the mountains to the east are illuminated in red and reflected down into the mirror-like waters, so the name itself is actually a very appropriate coincidence.

In the Upper Galilee, try a kayaking trip on the Jordan River. Or you can take a hike along a nature path and dip your toes into a cool, refreshing stream.

The Amal River flows through Gan Hashlosha National Park, and with a year-round average temperature of 82 degrees F, this is a great way to refresh.

The gorgeous beaches of Tel Aviv are a great way to stay cool. But if you prefer to stay out of the sand, take a nice mid-afternoon cooling dip in the Gordon swimming pool. It’s located right on the beach close to a marina. The water is quite cold and refreshing because it is pumped into the pool from the deeper, cooler area of the sea.

If you prefer to spend the afternoon safely shielded from the sun’s rays, there are plenty of things for you to do indoors. For a really cool experience, try visiting the Time Elevator in Jerusalem. This is a unique combination of film, motion platforms, special effects, and surround sound that will take you and your family on a historic adventure through the city of Jerusalem. Or visit the children’s museum in Holon, which is just 30 minutes from Tel Aviv.

Believe it or not, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning summer adventures in Israel. There are more than enough activities for anyone to have a fun summer here!

Tagged as: Dead Sea, Eilat, Israel, Red Sea, Upper Galilee

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