Leaving Ben Gurion Airport: 5 places in Israel that will make you feel like you are abroad
August is the peak of the tourist season, and Ben Gurion Airport is busy. But before standing in long lines, remember that Israel has hidden gems that offer an experience just as extraordinary as any trip abroad.
August is the peak of the tourist season. Ben Gurion Airport is busy, flight prices remain high for many destinations, and many families find themselves spending thousands of shekels on a short vacation. But just before standing in line for security checks or trying to find a last-minute deal, it is worth remembering that you don't have to get on a plane to enjoy an extraordinary getaway.
Israel is home to many places that look as if they were taken from famous global destinations—turquoise lagoons, dramatic cliffs, rushing streams, green forests, and desert landscapes that have no equal. Some of them are just a short drive from home and can turn into a day trip or a weekend that is every bit as good as a vacation abroad.
1. The Dead Sea—a natural wonder like no other
One can fly to countless destinations, but there is only one place in the world where you can float on the water without effort. The Dead Sea is not just a destination for hotels and spas; in recent years, the area has developed with promenades, hiking trails, viewpoints, and natural springs. It is recommended to combine a visit to Ein Bokek or Ein Gedi and end the day in front of one of the most beautiful sunsets in the country.
2. Ein Avdat—the canyon that reminds one of the United States
In the heart of the Negev hides one of the most impressive places in Israel. White cliffs rising to a height of tens of meters, natural water pools, and a small waterfall create a landscape reminiscent of the great nature reserves in the United States. The route includes walking on bridges and stairs carved into the rock, and at the end, a spectacular view of the desert awaits.
3. Nahal Snir—Europe within a two-hour drive
If someone had shown you a picture of Nahal Snir without revealing where it was taken, many would have guessed it was Austria or Slovenia. Flowing water all year round, dense vegetation, tall trees, and shaded corners make it one of the most refreshing places in Israel. This is a perfect destination for families with children, couples, and those who just want to escape the August heat for a few hours.
4. Makhtesh Ramon—the landscape that will make you stop the car
Even those who have already visited Makhtesh Ramon discover a new perspective every time. It is the largest erosion crater in the world—a rare natural phenomenon with almost no parallel. You can settle for a short observation from the visitor center in Mitzpe Ramon, go for a hike, a jeep trip, or even camping. At night, the area becomes one of the most beautiful stargazing sites in the world, thanks to low light pollution.
5. Achziv Beach—the water that will make you think you are in Greece
Who said you need to fly to Greece for turquoise water? The coastline of Achziv, near Nahariya, offers natural lagoons, small bays, white rocks, and exceptionally clear water. You can combine swimming, snorkeling, a picnic by the sea, or a visit to nearby Rosh HaNikra. It is one of the most beautiful areas along the Israeli coast, and many travelers define it as "abroad within an hour and a half from the center."
So why fly?
There is no doubt that a vacation abroad has its charm, but sometimes it is the nearby destinations that manage to surprise us more. Without a passport, security checks, lines, delays, or suitcases, you can reach places within a few hours that resemble Greece, Slovenia, or the United States, and rediscover how diverse and beautiful Israel is. Before you book your next vacation, perhaps it is worth dedicating one weekend to a destination you haven't visited yet. You might just discover that the experience you were looking for is much closer than you thought.
