Summertime – Retrospective

Ok, we admit, summer time is usually hot around the world, and Israel is no different, but hey – the good news is that you don’t need to drag along your coat and boots, and you get to enjoy the amazing splashing waters at different parts of the country, amusing hikes, great dance parties, and outdoor festivals and markets.

The first thing that comes to mind with summer, is obviously, water. All the way from the lush green scene in the north, where you’d be happy to immerse in the holy waters of the Jordan River, or the Sea of Galilee, to the very southern tip of Israel, snorkeling with dolphins in the Red Sea, you’ll find many fun filled watery spots.

We met some backpackers that stayed at a cool hostel in Jerusalem and enjoyed some fun, wet hike in The City of David, where they sloshed in the old water tunnels. They later on went up north for a serious dip in the refreshing waters of the Zavitan, in the Golan Heights.

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Chilling with cool beer and cool water, then heading back to the hostel in Tiberias

What’s better than to enjoy both the beach and some authentic, home cooked dinner at an Arab house? visit the village of Jisr Az-Zarqa, for the ideal combination of food, sea, and colorful fishermen’s village, with one of the best hostels.

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Some choose to shop the local market for fresh pita bread and salads, at Juha’s Guesthouse

Here are more suggestions for wet hikes, but be sure to check our blog for more ideas in the future. Meanwhile, speaking of food and markets, one of the “crème de la crème” is definitely the Machne Yehuda Market in Jerusalem. It’s mostly roofed, and Jerusalem has so much to offer anyway, that it makes perfect sense to combine the market along with the other gems in the holy city (such as museums, the old city, churches, Ein Kerem, and more, much more…).

3You better not eat before visiting Machne Yehuda Market in Jerusalem

Another great culinary Mecca, is Shuk Hacarmel in Tel-Aviv, that fills one with colors, smells, and tastes – a feast for your mouth and eyes. Continuing with the food theme, one of the best things to do during the Israeli summer, is to just relax on the shore, preferably at one of the beach open-air restaurants, and gorge on a cold, sweet watermelon, beer on the side.

Tel-Aviv is more than just food (dah…), it’s a city known for it’s lively events, day or night, especially during the summer. No wonder it’s nicknamed “the city that never sleeps”. Even a week may not be enough to experience it all. One suggestion is the Arts and Crafts Fair during the day, along with the market, for you artsy types. Another day should be dedicated to beautiful, old Jaffa, its churches, narrow cobbled-stone winding streets, its flea market, and Abulafia, an iconic bakery serving specialty food, like sambusac, the superb pita bread, and some sweet Knafeh. Finally, top it all with one of the Tel-Aviv parties, or the popular Layla Lavan (“white night”), which consists of free activities throughout the city, all night long, such as concerts on the beach, special exhibitions, tours, performances, workshops, and the list goes on.

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Biggest dance party amidst the Layla Lavan events in Tel-Aviv

Finally, for a nice breeze, we would also highly recommend easing up in Nazareth, at the cool, quiet, beautiful churches. Not be missed is – you guessed it –  the market. You’re lucky if you’re staying at the Fauzi Azzar Inn, that’s not only located smack in the middle of the market in a beautifully decorated old stone mansion, and not only is it right off the Jesus Trail, but also provides free tours around.

5Planning today’s tour at Fauzi Azar Inn

There’s much more to do, see and experience. The list is not inclusive, so keep in touch. What was your fun thing to do during the summer in Israel? Wanna publish it in our blog? Just contact us via info@hostels-israel.com