The capital city of Jerusalem is holy to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The vibrant city of Tel Aviv is blessed with beautiful beaches and bars. In addition, the fun-filled Dead Sea, the magic Negev Desert, lush hills, valleys, and multi-colored canyons of the country will certainly blow you away.

Israel offers scenic desert landscapes, lush forests, breathtaking beaches, and some of the most important historic sites in the world. Travelers from all around the globe visit Israel every year for a wide variety of reasons, but you can always expect one thing- the unexpected!

When is the best time to visit Israel? The best times to visit Israel are in spring or fall, because the days are pleasantly warm, with temperatures around 79°F, and the nights are cool. It can be quite hot during the day from June to August, with average temperatures of 90°F.

In 2021, Israel welcomed just 397,000 international tourists, a significant decrease from the 4.55 million tourists who visited in 2019. However, in 2022, the number of international tourist arrivals increased to 2.4 million, and the Israeli government is expecting to welcome 4.5 million tourists in 2023.

The country has a strong economy, landmarks of significance to several religions and strained relationships with many of its Arab neighbors. The country is home to some of the world's most holy sites, including the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque. Here are 10 things to know about Israel.

Israel is a beautiful country, there's no denying that fact. With its diverse landscapes and scenery, ranging from desert in the south to lush green hills in the north, that beauty is incredibly varied. While traveling in Israel you are almost certain to gasp in awe at the beauty this land has to offer.

In many ways, Israel looks a bit like the American Southwest because it has a very diverse topography. In Israel, there are deserts, canyons, and other types of land formations that make for great outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and rafting.

Yes. The rules around drinking are exactly the same as in the rest of Israel. Some parts of the city most notably the Muslim quarter will obviously not have bars but western Jerusalem has plenty of pubs/bars and restaurants serving alcohol. You will not have any trouble finding a place for a quiet beer.

Spring & Fall in Israel – Best for Touring Israel's Highlights. Both spring and fall seasons are the perfect time for touring Israel's highlights. The weather is pleasant and – apart from the Passover, Rosh HaShana, and Yom Kippur holidays – tourism is quieter.

While it's possible to explore the highlights of Israel in less than a week, nine days are recommended for a well-rounded trip that includes religious sites and natural wonders. After getting to know Jerusalem's Old City and Mount of Olives, you can head north to Tiberias to discover the region's many Biblical sites.

• Israel has two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic.
• Israel is only 1/6 of 1% of the landmass of the Middle East (Israel is roughly half the size of Lake Michigan).
• Golda Meir was the 3rd woman in history to serve as a country's prime minister.
• Israel's population has reached 8 million as of Independence Day 2013!

Israel is a small country with a relatively diverse topography, consisting of a lengthy coastal plain, highlands in the north and central regions, and the Negev desert in the south. Running the length of the country from north to south along its eastern border is the northern terminus of the Great Rift Valley.