If you’re coming to Israel you’ve probably already got a shortlist of places to visit. Let me guess, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee. Well of course these are must-see Israel attractions but here are 5 Israel’s hidden gems that I suggest you put on your list! They are my favorite places in Israel (in addition to Jerusalem, Acre, and Jaffa!).
1.Beit Gurvin Bell Caves
Mind-boggling, breathtaking and definitely unique! The bell caves of Beit Guvrin are within the Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park. The park encompasses the remains of an ancient First Temple-era city and a Roman-era city. You can see painted underground tombs, an amphitheater, Byzantine-era mosaics and a stunning underground columbarium where the Romans kept pigeons.
The bell caves were dug out hundreds of years ago for chalk to be used in road construction. The dramatic caves vary in size some reaching heights of 18m. At the entrance to the park you can pick up a map and walk from cave to cave. I have to say this is my favorite of Israel’s hidden gems.
2.Acre – Underground Crusader City
Acre is a beautiful city with a market, cute port and historic buildings but the real gem is hidden beneath the Old City. As you approach the entrance to the Old City Acre go to your right through the parking lot and past the police station through a small doorway. You’ll find yourself in the Enchanted Garden, a courtyard with massive trees that have spread their roots below you and their leafy branches above to create a canopy. Here you can buy a ticket and enter the excavated Crusader city built in the 12th century.
The city consists of cavernous rooms supported by massive thick pillars and elegant arches. Follow tunneled walkways through the various chambers and if you want there is an audio-guide that can fill you in on the history. At the exit of the city you’ll find yourself in a narrow lane just off the market. Here there are more attractions like the Turkish baths, Citadel and former British POW prison. You can also find some beautiful historic boutique hotels in Acre and low-cost hostels.
3.Ramla Pool of Arches, Underground Boat Ride
Very few tourists know about Israel’s hidden gems in Ramla. The 1,200-year-old Pool of Arches was built under the Abbasid Califs who ruled from Bagdad. The underground pool beneath stone arches was constructed as a water reservoir for the residents of Ramla. Today visitors can descend a steep narrow flight of stairs to the pool which is covered by a ceiling supported by 15 columns connected by arches.
There are rowboats on the water so that you can go out onto the pool water and take a short trip in between the arches. Very unusual, and hardly known even to locals!
4. Ein Gedi-One of Israel’s Hidden Gems
You’re probably planning a visit to the Dead Sea which is just across the road from Ein Gedi, a kibbutz, hotel and desert oasis. Visitors can walk along wooden walkways that follow the course of several streams.
Lush vegetation thrives along the water’s edge. High rock cliffs create a backdrop for the streams and agile mountain goats easily balance on narrow rock ledges.
The pathways lead to idyllic waterfalls where you can swim in the rock pools below. This is a refreshing break from the harsh sun at the Dead Sea and if you wish you can visit the kibbutz and even stay overnight in the Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel.
5. One of Israel’s Hidden Gems – Zichron Yaakov
Nestled in the breathtaking countryside about 35km south of Haifa is the small, European-style city of Zichron Yaakov, one of Israel’s hidden gems. Originally established in 1882 with the financial support of Baron Edmund Rothschild and named after his father, Yaakov. The main street has been restored perfectly to reflect its 1900s appearance. Cobbled streets; one-off stores; historic buildings and single-story residences form the heart of Zichron.
The city is recognized for its connection with wine production and wine tasting at nearby wineries is a popular Zichron Yaakov activity. I love exploring the unique stores and quaint cafes. One of my favorite memories of Zichron is tasting a home-made marshmallow from an artisan sweet shop. Also in Zichron you’ll find a botanical garden; a museum focused on the history of the community; a museum-house once inhabited by members of the Jewish underground and a historic synagogue.
One of the best places to stay in Zichron Yaakov is the Elma Hotel, an art complex luxury hotel that hosts regular exhibitions and performances.
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And More Israel Attractions….
If you want even more things to do in Israel check the chocolate restaurant where you can get a chocolate pizza; or the outlet mall in Herzlia for shopping; Rosh Ein Market; Sabino’s Steakia restaurant in Kfar Saba or for a good movie try Cinema City at the Glilot Junction. You can also visit Travel In Israel for more of Israel’s hidden gems.
Superb, more people should know of these unique gems.