Center

Places to see/sites to visit

The “Center” of Israel is usually considered as the area between Gedera to Hedera, but of course you can “stretch” it a few miles here and there. The center is very close to the coast line of Israel, which means the climate is very hot and humid during the summer and cold, windy, and wet in the winter. Although it is the most populated area in the country, you can still find a lot of parks and nature resorts to visit. While going around the area, it is highly recommended to visit some archeological sites.

Caesarea is one of the most famous archeological sites in the center of Israel. Caesarea is an ancient city that was built under Herod the Great as a gift to the Roman Emperor, Augustus, and named after him (the world for emperor in Hebrew is Caesar). The city served as the provincial capital of Roman Judea. Today you can visit the amazing national park and see the remaining of what was one of the most impressive ancient Roman cities in the area.

The beaches of Netanya are considered by many to be the most beautiful beaches in Israel. It is perfect if you want to step away from all the noise and people in Tel Aviv and go to a quieter beach. While you’re there, you can also visit the Iris Reserve (during January-February).

Biet Guvrin is one of the “secrets” that only Israelis are aware of.  Beit Guvrin-Marsha National Park is the heart of "The Land of Thousand Caves". The park presents ancient architectural wonder - countless caves designed for a wide variety of uses, a complete Roman amphitheater, and impressive remains of a fortress and a Crusader church. The National Park is rich in many species of Mediterranean animals and plants.

Food

The Ella Valley is located north to Beit Guvrin, and you can find many boutique cheesemakers and wineries. The Ella Valley is very similar to Napa Valley when it comes to the views and the climate.

If you want to have a local culinary experience, Ramla Market is the place to go! You will find: Fruits and vegetables, a bakery, pickles, burks, clothing, bags, footwear, sweets, curtains, maps, furniture, houseware, spices, and so much more! All of the Mediterranean/Jewish food you can think can be found  there! You will need to know some words in Hebrew to bargain properly.

Entertainment

Abseiling is very common in every area you visit in Israel. A short search online will give you dozens of companies you can schedule abseiling with whenever you want!  

Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve is unique for its dense concentration of stalactites and other cave formations. This is an amazing opportunity to see a rare, natural phenomenon only 30 minutes from Jerusalem!

Fun Fact

80% of Israel’s population live in the center of the country (in between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv).