Lately, it seems as if Israel is nothing but a war-zone. With its security threat escalating, missiles being fired from Gaza and the recent tragedy regarding the three kidnapped teens, one can easily forget the true beauty of this country. True, it’s scalding hot and you sometimes feel like you’re one warm hug from melting (but not the type of hugs Frozen’s Olaf likes. An actual warm, sticky hug,) but the Israeli summer is still the most awesome summer in the world. Here are the top 10 reasons why:
Late-late Spring Break parties and swimming with dolphins in Eilat
Summer is THE season for a vacation in Eilat. This vacation city has everything to offer for everyone, and in summertime it blooms like no other city in Israel.
From late April to late July, the Israeli students’ Spring Break and summer parties are raving all night! DJ’s, rock concerts, beaches, and care –free students enjoying their much needed break are what summer in Eilat is all about for young adults. But if you’re not the partying type, Israel’s most southern city also has to offer a variety of water activities, from water sports through quiet beaches (the ones where the parties don’t take place,) scuba diving and the cherry on top – “>“White night” (Layla Lavan in Hebrew) is an Israeli slang for a night of continual activity with no sleep. In the past 11 years, Tel- Aviv, the Israeli city that never sleeps, has turned this phrase into action in a night of nonstop activities for all ages. The 2014 White Night, which took place June 26, included Kid's art workshops in Bialik Square; free opera performances in the Tel-Aviv Opera House; street performances along Rothschild Boulevard; a Bollywood dance workshop on Gordon Beach; ballroom dancing in Habima Square; all night screenings at the Tel-Aviv Cinematheque; street performers in the Jaffa Flea Market and if you've stayed awake all night there will be sunrise yoga in Tel-Aviv port. Also, museums will be open to the public free of charge, and special free concerts and lectures will take place in various locations across the city. Tours of the city will be held, and many restaurants and cafés will offer something special for the all-night revelers.
Rooftop parties and beach parties
In summer, the roofs of Israel are being raised, literally, for under-the-stars outdoor parties. Tel-Aviv was recently named the “Best Beach Party Spot on the Planet,” and it sure is: not a weekend goes by without a massive party being thrown at one of Tel-Aviv’s beaches. But it is not just Tel-Aviv that raises the roof. Rooftop and nature parties are taking place everywhere, from north to south, taking advantage of the hot, rainless summer in Israel and the clear starry nights.
The flourishing Ramat HaGolan
Ramat HaGolan (Golan Heights) in northern Israel is a top travelling destination in Israel. In winter, it is the perfect destination for a Zimmer (Israeli country lodges) vacation, but in summer, this beautiful piece of nature flourishes and attracts both tourists and locals. Dip your feet in rivers, enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the mountaintop. After the snow melts and the sun comes out, the flowers bloom and create a beautiful carpet of colors. The more adventurous people never skip a chance for a bumpy jeep ride or a wild kayak adventure in the Jordan River. There are also several historic sites, where you can almost see ancient cities come to life around you. No matter how old you are, in every summer Ramat HaGolan is a must-do.
Nighttime spectaculars
Three major nighttime spectaculars light the Israeli skies in summer: “>Masada, which is presented against the dramatic backdrop of the western side of Masada and tells the story of the rebels’ last days at the cliff-top fortress;