Israel or the biblical Holy Land is located in the Middle East and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for many different reasons. People from all over the world, no matter their religion come here to witness some of the greatest beauties this country has to offer. This county has a population of almost 9 million, and each year more than 3.5 million people visit it as tourists. It is said that tourism is one of the biggest sources of income for the country.
No matter if you want to see the beauty it offers, or you are interested in the history and the religious part of it, it is definitely worth seeing. We’ve all heard about the famous Western or Wailing Wall, the Clock Tower, and the Masada National Park, but there are some attractions not too many people know about.
If you are interested in the hidden gems, and if you are interested in more than just the most popular tourist attractions, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will talk about some of the not so famous places you must visit in Israel in 2024. Note that because of the pandemic, some places have different opening hours, and others have limited the number of people that can enter. Before choosing any of these places, do your research, and double-check the opening hours and rules because of Covid-19. If the place you want to visit requires tickets, it is better to book or purchase them online, so you don’t have to wait in line or mingle in big crowds.
1. Rosh Pina
If you are looking for a hidden place that can introduce you to the history, culture, and modern-day Israel, then this is the city you need to visit. It was founded in the early 1800s by two immigrants and today it is a great cultural place that not too many tourists know about.
The reason why you should check it out is that it is filled with museums, art galleries, and restaurants. It is said that no matter what you are looking for, you will be able to find it here. There are a lot of tourist attractions and sacred places, so if you are looking to learn something new, or try the original cuisine, Rosh Pina is the place for you.
It is also called a magical city, and you won’t find tourists all over the place. It is said that the residents are extremely nice and welcoming, so you may even make a few new friends.
2. Golan Heights
It is said that the Golan Heights are a paradise for those who love nature. There are so many things you can do here, explore the trails and the beautiful region, that you will not be bored even if you spend months in the area.
If you are interested in going to this place, you can do that by choosing to drive, take the bus, or just choose a day-tour. There are a lot of different options when it comes to the tours, and as we mentioned before, you will need to recheck all of your options because of the pandemic.
In case you choose to rent a vehicle and drive, you should know that this is a peaceful area, and you won’t have any issues finding your way around. According to Zimmer-North, people who are interested in staying there for several days should know that the most common accommodation is Zimmer-style. This means that you will be staying in a small bed and breakfast, but the options are just amazing.
Some of the things you should visit in case you are in the Golan Heights include the Tsnobar Spring, Banias Waterfall, Gamla Nature Reserve, or the Mount Hermon Ski Resort.
3. Hula lake Park
If you want to watch birds, and if you are an avid bird watcher, then this is the place that you should visit. This park and its lake had withstood a lot of damage in the early 1950s, but luckily it was salvaged and made a tourist attraction in the 90s. Today it has a trail around the lake that is about 5 miles long, and it offers a lot of great spots for watching the birds.
One of the most interesting things about this place is that there are more than 500 million migrating birds here, and almost 400 different species. So, if you are interested in knowing more about these creatures, and if you want to see species that don’t exist anywhere else in the world, you should visit Agmon HaHula.
When you visit it, you should know that you can rent a bike, or take a golf cart and enjoy nature, but the park is not always open. It is usually opened starting from 9 AM, but you should recheck the opening hours depending on the time of your visit. Visitors suggest that you should avoid the summertime because it can get pretty hot, and you cannot see any animals then. It is best to visit it in the early spring or early fall, and even if you are not an avid bird watcher, you can still go there with your family and have a perfect day in nature. The landscapes surrounding it are more than beautiful, and the pictures you can see of the scenery don’t do it any justice.
Other attractions
Other hidden gems that you should definitely know about include the city of Ramla, which is filled with culture, history, and tradition; The Avshalom Cave, which is a stalactite cave located near Beit Shemesh, and the Hebrew Music Museum in Jerusalem where you can learn more about the traditional instruments, music and even read ancient scriptures that will tell you more about the history of the city, that dates back to the Holy Temple.
No matter which of these places you choose to spend your vacation, you will not be disappointed. Depending on what you want to do, you can choose your trip to be around exploring the breathtaking nature, learning more about religion, culture, history, and tradition, or you can just spend time exploring new cities and meeting new people. Know that you will surely make some great memories in this country, and you will definitely come back.