Sunrise and early morning at Masada. Photo: Nicolas Leistenschneider. There are some spectacular views in Israel, some of which might just blow you and your camera away. Just for a start there are those desert vistas, mountain top sunrises, and historic rooftop views across holy Jerusalem… So yes, we’ve come up with a list of the TEN very best views in Israel, the views that you will quite possibly find yourself drooling over, and definitely beating yourself up over if you forget to charge your camera batteries before checking them out…
In no particular order…
Perhaps the ultimate Holy Land view, this one is mixed with history, amazing desert landscapes, and a sunrise that peeks over the Jordanian mountains. It’s an amazing view at any time of the day, but best at sunrise simply for the magical moment the sun pops up over the mountains – and it also means you beat the mid-day heat which at most times of the year is almost unbearable. Read more about Masada.
Tel Aviv coastline from Old Jaffa
One of our fave Tel Aviv views is from Old Jaffa, where you can choose from various viewpoints to grab a glimpse of an amazing coastline. It looks great whatever the weather…and it looks especially great from the road that runs alongside the sea OR from the gardens that lie between the Flea Market and the enchanting lanes of Old Jaffa. Explore and find YOUR perfect viewpoint!
Jerusalem from the Church of the Redeemer
There are a number of great places to catch some of Jerusalem’s amazing skyline, and none more so than from within the heart of the Old City. Head to the Church of the Redeemer in the Christian Quarter of the Old City for a 360 degree lookout over some of Jerusalem’s most historic buildings and beyond. You’ll have to climb up to the top of the bell tower for the view, which is a bit claustrophobic and not for the physically challenged, but it’s well worth the effort (and the 5 shekels you might have to pay the cheeky doorman).
Tel Aviv view from Azrieli Tower
Photo: Michel D’anastasio
The best view in Tel Aviv is without doubt at the top of the Azrieli Tower (the round tower). 49 floors above the streets of Tel Aviv, it’s an amazing view. There is an entry fee (25 shekels), and you might want to call ahead to confirm they’re open (03-6081179), but on a beautiful day you can see for miles! While you’re up there, try the 2C restaurant for some great food and stunning views…
Vistas of the North from Mount Bental
One of the most spectacular views in Israel is from Mount Bental on the Golan Heights. Perched on top of the mountain is an old army outpost with views that stretch for miles in all directions. Highly recommended, especially on a clear day – read more here.
Stunning Galilee views from the Peace Vista
More spectacular views that might just leave you breathless are the plentiful vistas of the Sea of Galilee. It’s taken us years to find it, but for us, the most amazing view of the lowest freshwater lake in the world is at the Peace Vista on Kibbutz Kfar Haruv, which is located in the southern Golan Heights. Take a few minutes, sit on the benches, and enjoy…
Old City rooftops from the Austrian Hospice
Another stunning view of the Old City of Jerusalem is from the roof of the Austrian Hospice in the Muslim Quarter. With a great garden courtyard where you can grab a beer or coffee, this is a little oasis in the heart of the action. The rooftop is the clincher though, with amazing views across some of the most historically important sites in the world, seemingly almost at your fingertips…
Lunar landscapes at the Ramon Crater
The magnificent Ramon Crater is one of Israel’s true natural wonders, and the crater views are truly breathtaking. Head to the main tourist center in Mitzpeh Ramon for some great views, or the Camel Lookout, an isolated lookout point just down the road. Best time to see it is early morning or late afternoon. Read more about the Ramon Crater.
Sunset at the Louis Promenade in Haifa
Haifa might not be on everybody’s must-see list, but the stunning views from the Louis Promenade surely must be! Nicknamed the Balcony of the Country, this 400 meter long promenade at the top of the Bahai Gardens offers some truly spectacular scenery, best caught at sunset – and at night all those twinkling lights are also very impressive!
Above and below the Red Sea at the Eilat Underwater Observatory
The Eilat Underwater Observatory is a superb spot for experiencing the underwater delights of the Red Sea (truly amazing!) AND the views from the Peace Terrace of the Golden Triangle of the Red Sea; you can see four countries from here – Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and, of course, Israel. Read more about Eilat.
A couple of other views bubbling under…
We found it hard to leave these last views out, but you should also consider these if you’re on the hunt for amazing vistas…
Galilee vistas from Mount Tavor
Mount Tavor in the Lower Galilee is a superb place to catch some amazing views of the region. On a clear day you can see for miles, while at sunset, with the call to prayer wailing around from the nearby Arab villages, it can be an almost surreal experience…
Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade
This renowned tourist spot is perfect for those of you wanting to see most of Jerusalem’s holy sites in one super panoramic view. With a beautiful garden alongside, this is a great place for a scenic break – day or night!
Red Sea views from Dan’s Executive Lounge
If you’re lucky enough to experience the Executive Lounge at the lovely Dan Eilat hotel, the view from the 14th floor will leave you falling in love with the wonders of the Red Sea…
Ashley intended staying in Israel for a couple of months…18 years later, married to a local girl with 2 (er, make that 3!) littluns, he decided to set up igoogledisrael.com. What’s kept this ex-Brit, non-Jewish guy in the Holy Land for so long? Well, read around this site some more and you might just get an idea…
