What to do in Israel: beaches, deserts and ancient cities in one trip 🌏🇮🇱

Between Mediterranean and desert, ancient sites and ultra-lively creative scenes, Israel concentrates a rare variety of experiences in a small territory. From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, from the Dead Sea to Ramon Crater, each day can shift from sacred to hot sand, from historic alleyways to trendy rooftops. And to travel with peace of mind, think about preparing your connectivity in advance: GoMoWorld's destination page dedicated to mobile Internet in Israel gives you everything you need to stay connected from landing.

This guide helps you chart a custom itinerary, choose the best season, understand local customs... and enjoy fully. Shall we take you along?

Israel can be visited year-round, but spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) offer ideal temperatures for exploring on foot, hiking in Galilee or climbing Masada. Summer is hot, sometimes very hot in the Negev desert, but the breeze from Tel Aviv beaches makes the heat more bearable. Winter can be rainy in the north and on the heights of Jerusalem, with cool evenings.

Culture-wise, expect a rich mix of Jewish, Arab and Mediterranean influences. The Israeli weekend runs from Friday to Saturday, with Shabbat starting Friday at sunset: it's a quiet time when some transport and shops stop, especially in Jerusalem, while life continues more in Tel Aviv.

Timing tip: Anticipate Shabbat. Buses and trains generally stop from Friday late afternoon to Saturday evening. Book your transport or rent a car if you plan moves during this period.

For security, information can change quickly. Before leaving, consult your government's official recommendations and register on traveler assistance platforms if your country offers them. On site, follow local instructions, as checks at site entrances are frequent.

Jerusalem isn't just postcards: it's an experience. Start with the Old City and its four quarters (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Armenian). Wander along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a major Christian site. At the Western Wall, take a moment of silence and respect dress codes. The esplanades and sanctuaries at the top (including the Dome of the Rock) are sensitive and subject to strict access rules: check the day before, and be ready to adapt your route.

The Mount of Olives offers a legendary view of the Old City, especially at sunrise. Back in the "new" city, Mahane Yehuda market is a concentrate of gastronomy and local life: taste a still-warm bourekas, then return in the evening when stalls transform into micro-bars. The Yad Vashem memorial and Israel Museum (where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept) complete a dense and moving visit.

Dress and respect: In holy places, favor covered shoulders and pants/dresses below the knee. A scarf in your bag can save many situations.

45 minutes by train from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv changes pace. Days stretch between swims on the Tayelet (seafront promenade), creative cafes in Neve Tzedek, and walks under Rothschild trees. The "White City", with its Bauhaus buildings, is UNESCO-listed. Take a break at Carmel Market, high place of pressed pomegranate juices and sabich stands. In the evening, head to Jaffa (Yafo), the old Arabic-speaking port city, for its golden stone alleys, galleries and flea market.

Tel Aviv is well explored by bike, scooter and on foot. Beaches each have their atmosphere, from most sporty to most family-friendly, with showers and changing rooms. Food-wise, the gastronomic scene is booming: colorful mezze, Levantine neighborhoods, influences from around the world, and a national addiction to brunch.

Sun and sea: In summer, the Mediterranean knows how to surprise. Protect yourself seriously (hat, cream, water), and check the sea state (flags, seasonal jellyfish). Lifeguard stations display daily instructions.

Northern Israel reveals another landscape: cool hills, forests, vineyards and ancient sites. Haifa rises facing the sea, dominated by the terraced gardens of the Bahá'í World Centre, perfectly symmetrical. Further north, Akko (Acre) unfolds its Crusader ramparts, souks and medieval tunnels: the atmosphere is unique, between history and port life.

The Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) invites a lakeside break. Safed (Tsfat), high place of Jewish mysticism, seduces with its blue alleys and artist workshops. Nature lovers can push towards the Golan Heights for shaded trails, reserves with refreshing waterfalls and, in spring, slopes covered with wildflowers.

Smart reservations: Several highly demanded sites (like the Bahá'í gardens) have access slots to book. Check availability the day before to optimize your day.

The Negev is Israel's other face: mineral, immense, hypnotic. In Mitzpe Ramon, Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon) isn't a volcanic crater but a unique geological formation, carved by erosion. Sunrise hikes are sublime, as is stargazing once night falls. Further north, Ein Avdat park forms a white canyon sculpted by water. The desert is also lived in slow mode: night in ecolodge, revisited Bedouin camp, fire cooking, total silence.

Towards the far south, Eilat offers turquoise waters on the Red Sea. Snorkeling at Coral Beach, transparent kayak ride, sunbathing facing Jordanian mountains in the distance: the postcard is very real.

At over 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is an experience in itself. You float, carried by water saturated with salt and minerals. Prefer equipped beaches for access and essential showers after bathing. Nearby, Ein Gedi oasis offers superb trails between streams and cliffs, sometimes populated with adorable rock hyraxes. Masada completes the winning trio: climb very early via the "snake path" to see the sun set fire to the desert, or take the cable car if you arrive later.

Dead Sea instructions: No head underwater, no shaving/waxing just before, no jewelry (salt attacks everything). After 10-15 minutes, rinse with fresh water. And keep small cuts away: it stings!

You eat wonderfully well in Israel. Street food is a star: falafel, shawarma, sabich, stuffed laffa, warm rugelach cookies fresh from the oven. Hummus becomes a dish, served warm, silky, sometimes sprinkled with eggs, chickpeas and green olive oil. Shakshuka comforts at breakfast, while fresh salads, herbs and citrus punctuate menus.

The "kosher" offering influences schedules and menus (for example, no milk/meat mixing in establishments observing these rules). In Tel Aviv especially, you'll also find non-kosher restaurants and a very creative veggie/vegan scene. Markets are your best allies: Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem, Carmel and Levinsky in Tel Aviv, Talpiot in Haifa.

Trains efficiently connect major cities (the fast Jerusalem–Tel Aviv link is particularly convenient), and buses complete the network well. "Sheruts" (shared taxis) can operate during Shabbat on certain routes. To explore the desert and multiply spontaneous stops, car rental remains ideal. In the city, park in supervised parking lots to avoid the parking zone headache.

Connectivity-wise, travel with peace of mind with GoMoWorld. The principle is simple: one eSIM for over 200 destinations, to install once in the iOS/Android application, then you just need to buy and activate your data plans as you travel, without ever reinstalling.

Hassle-free connectivity: Install the GoMoWorld eSIM in the app (no QR code). Plans don't start automatically: you choose when to click "Start". And if you leave for several countries, the same eSIM follows you everywhere.

Buy your plans on the GoMoWorld website or directly in the app, then log in with the same email to find everything. Once in Israel, you can activate your plan in two taps and use hotspot to share the connection to your devices, ideal for remote work or streaming a map. Bonus: the app integrates a handy VPN to secure your browsing on public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports. And good news, plans purchased in advance never expire as long as they're not activated.

Data tip: Download your offline maps (Google Maps, hiking apps) on Wi-Fi, then use GoMoWorld for live navigation. The offline + data combo ensures fluidity and savings, even in areas with irregular signal.

For your stay in Israel, two simple and economical options are offered, to activate when you decide from the application:

• 30-day plan: 18GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 4GB for €3.99

If you're staying a week or less, 4GB is more than enough for navigation, messaging and bookings. For a longer trip, or if you plan to share via hotspot and stream more, the 18GB over 30 days offers good margin. In any case, you can buy another plan with one click without reinstalling the eSIM.

A first balanced trip can combine cities, nature and desert without rushing. Here's a framework you can stretch or compress according to your desires.

Day 1-2: Jerusalem Arrival and settling in. Explore the Old City early morning to avoid crowds, take time at the Western Wall and Holy Sepulchre. Climb the Mount of Olives at sunset for the view. Next day, Mahane Yehuda market, Israel Museum or Yad Vashem according to your sensitivity, then stroll in Yemin Moshe and its mills.

Day 3: Dead Sea and Masada Leave early for Ein Gedi, hike to waterfalls, then head to an equipped Dead Sea beach for the floating experience. In the afternoon, climb Masada or take the cable car. Night in the region, or road to Negev according to your energy.

Day 4-5: Negev and Ramon Crater Base yourself in Mitzpe Ramon. Dawn hikes, crater museum, stargazing. Next day, Ein Avdat park or road to Eilat for a Red Sea swim. If you have an extra day, slip in a night "under the stars" in a camp or desert ecolodge.

Day 6-7: Tel Aviv-Jaffa Return to Tel Aviv. Swimming, Tayelet, Neve Tzedek, Carmel Market, Bauhaus discovery. Late afternoon, Jaffa for sunset. If your stay ends here, keep your last morning for brunch and an exhibition or gallery.

Option 8-10 days: North and Galilee Add Haifa for Bahá'í gardens, Akko for fortifications and souks, then a night around Sea of Galilee or in Safed. Wine-loving travelers can fit in a tasting in Galilee hills.

Want to push the adventure? Israel easily combines with its neighbors or Eastern Mediterranean. A road-trip can then take you to Jordan for Petra and Wadi Rum, while a diving and history break awaits you in Egypt. Prefer a great metropolis, bazaars and the Bosphorus? Fly to vibrant Turkey. And if the call of islands and white villages tickles you, head to neighboring Greece. Good news: your GoMoWorld eSIM installed once accompanies you in all these destinations, without reinstalling anything.

Serene extension: Before leaving Israel, buy your next plans in the GoMoWorld app. They remain valid indefinitely as long as you haven't activated them. On D-day, one tap on "Start" and you're online.

Card payments are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small purchases, buses or markets. Dress-wise, adapt to context: casual by the sea, more sober in religious neighborhoods. Tap water is drinkable in most cities, but if you're sensitive, opt for filtered water. The sun hits hard from April to October: sunscreen, cap and sunglasses are not optional.

For transport, the official train and bus operator app gives you real-time schedules. By car, check parking rules and anticipate traffic jams at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem entrances during rush hours. At Ben Gurion airport, allow time for departure security check, generally longer than elsewhere.

Final check: The day before an inter-city trip, glance at schedules (especially before and during Shabbat). And keep your passport on you for certain checks or ticket discounts.

Install the GoMoWorld application on iOS or Android. Buy a plan on the website or in the app, then log in with the same email address in the app. The eSIM installs only via the application, no QR code. Plans don't activate automatically: you choose when to start to control your budget. And if you need to share the connection, hotspot is included on all plans, with built-in VPN to secure your public connections.

Israel is lived in contrasts and intensity: at dawn on Jerusalem's ramparts, in Tel Aviv's foam, suspended above the desert from Ramon Crater's edge, weightless on the Dead Sea. At each stage, organize your pace, leave space for encounters and surprises, and keep logistics simple — data-wise, your single GoMoWorld eSIM for over 200 destinations saves you all stress of local card or reinstallation.

Before leaving, bookmark GoMoWorld's destination page in Israel, glance at "7 days" or "30 days" options, and pack your bag. Beaches, deserts, generous tables, history and landscapes: everything is there for a trip you'll remember for long. Have a great stay, and good connection!