You know about Jerusalem’s antiquities, Tel Aviv’s beaches and the country’s rich cultural heritage in general. But the Israel Government Tourist Office wants you to know about cities such as Akko, Ashdod, Beersheba and Tiberias – towns off the trails so well trodden by most tourists to this country.
- Akko is on the northern stretches of Israel’s Mediterranean coast. It melds the modern and the ancient beautifully. Boutiques and excellent restaurants lie close history, specifically a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crusader-era churches, an ancient Turkish bathhouse and an array of Ottoman structures beckon.
- Ashdod is some 20 minutes south of Tel Aviv. A cruise ship destination, it boats a beautiful, unspoiled beachfront. History is close by, as it is most places in this extraordinary land. Be sure to see Givat Yonah, the hill where the prophet Jonah is located.
- Beersheba is the de factor capital of the Negev desert. This ancient area plays a cutting-edge roll in transforming the modern world, boasting a host of ecologically-attuned projects. This area too is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ruins from the Israelite monarchic era, more than 6,000 years ago. Beersheba is also next door to Ein Avdat National Park, a place replete with a waterfall and wondrous hiking trails.
- The 2,000-year-old city of Tiberias lies in the Lower Galilee, and is full of sites important to the Christian and Jewish faiths. If you every wanted to swim in the Sea of Galilee, here’s your chance. The area’s hotels and eateries are first rate.
(Image: RonAlmog)
