Fact: Israel is a beautiful place.
From the rolling hills of the Galilee, to the billowing waves of the Mediterranean Sea, to Jerusalem carved from stone, to the desert as vast and pitiless as the moon, to the old and new skyline of Tel Aviv, the physical geography of Israel is absolutely breathtaking.
We know you’ve probably seen the photos on the postcards and calendars — and they’re 100% stunning. But we want to shift the lens a little, and show you some angles that don’t appear in the guidebooks.
Here are some of the vistas we find especially extraordinary:
The most interesting rooftop in Jerusalem
There are many beautiful rooftop views of the Old City, but there’s one in particular that is especially interesting: The Galitzia Roof a.k.a. “the market roof” or “the roof of the 4 quarters”
Located in the heart of the Old City right above the cacophonous Shuk (market), you can find The Galitzia Roof if you walk up a rickety metal staircase at the end of St. Marks Street. Not only is it a roof, it’s also a walkthrough between the Muslim Quarter and the Jewish Quarter. People chain their bicycles to the railings, and you can watch the kids from the different quarters play soccer or ride their bikes or even skateboard. Once, I saw a group of young boys from the Muslim Quarter practicing gymnastics.
PRO-TIP: It is especially beautiful to sit on this roof with a cup of coffee when the church bells ring, during the Muslim call to prayer, or when the birds take flight at sunrise.
PRO TIP 2: There are spots on this roof where you can look down into the bustling Shuk, and appreciate the wonder of Jerusalem’s beautiful layers.
PRO TIP 3: During late spring there are electric pink hollyhocks growing out of the roof next to a colorful mural painted by an Israeli and a Palestinian arts collective.
Getting there:
The most surprising view of the Mediterranean Sea
In the old city of Acre, next to Abu Christos Restaurant, you’ll find a tantalizing view of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s really a sight to behold:
The thump of the surf…. sunlight glittering on the water… kids jumping into the turquoise waves off an old crusader wall… the city of Haifa rising in the distance…
The smell of spiced coffee, rose water , the apple flavored smoke of the hookah pipes, and salt blowing in from the sea. The sound of Hebrew and Arabic carrying on the air. It isn’t just a spectacular view — it’s a treat for the senses. This is the moment where old meets new.
Getting there:
The most magical view of the Golan Heights
The Nimrod Fortress is like something out of an fairy tale. But it’s completely real — a medieval stronghold that stands majestically atop a steep hill overlooking the breathtaking landscape of the Golan Heights. The fortress was built in the 13th century by the son of Salahadin’s brother to preempt an attack on Damascus, and with its sturdy stone walls, underground chambers, and panoramic views, the Nimrod Fortress continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and architectural prowess of the region.
The view from the fortress itself is gorgeous, but there’s also something magical about taking a picture from the hills around the fortress and seeing the old castle there, rising from the mists of time. In fact, the first time I saw it, I thought I was dreaming.
Getting there:
The most surprising view of the Judean Desert
St. George’s Monastery is tucked away in Wadi Qelt in Area C of the eastern West Bank – on the way to Masada and the Dead Sea*.
Story time: On the way to Masada and the Dead Sea a few years ago with my kids, we pulled off onto a small road because we saw a gazelle frolic over the ragged desert moonscape toward a lone tree. We followed her. Suddenly, we found ourselves overlooking a monastery built into the side of a cliff. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Just like seeing the castle of Nimrod, this too, seemed out of time and space and completely surreal.
According to legend, the ravine below the cliff is the “valley of the shadow of death” in Psalm 23.
St. George’ Monastery – or Mar Jarius in Arabic – was built in the fifth century, destroyed by the Persians, and then rebuilt in the 12th century during the Crusades.
You can also hike to the monastery through the valley (of the shadow of death!!!) – it’s a bit of a schlep especially in the heat, but doable. There are often young men with donkeys who offer rides for a small fee, and you can check out the buildings and the gardens built into the side of the cliff.
Getting there:
* If you’re uncomfortable going over the Green Line, you can take the southern route to Masada and the Dead Sea.
The most unexpected view of Tel Aviv
You know the song “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell that begins “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot”? Well, there are plenty of parking lots in TLV, and according to our political correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn, the prettiest view of Tel Aviv is actually from a parking lot.
Right in the heart if TLV, on the roof of the Central Park Gruzenberg Lot, are stunning panoramic views of the white city that come pretty close to paradise.
Getting there:
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