⛱️ Israel's resorts: where to relax by the sea and which hotels to choose

Israel fits into a couple of hours of driving. Within its territory, the Mediterranean, Red, Dead, and Sea of Galilee sit side by side. The climate changes faster than you can move from one hotel to another.

For entry, tourists from visa-free countries need an ETA-IL electronic authorization. It is valid for up to two years and allows stays of up to 90 days (as of 09/2026, Population and Immigration Authority).

Below you'll find Israel's resorts with honest pros and cons, plus hotels at different levels, from city five-stars in Tel Aviv to resort complexes in Eilat.

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Best resorts in Israel

The country's resorts are easiest to divide by sea. The Mediterranean coast includes Netanya, Herzliya, Tel Aviv, and Haifa: beaches, cities, and excursions. On the Dead Sea sits Ein Bokek with its clinics and spas. The Red Sea is represented by Eilat, where it's warm year-round. Jerusalem stands apart: it has no sea, but more history than anywhere else in the country.

Resort	Sea	Who it's for
Netanya	Mediterranean	beaches and excursions as a base
Tel Aviv	Mediterranean	city, nightlife, old Jaffa
Ein Bokek	Dead	treatments, mud, spa
Eilat	Red	warm year-round, Dolphin Reef
Herzliya	Mediterranean	quiet upscale getaway
Haifa	Mediterranean	Bahá'í Gardens, Mount Carmel
Jerusalem	no sea	pilgrimage and history

💡 In short:

Pick a sea based on your goal: the Mediterranean for beaches and cities, the Dead Sea for treatments, the Red Sea for winter warmth.
Entry rules and attraction hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Ministry of Tourism website.

Netanya: beaches and excursions

Netanya is called the Israeli Riviera not for glamour but for its climate. The city sits on the Mediterranean coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa, in a subtropical zone. In summer there is almost no rainfall here, and the swimming season lasts from spring to late autumn.

What draws people most to Netanya is its promenade. A wide stretch of beaches runs along the entire shore: volleyball courts, rentals, lifeguard towers. In the morning people jog here, and in the evening families stroll. For swimming, choose the beaches in the center; they are better maintained than the northern ones.

Netanya works well as a base for excursions. Tel Aviv is about 30 km away (on the map), and Haifa and Jerusalem can be done as day trips. You stay by the sea and visit the holy sites without moving between hotels.

Who it's for: families and those who want to combine the beach with trips around the country.
The catch: it's more of a base than a destination; the city has no major ancient sites of its own, and the main landmarks are in other cities.

Hotels in Netanya on Trip.com

Netanya, cliffside promenade with palm trees and paragliders

Tel Aviv: the city and old Jaffa

Tel Aviv grew from two beginnings: the ancient port of Jaffa and a new settlement that started with a few dozen houses. Over the decades, the small neighborhood turned into a major city with suburbs.

Old Jaffa is called a museum city. Crowds come here for the mosques, monasteries, and ruins of a medieval synagogue. Wandering the old city's streets, named after the signs of the Zodiac, is interesting both day and night: all around are restaurants, galleries, and artists' workshops.

In the surrounding area, the Caesarea National Park is worth seeing: an ancient city, part of which has gone underwater. On Tel Aviv's promenade, hotels, bars, and nightclubs sit side by side. Live music plays, and musicians and mimes perform. In the center, museums, theaters, and sports complexes are open, and the beaches are almost never empty.

Hotels in Tel Aviv on Trip.com

Ein Bokek: treatments on the Dead Sea

Ein Bokek holds its reputation as a health resort for good reason. The waters and mud of the Dead Sea are used to treat joint, skin, and rheumatic conditions.

Ein Bokek Beach with umbrellas and palm trees by the Dead Sea

Nearby lies the Nahal Bokek canyon. A short route along its floor leads to a spring that bursts out of the ground.

Dead Sea mud is used for cosmetic treatments: masks and body wraps. Don't miss the Masada fortress on the plateau above the sea: admission is paid, and it's more convenient to book tickets and the cable car in advance (as of 09/2026, Israel Nature and Parks Authority).

Who it's for: those traveling for treatment and spa, not just for the beach.
The catch: be careful with children, prolonged bathing in the Dead Sea causes nausea and dizziness.

Hotels in Ein Bokek on Trip.com

Herzliya: a quiet upscale resort

Herzliya sits in the Sharon Plain on the Mediterranean coast. It has the longest dry summer in Israel and a short winter, so the city appeals to those who value stable weather.

The city is divided into two parts. The industrial area houses offices, banks, and information centers. The resort zone brings together hotels, restaurants, and upscale homes. Diplomats and bankers live in the west, while the Pituah quarter is home to wealthy residents: the local mansions are expensive.

Who it's for: couples and those who want a quiet getaway without noisy streets.
The catch: prices here are among the highest in the country, so it's hardly a budget destination.

Hotels in Herzliya on Trip.com

Haifa: the bahá'í gardens and mount carmel

Haifa lies on the slope of Mount Carmel by the Mediterranean Sea. It's a major port that welcomes cruise ships and a green city with clean mountain air.

Baha'i Gardens terraces with staircase and dome

The city's history is tied to Carmelite monks who fled France. They built a monastery with the Cave of Elijah the Prophet. Today it's complemented by museums, the HaCarmel nature reserve, and the Rothschild family memorial park.

Most tourists are drawn to the terraced Bahá'í Gardens. The inner gardens are open from 9:00 to 12:00, the outer gardens from 9:00 to 17:00, admission is free. The gardens are closed on Bahá'í holy days and on Yom Kippur (as of 09/2026, Bahá'í World Centre).

Who it's for: those who love views, gardens, and leisurely walks.
The catch: the city is built on a slope, some streets climb steeply, so walking with a stroller isn't always convenient.

Hotels in Haifa on Trip.com

Jerusalem: holy sites of three religions

Jerusalem is considered one of the world's oldest cities and a holy place for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Pilgrims come to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Temple Mount.

Panorama of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount

The Old City is divided into quarters: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Armenian. Everyone finds their own holy site here. The new part of the capital has most of the large hotels, while the old city has more hostels, guesthouses, and family-run inns at moderate prices.

You can stay in the new part and walk to the Old City. On Tuesdays, the city center hosts mini food festivals, and in the evenings there are concerts and dance nights.

Hotels in Jerusalem on Trip.com

How to choose a hotel

Hotels in Israel vary more than the resorts themselves. Tel Aviv is dominated by urban five-star properties by the sea, while Eilat has large complexes with pools and spas. Herzliya focuses on quiet and yacht views, and hotels around the Dead Sea operate as spa centers.

If you're traveling as a family, look for hotels with a kids' club and meal plans. If you're traveling without children, a city hotel near the beach is enough. Below are six options most often booked for seaside vacations.

Hotel	City	Who it's for
Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv	Tel Aviv	city and beach nearby
Herods Herzliya	Herzliya	romance by the yachts
Dan Eilat Hotel	Eilat	families with children
U Suites Luxury by the Sea	Eilat	luxury and quiet
Royal Beach Hotel Eilat	Eilat	pools and a private beach
Herods Palace Eilat	Eilat	oriental style and spa

Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv: beach and city center

The white high-rise hotel stands right on the Mediterranean beach. On one side is the sea, on the other the lively city center and old Jaffa. For a city hotel, that is a rare combination, so guests consider the location a real plus.

Rooms in various categories have panoramic windows with sea views and cityscapes. The rooms are kept at a comfortable temperature, and the furnishings draw no complaints. The bathrooms have modern fixtures, and each room has Wi-Fi, a TV, and a minibar.

Tel Aviv beach with loungers and the Royal Beach hotel

Location: on the beach, close to the center and Jaffa (per the map).
Who it's for: couples and anyone who wants to stay by the sea in the city center.
Price: depends on the season, see prices on Trip.com.

The hotel has an outdoor pool and a terrace with loungers. The sauna and Turkish bath cost extra, while the fitness center is free. Breakfast is served as a buffet. According to reviews, the service matches a five-star level.

Herods Herzliya: a hotel on an island

Herods Herzliya sits on a man-made island by the sea, next to a yacht club. If you want seaside romance with views of yachts, this is the place. Spacious rooms with light interiors make it easy to unwind after the beach.

Yachts at the Herzliya Marina docks at sunset

The hotel has an outdoor pool with a terrace, a spa and wellness salon, a gym, and bicycle rental. Food and drinks can be ordered to your room. Guests praise the housekeeping and staff.

Location: a man-made island by the sea, a short drive from the airport (per the hotel).
Who it's for: couples and anyone looking for a quiet getaway by the water.
Price: compare prices on Trip.com.

Breakfast is a buffet with a wide selection of dishes, appetizers, and fruit. There are many international restaurants nearby, and in the evening people stroll along the promenade while music plays.

Dan Eilat Hotel: a Red Sea resort

Dan Eilat Hotel is located in Eilat's most popular resort area on the Red Sea. The grounds look like a garden: pools with artificial rocks, little islands, palm trees, walkways, and terraces with loungers. After a recent renovation, the rooms have updated furniture and appliances.

Dan Eilat hotel facade with balconies by the sea

The rate includes a Turkish bath, jacuzzi, spa salon, fitness center, and sauna, and Wi-Fi is free. The hotel's tour desk arranges trips to Dolphin Reef, the Aqaba Fortress, and the underwater observatory park. In the evening, a nightclub with shows and a DJ is open.

For children there is a playground, a game room, activities, and babysitting services. The hotel is accessible for people with disabilities, and the restaurant prepares dietary meals on request. Guests are happy with the vitamin bar serving fresh-squeezed juices.

Location: Eilat's resort area on the Red Sea (per the map).
Who it's for: families with children and active travelers.
Price: see prices on Trip.com.

U Suites Luxury by the Sea: luxury by the sea

U Suites Luxury by the Sea is located on the Red Sea coast in Eilat. A direct path leads from the hotel to the sea: you walk out of your room, go a few meters, and you are at the water. The Eilat promenade and a shopping center are nearby.

Panoramic view of Eilat with mountains and the city

The hotel consists of luxury suites in various categories. The balconies offer views of the sea and the pools, one for adults and one for children, set among umbrellas and palm trees. Breakfast includes a wide selection of salads, appetizers, and drinks, and on request the staff will prepare an omelet and fresh-squeezed juice.

Location: by the sea, close to the promenade and a shopping center (per the map).
Who it's for: couples and anyone choosing a high-end getaway.
Price: see prices on Trip.com.

Royal Beach Hotel Eilat: pools and a private beach

Royal Beach Hotel Eilat is known for its private beach and several two-level pools with waterfalls and slides. It is a modern complex for a full vacation: rooms of various classes are well maintained, and almost all of the huge windows offer views of the sea and the city.

Royal Beach hotel facade in Eilat with palm trees

The rate includes a spa salon, health club, all pools, loungers, fitness center, and massage room. Many bathrooms have a jacuzzi. For children, there are babysitting services, a game room, a playground, and a kids' club.

Location: a private beach in Eilat, close to the promenade (per the map).
Who it's for: families with children and anyone who wants lots of pools.
Price: see prices on Trip.com.
The catch: not everyone praises the breakfast; reviews note a modest selection of dishes.

Herods Palace Eilat: spa and pools

Herods Palace Eilat is recognizable for its Arabic-style architecture. Pools, open terraces, lots of greenery and flowers, and the sea is nearby. Guests note the quiet setting and well-designed grounds.

View from the Herods hotel of the pools and the sea

The rooms are large and bright, with modern interiors, a homey atmosphere, and free Wi-Fi. After the pool, you can relax on a lounger on the sun terrace or have coffee by the window. The restaurant has a children's menu, and activities are organized for little ones. Breakfasts here are hearty, and guests specifically note the caring staff.

Location: by the sea in Eilat, next to the resort area (see map).
Who it's for: families with children and fans of Eastern style.
Price: check prices on Trip.com.

Traveling with children

Israel works well for family travel almost all year round. The sea is warm, the sand is soft, and hotels invest heavily in children's infrastructure.

Hotels offer discounts for children under 12, and little ones get a free crib in the room. Many hotels have kitchenettes where you can cook for your child yourself. Stores have a wide selection of affordable vegetables, fruit, and baby food.

Restaurants have children's menus, so food is rarely a problem. Teenagers get pools, waterslides, and excursions: the Dolphin Reef in Eilat and the parks of Haifa. A calm option for little ones awaits you on the beaches of Netanya and Eilat.

Top attractions in Israel

The list of must-see sights has barely changed over the years. In Jerusalem, it's the holy sites of the Old City. In Haifa, the terraces of the Bahá'í Gardens and the Carmelite monastery draw visitors.

Add to that the old city of Jaffa near Tel Aviv, Caesarea National Park with its submerged part of the city, and the beaches of the Mediterranean and Red Seas themselves. In Eilat, the Dolphin Reef and the underwater observatory park are worth seeing.

It makes sense to group sightseeing by region: one day for Tel Aviv and Jaffa, one for Jerusalem, one for the Dead Sea.

All-inclusive or breakfast only

An all-inclusive package usually includes flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, and insurance. You don't have to think about getting from the airport or where to have dinner. If your budget is tight, book a breakfast-only package and eat lunch in the cities.

In Israel, the all-inclusive format usually works at the hotel level: meals, pools, and some services are already included in the price. At some hotels, the buffet dinner can be swapped for an à la carte dinner for a small supplement.

The cost of a package depends on the departure city, hotel class, and number of nights, so check prices with the operator before booking. A breakfast-only package is cheaper if you plan to have lunch and dinner in the cities. It's easier to compare options by dates rather than by promotions.

When to go to Israel

There's no single answer: climatologists identify several zones in the country. The Mediterranean coast is subtropical, the mountains have a continental climate, and the Dead Sea and Red Sea areas are desert. So the swimming season is effectively year-round.

In summer, the Mediterranean beaches and the Sea of Galilee are at their best. In winter, peak season arrives at the Dead Sea and Red Sea: the air is warm and the water stays comfortable. Eilat is warm all year round, so you can go there in any month.

The mountains have a continental climate: summers are hot and winters are cool. That's why a single trip is often split between the sea and sightseeing.

If your goal is Dead Sea treatment, choose the winter months when it's not hot. For a beach vacation with children, late spring and early fall work well: the sea is warm and the sun is gentler.

Israel resorts on the map

Mark the cities in advance: Israel is compact, but traveling between seas takes time. The map below shows how close Netanya, Tel Aviv, Herzliya, and Haifa are on the Mediterranean coast and how far away Eilat and Ein Bokek are.

Plan your logistics so you don't have to drive across the whole country every day. Choose your base by the sea, not by the distance between resorts.

Israel's resorts

Places on the map

Netanya Mediterranean resort between Tel Aviv and Haifa, a wide beach promenade
Tel Aviv City with old Jaffa, a promenade lined with hotels, bars and nightclubs
Ein Bokek Health resort on the Dead Sea, therapeutic mud and the Masada fortress nearby
Herzliya Quiet upscale resort with a yacht club on the Mediterranean coast
Haifa Port city on Mount Carmel with the Baha'i Gardens and a Carmelite monastery
Jerusalem Holy sites of three religions: the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Temple Mount

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?

Citizens of many countries don't need a visa, but since 2024 the ETA-IL electronic authorization is required. You apply online in advance, the authorization is valid for up to two years and allows stays of up to 90 days. Check the requirements for your country on the official website before buying tickets.

When is the best time to go to Israel?

The answer depends on the sea and the purpose of your trip. The seasons for each coast are covered in the "When to go to Israel" section.

Which resort should I choose for a first visit?

For beach and excursions, Netanya is a convenient base. For city life and nightlife, choose Tel Aviv; for treatments, Ein Bokek; for year-round warmth, Eilat. Jerusalem stands apart: it has no sea, but it has the most holy sites and history.

How much does a vacation in Israel cost?

The price depends on the season, hotel class, and number of nights, so an exact figure can only be given for specific dates. Use the format as a guide: a breakfast-only package is cheaper, all-inclusive is more expensive but includes meals and transfers. Check current prices with the operator before booking.

Can you swim in the Dead Sea with children?

You can swim, but not for long. For families with small children, the beaches of Netanya and Eilat are a better fit.

If you're going for the first time, sort out your airport transfer in advance: during high season, available cars get booked up quickly.

Tours and tickets in Tel Aviv

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In short: what's worth booking

If you want beach and excursions, go with hotels in Netanya. If you want city life and nightlife, Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv. If you want treatments, Ein Bokek. If you want year-round warmth and kids, Eilat with Dan Eilat Hotel or Royal Beach Hotel Eilat. If you want luxury and quiet, U Suites Luxury by the Sea.

Book in advance: during high season prices go up and options shrink. Compare dates, breakfast options, and distance to the sea.

Find hotels on Trip.com and browse excursions on GetYourGuide.

Vacation in Israel: resorts, hotels and when to go