Don’t let the sweltering heat slow you down. These cool destinations, sites and bites will keep you on your toes:
1. Let's get digital, di-gi-tal
Printscreen, the annual International Festival of Digital Art and Culture at the Holon Cinematheque, promises nothing less than a smorgasbord of robots, artificial intelligence and artful-looking bacteria.
June 21-24, 6 Golda Meir St, Holon (printscreenfestival.com)
2. Walk in water
While watering holes are common around the world, Israel boasts some extremely unique 'wet hikes.' Head up north for a waist-high trek through Israel's largest freshwater nature reserve, the Daliyot River Estuary (also known as the "Majrase").
Tiberias (04-6793410)
3. Hungry for Hungarian?
There's only so much gelato one can take before getting bored. Spice up your ice cream experience with Tel Aviv's latest dessert trend: the Ice Kiortoush - a Hungarian horn-shaped pastry filled with soft serve and topped with sensational sauces.
Cremerie de L'Éclair, 75 Ibn Gvirol St; 53 King George St, Tel Aviv (050-2622622)
4. Uncover a land before time
© Shutterstock
Akhzivland is a fantastical micronation like no other. Rina and Eli Avivi welcome all guests to admire the true freedom and nature of the land. Time ceases to exist in this peaceful 'country' – all that matters are the sea, sun, stars and plants.
Between Nahariya and the Lebanese border (pechkin.rinet.ru/vera)
5. Sample notes of Lebanese cedar
Jullius Craft Distillery in the Galilee has found a way to take the aromas of the Middle East and bottle them in a unique new gin, called Akko. Needles from the cedar trees of Lebanon are among the 12 botanicals in this fragrant spirit...perfect for sipping in the summer sun.
Beit Ha`Emeq, Hazafon (jullius.com)
6. Pull an all-nighter
It's White Night season in Tel Aviv and things are open...late. Whether you're admiring a 24-hour art exhibit, welcoming the sunrise at an after hours open air club, or grabbing drunk- munch brunch, there's no better reason to pass on sleep.
7. Throw caution to the wind
Take to the high seas in a luxury yacht with the Sailor Yacht Club – a team of local mariners with outposts in the old Jaffa Port and the Herzliya Marina. They offer a range of options - from literally learning the ropes via a full-fledged skipper course (available in both English and Hebrew), chartered day trips or starlight sailing out on the Med for up to 12 people, fishing trips and even SeaBnB rentals.
Sailor Yacht Club and Sailing School, Old Jaffa port, TLV; Marina Herzliya (077-2120366/sailor.co.il)
8. Get lit
By day, Jerusalem's Citadel (known as the Tower of David) takes tourists on a journey through ancient history and archaeology. By night, the rich story is told through an exciting sound and light show, projected onto its stone walls.
Jaffa Gate, Old City of Jerusalem
9. Escape the heat
Take shelter in Eilat's Ice Park and 'chill' out at the skating rink. Nothing like an afternoon on the ice to cool off and recharge.
8 Kampen St, Eilat (03-6081140)
10. Brave the river wild
Kayak the day away through the Jordan River’s ancient waters. The conveniently-located Kfar Blum kibbutz, adjacent to the river, caters to both adventurers and tamer family fun. Take in the nature, lounge in the picnic areas and make a splash on the water slide and zip-line.
Kibbutz Kfar Blum, Upper Galilee (04-6903388/kayaks.co.il)
11. Party in the park
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From Britney Spears to Radiohead, Tel Aviv’s Park HaYarkon has a crazy lineup of international talent this summer. Grab your tickets ASAP, shows are selling out quickly.
Park HaYarkon, Tel Aviv
12. Explore the Holy Land’s Stonehenge
Gilgal Refaim is a mysterious display of concentric stone circles that has long baffled archaeologists. The 6,000-year-old site made up of 42,000 tons of basalt rocks is reminiscent of England’s famous Stonehenge.
Golan Heights
13. Up your adrenaline levels to the max
All-out adventure lovers and water sports junkies should book it to Lake TLV, a man-made lake with world-class cable waterskiing facilities in south Tel Aviv. The hotspot hosts tournaments for athletes year-round, but June and July are the high season for families and beginners. First-timers get some informational training and safety tips before diving in, and quick learners can advance to the lake’s seven obstacle courses, including jumpers and gliders. There is also Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), wakeboarding and water acrobatics, plus a spacious area for alfresco picnicking and vast patches of grass for lazying the day away in the sun after a solid afternoon of jumps, tricks and sprints across the lake
14. Into the fold
© Shai Neiborg
Eating sushi is always delicious, but what about indulging in all the raw fun blindfolded? On June 6, Israel's annual Day for the Blind, Tel Aviv sushi joint Okinawa is hosting a special offering with a 50% discount off the menu after 17:00. The catch? You have to eat all that Japanese goodness blindfolded. The menu has been translated to Braille and produced by the Central Library for the Blind and Impaired, with proceeds going to aid Israel's visually-impaired community as well as raising awareness and assisting in accessibility on their behalf. There are various other restaurants across Israel that are also participating, including Helena in Caesarea and the Binyamina Winery in Zichron Yaacov among others.
48 Shabazi St; 11 Levontin St, Tel Aviv (okinawatlv.co.il)
15. Channel your inner child
Blow up slides, trampolines, obstacle courses and launching pads have never looked better than in the blazing Israeli sun with fresh water splashing absolutely everywhere. Take a day trip to the northern Israeli city of Tiberias, where Aquakef is the stuff of every kid's dreams. You'll know you've landed in the right place when you hear the overwhelming shrieks of unadulterated glee.
Tiberias (aquakef.com)
16. Gorge out on cheese & chocolate
Rothschild Boulevard shines brightest come summer time, when locals take advantage of traipsing the rue for peaceful walks or even popping a squat for an impromptu picnic on the grassy patches. Even more alfresco fun can be had at Vinum, a unique festival of wine, cheese, chocolate and street performances happening in open air at the top of the boulevard on June 22 and 23.
17. Purr and paw
Opening June 2 at the Israel Museum, Beloved Dog will display the charming works of the ever-inspiring illustrator Maira Kalman in a playful exhibit devoted to the loyal pups. The Tel Aviv-born, NYC-bred artist will create a large mural especially for the museum's Illustration Library, inspired by her own books and select photographs from American documentary photographer Eliot Erwitt's Son of a Bitch series - also on display.
Israel Museum (imj.org.il/en)
18. Sample Israel’s water of life
Jaffa’s Milk & Honey distillery made history last month when it launched the first ever single malt Israeli whiskey. If you’re looking for something new and you’ve been there done that with Tubi, sample a bottle of this promising new drink at NIS 499.
(mh-distillery.com)
(mh-distillery.com)
19. Go Gaga
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The movement language founded by celebrated Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin has gone global, but taking an intimate class in Suzanne Dellal’s serene rooftop dance hall, where the local Batsheva Dance company trains, and the sea breeze floats in like a song, is a whole other experience in its entirety.