Elianna Bar-El

Does anything conjure up an image of beach bliss quite like the Med? Surrounded by 22 countries and bordered by three continents, the Mediterranean Sea boasts miles and miles of coastline – not to mention hundreds of islands. And while there are certain seaside spots where you’ll need to fight for space on the sand (we’re looking at you, Barceloneta), there are plenty of other secluded stretches of coastline across the Med. Our selection of alternative beach spots, chosen by Mediterranean-based travel writers, takes you beyond Europe to North Africa and the Middle East. From wild, flamingo-frequented beaches in Spain to a culture-packed port city in France, this is where to find the Mediterranean’s best alternative (and affordable) beach breaks. There’s plenty of room to lay out your towel here. Grace Beard is Time Out’s deputy travel editor, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. RECOMMENDED:🗺 Europe’s most underrated destinations🌆 The best European city breaks🚫 The travel destinations that want tourists to stay away

One advantage of Israel's sunny skies nine months of the year is the plethora of outdoor shopping and specialty markets vending everything from local souvenirs to Middle Eastern antiques, foodie delicacies, and handmade goods by local craftsmen. The Israeli market (or 'shuk') is a fabulous way to spend your day, among other top attractions you’d be mad to miss. From the Carmel market to Mahane Yehuda, we've mapped out a host of places to shop 'til you drop…with the sun on your back. 

Jerusalem is an absolute must on our list of things to do in Israel. While tourists come to the City of Gold with a blind list of ancient historical sites and holy landmarks to check off, the capital of Israel is so much more than a big wall and a Jaffa gate. While it doesn't boast any beaches, Jerusalem is rife with dynamic cultural spots and its hotel options and authentic cuisine are as on-point as ever. Add these places to your itinerary for a diverse experience.  

Welcome to the Time Out EAT List. The best restaurants in Tel Aviv, handpicked by our local food editors. Tel Aviv is a conglomeration of outstanding elements: the glittering Tel Aviv beaches, and the non-stop crazy Tel Aviv nightlife scene, the wild people-watching and the eclectic energy that fills every corner. But the true secret lies in its thriving culinary scene. With so many stellar restaurant options, it's painstakingly hard to choose where to eat. So we've done the leg work. Here are our top picks of the best Tel Aviv restaurants. If you've already tackled the Tel Aviv foodie scene, head south to the White City's little sister and enjoy the best Jaffa restaurants and street food. Get grubbin'! Eaten somewhere on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutEatList You can also find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants here.

While Tel Aviv is progressively becoming a fashion plate with a hot host of burgeoning indie designers on the brink of taking off and shop after boutique shop of designer wares, the mini me population also has their say when it comes to getting all gussied up. (After all, Tel Aviv's playgrounds can be the talk of town, depending on who's talking). So it comes as no surprise that cheesy neon kids clothes have no place in the local, stylishly monochromatic parks, over-saturated with chic little ones decked out in typographic rompers and drop-waist trousers. Kiddie fashionistas make Tel Aviv's slides and monkey bars their runways - and the onslaught of Israeli-designed children's brands and awesome kids' boutiques are a testament to who really runs this town.

Drinking is fun. But drinking on a rooftop is exponentially more kickass. It feels like summer even when it's not and having a view to gaze out at, whether overlooking Rothschild boulevard or nestled in Neve Tzedek, makes it so much better. Thankfully, Tel Avivians love to get their drink on atop buildings with the beaches of Tel aviv or the Jaffa Port as their backdrop. If wine is your undisputed drink of choice, head to the miles of vineyards in the Golan Heights where Israeli wineries offer a taste of local history, culture and vino. The major party animals, though, will want to stick to the White City where Tel Aviv's nightlife is non-stop and the words 'last call' do not exist unless drunk munch restaurants are in the foreseeable future.

You'll never run out of options when it comes to recommended restaurants in Tel Aviv. From seafood to Jewish food to vegan, the White City has got it all. But, if convenience is paramount or time is of the essence, look no further than the in-house dining accommodations at these prominent hotels, like the infamous Norman boutique hotel. Staying in for a bit may just give you the boost you'll need to properly take advantage of the Tel Aviv nightlife later on. You might even get a second wind, in which case the best Tel Aviv street food will fit the bill and you'll have covered all your bases.

When it comes to contemporary design, Israelis do two things very well: fashion and art. From photography and sculpture to painting and multimedia works, Israeli art galleries are rife with burgeoning talents and veteran artists, championing both local and international names. For even more art exhibits and specialized lectures on modern-day muses, spend a day at one of Israel's museums or even go to Ein Hod, a unique artists' village in northern Israel, and one of the country's top attractions.

Fashionistas from all walks of earth swarm the busy Tel Aviv streets year round on a hunt for fierce fashion. While the less versed travelers are drawn to big shopping malls and smaller markets that test out their haggling skills, the real magic takes place inside the city’s boutiques, which house cutting edge Israeli and international designers. From the hip Showroom on Rothschild Boulevard to designer digs on Dizengoff, shopping in Tel Aviv has never been so popular. That’s why we’ve come up with a personalized style guide to the best fashion boutiques in Tel Aviv to fulfill your shopaholic needs. Leave the cash at home, this trip will need some serious platinum.

The sun shines bright in Israel, that is a fact. And while sunglasses aren't going to help anyone in the cool-down category, they do offer some major cool factor of the style variety. Head to these sunglass boutiques for some surefire eye candy, and while you are shopping the Tel Aviv circuit, get in some quality time perusing the ever-talented Israeli jewelry designers, indie fashion designers and pick up a range of Israeli vacay essentials...all worth the stops for updating your wardrobe come summa, summa, summa time.

The sun's out, the city is teeming with shining faces ready to hit the beach and sounds and smells are pure memories in the making. From floral tones and deeper pitches unveiling musk, amber and patchouli to fruity notes of citrus blended with rosemary, these three aromatic perfumeries will put your keen nose in overdrive.

Smack dab on Dizengoff Street, in one of Tel Aviv's most prime people-watching locations, Hôtel de Ville is now holding court, a charming gastro-bar inspired by the age-old bistros decorating the streets and alleys of Paris. The new hotspot offers a creative and contemporary menu inspired by the City of Lights, created by chef Yogev Yaros (of Mel and Michelle). 

A new Israeli start-up brings local and international students together to problem solve everything from universal medical challenges to ensuring safety and security for refugees around the world It is no surprise that millennials have the world – and the world's problems - at their fingertips. In a day and age when these conflicting notions go hand-in-hand and more and more youth are desperately compelled to make a change, it is a true relief to know that startups like the Tel Aviv/NYC based MindState exist – and are actually making strides in propelling positive change into the world. The startup, founded by Tamar Many, Henk van Assen, and Fernando Gómez-Baquero, is a platform for problem-solving through a diversity of thought - culled by students of engineering and design in collaboration with various prestigious schools, including Cornell Tech and the Technion. Courtesy of MindState The designers are given challenging prompts, otherwise known as "innovation sprints" that are real-life problems the world is facing today. The impetus behind the methodology is to bring creatives together from entirely different cultural backgrounds to collaborate in problem solving, develop innovative ideas, and ultimately bringing about change. But their solutions have been so spot-on that the program, which is part of the entrepreneurial curriculum at Cornell Tech, has recently garnered legitimate clients looking to tap into the new and next.   Courtesy of MindState Most recently, the

Head to Meshek Barzilay tomorrow for a special vegan pizza and beer event at their specialty deli. Dig into small, vegan pizzas for NIS 10 and Negev draft beer for NIS 5 from 12:00-17:00 in their quaint backyard. Meshek Barzilay's vegan pizza © Ben Yuster For more details: facebook.com/events And for even more vegan food options to celebrate the day, we've got you covered.

The American-born recipe writer and cookbook author has been crafting inspired recipes for years. Now based in Tel Aviv, Sussman’s latest endeavor, a comprehensive and market-fresh cookbook called Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen, shines a massive spotlight on regional fare. The beautiful must-have hits shelves this month.  With solid 130 recipes from grilled sweet corn smothered in labaneh, feta, sea salt and cilantro to schug-marinated baby lamb chops, a smattering of colorful Israeli salads and more, Sababa is a true ode to the flavors and fun of Israeli cooking. Having co-authored eleven cookbooks, including the New York Times #1 bestseller Cravings - and its New York Times bestselling follow-up, Hungry for More - with Chrissy Teigen, Sababa is Adeena’s first solo cookbook adventure. With her amicable disposition, all-encompassing welcoming nature, and undeniably delicious cooking, she has swiftly won over everyone from local Israeli shuk merchants to landing on Bon Appétit’s coveted list of top fall 2019 cookbooks. How has your childhood and upbringing, and especially your mother’s influence, played a role in your career and generous way of feeding people with your recipes (both in heart and hunger)? My mother was a super talented entertainer. She made you feel very cosseted, cared for, and spoiled without feeling smothered. She made very simple, elemental food that always hit the spot. She managed to be the entertainer but also enjoy the guests, some

Ahead of the high holidays and a whole lot of cooking, check out the delicious recipes from these regional cookbooks before finalizing your holiday menu   The 100 Most Jewish Foods: This comprehensive bible of Jewish foods incorporates the top 100 recipes that are most significant to the Jewish religion as deemed by author Alana Newhouse. Get ready for the fluffiest matzo balls, blintzes, and kugel, in addition to more obscure, yet culturally significant dishes such as unhatched chicken eggs and jellied calves’ feet. Some items don’t even require any cooking at all: bazooka gum, seltzer, sweet’n low, and Entenmann’s doughnuts. In fact, you may wonder what the connection is between these items and the Jewish religion. This cookbook unveils all of those mysteries. The 100 Most Jewish Foods Modern Jewish Baker: In Modern Jewish Baker: Challah, Babka, Bagels & More, Shannon Sarna teaches us how to put a twist on all of the traditional Jewish recipes we know and love. Learn how to make her signature tomato basil challah, everything bagel rugelach, s’mores babka and more. Impress your family and friends with these modernized recipes; you’ll probably find yourself hosting all of the dinner parties from now on. Modern Jewish Baker Suqar: The winner of the 2019 James Beard Foundation Award in the Baking and Desserts category, Suqar ("sugar" in Arabic) is a beloved and beautiful ode to Middle Eastern sweets by acclaimed chef Greg Malouf and writing partner Lucy Malouf. Revel in the

Known for jamming on up to 20 instruments at a time, including a wide-ranging setup of didgeridoos, a lap steel slide guitar, a stompbox at his feet, drums, dobros, banjos, and harmonicas, Australian multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd has made a name for himself on the crunchy festival circuit and in the hearts of spiritual, environmental jammers alike since the start of the millennium. Ahead of his back-to-back concerts on July 8 & 9 in Israel, the indie-folk singer-songwriter tells us what he thinks his voice sounds like and what's the weirdest thing someone has ever chucked onstage. (Hint: both are farm animals) What is your first memory of music? The birds of my homeland. What is your most powerful instrument? The yidaki (didgeridoo). What are you listening to right now? Midnite [roots reggae band from St. Croix, Virgin Islands] What do you realize being away from home?  Part of me doesn’t come. What breaks your heart? People who abuse animals Xavier Rudd © Cole Bennets Worst vice/Best vice? Vegan ice cream. What was the last truly thoughtful gift you received? A handmade guitar from my wife. What do you think your voice sounds like? An old goat. How does coming from a big family play a part in your music and your roots? Understanding. You've been quoted as saying snowboarding is one of the few things you will wear shoes for. When and why did you stop wearing shoes? Never started. Grew up bare foot most of the time.

You know who Lior Suchard is, without even knowing it. That is how good he is. And he is ready to get in your heads during Eurovision 2019  The exact understanding of a 'mentalist' is not yet a household term and Lior Suchard is the first to admit it, even though he is one. "What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear the word "magician"? he asks me, as we sit together in his modern high rise in an industrial Tel Aviv neighborhood, blasting with traffic, people, and chaos. I answer "David Copperfield" without skipping a beat. Suchard points in my face, excitedly, "Exactly!", he exclaims. "Now what is the first thing you think of when you hear the word 'mentalist'?" My mind goes completely blank and I am at loss for words, which he takes as my answer, and justifiably. "Mentalism, although it has been around forever, is still quite hard to explain. And there is no single person that people can point to as a reference, as it often times falls under this grey category of magic, mind tricks, and intuitive psychic capabilities." View this post on Instagram A post shared by liorsuchard (@liorsuchard) on Jun 11, 2018 at 1:43am PDT I know what you are thinking. And it is brimming with skepticism. But with a laundry list of die-hard fans like Jerry Seinfeld, Pharrel, J LO, Kanye and Kim, James Cordon (whose show Suchard has performed on several times, most recently with the Jonas Brothers in March), Elton John, and Barbra Streisand (who was so taken with

The new home design and fashion boutique, Rezort, boasts flavors and textiles from all over the world, in addition to local art work and photography. Prepare to fall hard Walking into Rezort is like walking into a tactile dream of colors, fabrics, textiles, prints and passions. Everywhere your eyes dart, there is something new and curious to land on and the first impression leaves people questioning ‘who is behind all of this?’ The sheer mixing and matching, quality and taste that fuse together is more than an eyeful, and for design lovers, stylists and fashion connoisseurs alike, this fantastic shop, facing the water in its own intimate corner of Jaffa’s Old City, is a surprising breath of fresh air. Rezort Owner and founder Barak Nachmani has had a storied life thus far, full of opportunities that could make most people’s heads spin. But his entrepreneurial spirit and deep interests in travel, the environment, and bringing like-minded people together, has become the focal point of his career. After serendipitously ending up as an intern for billionaire conglomerate Conair Corporation on a trip to California at the ripe age of 20, Nachmani’s early adult life took shape right before his eyes, and in many ways, a magical path was set before him. Barak Nachmani What was supposed to be an explorative surfing trip turned into his formative years working in China, gaining hands-on experience in every kind of manufacturing, trade and sales position available to him through the

Ariel Leizgold talks about redefining hospitality, cocktail glass thieves and the 'fantastic' new tricks he's got up his tattooed sleeves Ariel Leizgold has been at your service since he was 17 years old. What started off as a waitstaff position for an events company morphed into shaking and stirring behind the bar a year later, and he hasn't looked back since. But in the last two decades, a whole lot has changed for 38-year-old Leizgold, and he has spearheaded a whole lot of changes. The Beer Sheva born jack-of-all trades was raised by Ukranian immigrant doctors who enrolled him in everything from basketball to piano and ballet throughout his adolescence. After serving in an intelligence unit in the Israeli army, an experience he describes as being "very proud of," and one that he still serves in the reserves for today, he went on to Tel Aviv University and the IDC for stints in political science and business management, but eventually understood that his calling did not include sitting behind a desk studying for exams.    © Anatoly Michaello For the past decade plus, his mission has been to deconstruct and reposition the hospitality industry in Israel – redefining how people experience it in an unparalleled way. Through his hotspot bars, 223, Bellboy, Butler, restaurant Hotel de Ville, and his Duckface catering company, the thrill of the craft is just the beginning for him, and his fervor for the beautiful, the off-kilter and the far-fetched are all part of his specific b

A new campaign of in-your-face posters are being distributed in Tel Aviv on the heels of the first anniversary of the astounding #METOO movement along with the powerful #whyididntreport campaign. Each and everyone is invited to take a poster, and in return, to donate any sum of money that he or she chooses. The money will be directly transferred to the Tel Aviv sexual assault crisis center.  The women behind the posters are twenty-two year old Tel Avivians Gal Houbara and Yasmin Ben-Shahar, who represent no one but themselves; two young woman who care and who want to make a difference. They are seeking to fight and speak for everyone who can't. In the last couple of weeks, they started working on the establishment of a movement that will be based on raising awareness, preserving and strengthening discourse on the subject, while making our environment a safer one.  The posters are designed by graphic designer Lahav Halevy. The Association of Help Centers works as a union organization for nine centers for victims of sexual assault in Israel. The assistance centers operate on an individual level, while providing emotional support for victims, as well as providing guidance in the law enforcement system in the areas of health and education by preventing, treating and identifying cases of sexual abuse. The Tel Aviv Center for Victims of Sexual Assault has experienced an increase of 50% in the recent months in the number of requests, and requests for police, legal and mental suppor

Udi Sahar, a charismatic yoga teacher, certified naturopath and nutritionist, opens the latest incarnation of Urban Shaman with his business partner Neomi Bubis. The wellness complex offers everything from Inst-worthy gluten-free avocado toast and stress-reducing mushroom lattes to early morning Vinyasa yoga sessions and Body Work treatments © Or Danon What started off in its infancy as a juice-cleansing program, grew into a popular pop-up shop, and has now landed prime real estate on Dizengoff Street as a full-on wellness center; Urban Shaman is exactly where it should be. The gorgeously-designed space boasts plenty of fresh air with hanging plants and potted cacti in every corner, an exposed wood bar and plenty of communal seating to get to know your like-minded neighbors. The spot and menu look as if they've been transported straight from Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and Sahar's SoCal vibes are eagerly met with North American transplants loving on the familiar aesthetic. © Or Danon When Sahar started off as a nutritionist, he managed to offer a cleansing program that catered to a precise mix of photogenic, yet uber healthy, and easy-to-digest options in every way - suiting both people who seek all-encompassing healthy lifestyles, and, those who purchase a juice as a fashionable accessory before their morning cigarette. Sahar distinguishes himself from the onlsaught of other superfood-touting places in Tel Aviv by offering a holistic package designed to accommodate every vi

Chef Yogev Yaros joins mastermind mixologist Ariel Leizgold and together they've opened the new gastro-bar Hôtel de Ville, in the heart of Tel Aviv   Smack dab on Dizengoff Street, in one of Tel Aviv's most prime people-watching locations, Hôtel de Ville is now holding court, a charming gastro-bar inspired by the age-old bistros decorating the streets and alleys of Paris. The new hotspot offers a creative and contemporary menu inspired by the City of Lights, created by chef Yogev Yaros (of Mel and Michelle). Beside him, Ariel Leizgold has crafted a complimentary beverage menu focusing on Francophile cocktails and sparkling wines. © Ben Yuster   Chef Yogev Yaros focuses on dishes that characterize Parisian cuisine with his own personal twist. The result is a colorful and captivating range of dishes with a whole lot of flavor. For starters, go for the delectable tempura shrimp sidled by matchstick frites with a tangy lemon zest, the duck foie gras mousse crowned with rasberries or the crab gratin with purple potatoes and parmesan. Mains are delicious and hearty; the steak frites and plump goose - both expertly cooked - can't be beat.  © Ben Yuster   Behind the cocktail menu, intricately crafted by award-winning mixologist Ariel Leizgold, a great deal of research has been devoted to visiting and applying the culture of French hospitality and drinking. At Hôtel de Ville, Leizgold combines his knowledge and experience with unique and surprising raw materials, flavors, spices,

Vender and Belle & Sue's Summer Collection 2018 is a collection for tourists. Not in the simplistic sense of the term, but as a sensation and as a state of mind. The collection is composed of clean items, most of which are gender-neutral, easy to wear, with an exceptional level of finish. Find long cotton dresses printed with an abstract graphic vision of the sky, light trousers, dreamy overalls, one-shoulder bathing suits, embroidered hats and comfy t-shirts to accompany you to any destination (tourist or otherwise). © Merav Ben-Loulou Their use of singular words are displayed on unisex tees in red, pink and white and embellished with typographic text like "Tourist" or "Local". On the back of the t-shirt is the sentence "I do not belong here" corresponding with the concept. Known for identifying trends and brands abroad and exposing them to a wider Israeli audiences, Belle & Sue collaborated with Vender, together forming this international brand now sold exclusively in Israel through the retail and wholesale sale channels of Belle & Sue. © Merav Ben-Loulou Head to Belle & Sue to see just what all the fuss is about. 41 Sheinkin St, Tel Aviv 03-7508050/belleandsue.co.il