Israel: Discover the Red Sea Resort Set to go Big in 2016

Why now is the time to go

With summer temperatures reaching 40°C and near-guaranteed year-round sunshine, Eilat is a great new option for lovers of warm winter getaways.

Israel is known for...

Welcoming, lively cities, packed full of history and culture, as well as beautiful Mediterranean beaches. In Eilat, you can laze on the beach, swim with dolphins or scuba dive by day and treat yourself to meals in top-notch restaurants at night. Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-largest city, is full of art galleries, waterfront cafés and historic buildings. There’s the added bonus of acres of sand along the Mediterranean coastline, too, so you can still pack some beach time into your culture-filled city break.

Insider tips

Food is a huge part of Israeli culture. Make sure you eat shakshuka (eggs in a spicy tomato sauce) for breakfast, shawarma for lunch (slices of turkey, chicken or lamb served in a pita with salad and condiments) and mutabak for dessert (paper-thin filo pastry filled with soft white cheese, nuts and fruit, which is baked and brushed with melted butter and sugar before serving).

Best time to visit

The months of April-October are virtually rain-free, so this is the time to go if you want to make the most of the beaches. Travel in May or September to enjoy the hot weather whilst also beating the crowds. Tel Aviv is much quieter in July and August, as everyone heads for the beach because it’s so hot. March-April and October-November are good times to explore this city.

Travel essentials

Currency: Israeli new shekel Visa required? No visa required for British citizens to enter Israel as a tourist Plugs: Most Israeli plugs have the three flat pins, but almost all Israeli sockets can be used with a European 2-pin plug.

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