A little more
Israel.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Israel: what to know before you go

Israel is a small country on the eastern Mediterranean with places sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Mediterranean beaches, desert craters, the Dead Sea and coral reefs on the Red Sea. It suits travellers interested in history and religion, food and city life. Conditions can change quickly, so check your government's current travel advice before planning a trip.

Where to go

• Jerusalem's Old City. A walled city of four traditional quarters, holding sites central to three faiths, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount, known in Arabic as al-Haram al-Sharif, with the Dome of the Rock.
• Tel Aviv and Jaffa. A Mediterranean city of beaches, cafés and markets such as Carmel Market.
• The Dead Sea and Masada. Floating in the very salty water of the Dead Sea is a classic experience.
• The Galilee. The green north has the Sea of Galilee, Christian pilgrimage sites such as Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes, the city of Nazareth, and the hilltop town of Safed (Tzfat), a historic centre of Jewish mysticism.

Best time to visit

Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly September to November) are the most comfortable times to visit, with warm days and cooler evenings. Summer is hot, especially around the Dead Sea and in the Negev, and humid on the coast.

Staying online in Israel

Mobile coverage is generally very good in the cities and along main roads, with 4G and 5G widely available. Signal can be weaker in parts of the Negev Desert, in deep valleys and around the Dead Sea cliffs. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, hotels and many public spaces, including some city centres. GPS-based apps can sometimes be affected in parts of the country. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.