By Solomon Wiesen, TLV Beaches. Last reviewed October 2026.
Israel has about 140 declared bathing beaches across four separate bodies of water: the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. This guide covers 55 of the best known, region by region, with what each one is good for and whether it costs anything to get in. Almost all municipal beaches in Israel are free to walk onto; you pay only for chairs, parking, or entry to the handful inside national parks.
The country is small enough that the whole coast is a day trip from almost anywhere. Tel Aviv to Haifa is about an hour, Tel Aviv to Eilat about four.
“People think of Israel as one coastline, but you can float in the Dead Sea in the morning and snorkel a coral reef in Eilat the same afternoon. Four different bodies of water, in a country you can drive across before dinner.”
Solomon Wiesen, who has been photographing the Tel Aviv coast since 2011
Which Israeli beach fits your trip
There is no single best beach in Israel, because the right answer depends on whether you are chasing waves, quiet, coral or a toddler. These are the picks I give people most often. For my ranked top 10, see the best beaches in Israel.
| If you want | Go to | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| The classic city beach | Gordon or Frishman Beach | Tel Aviv | The full Tel Aviv experience: volleyball, food on the sand, sunset crowds, lifeguards all season |
| Snorkeling and coral | Coral Beach | Eilat | The only coral reef in Israel, in a protected reserve with marked snorkeling trails |
| To swim in winter | Dekel or Mosh Beach | Eilat | Red Sea water stays around 21 to 23 degrees in January, while the Mediterranean drops to about 17 |
| Families with small kids | Sironit Beach | Netanya | A sheltered bay below the cliff with a lift down to the sand and calm, shallow water |
| To float in the Dead Sea | Ein Bokek | Dead Sea | The main free public beach on the southern basin, with lifeguards, showers and no sinkhole risk |
| Surfing | Hilton Beach or Palmachim | Tel Aviv / south coast | Hilton is the city surf break; Palmachim has bigger, emptier waves and dunes behind it |
| Quiet and wild | Habonim or Achziv | Carmel coast / north | Rock coves, natural seawater pools and nature reserve sand instead of a promenade |
| Freshwater and camping | Gofra Beach | Sea of Galilee | Shaded camping right on the lake, calm water, and the only freshwater beaches in the country |
| To bring the dog | The Tel Aviv dog beach | Tel Aviv | The one stretch of city sand where dogs run off-leash year round |
“The question is never which beach in Israel is best, it is which beach is best for the day you are having. A family with a toddler and a surfer chasing swell should not end up on the same sand.”
Solomon Wiesen, on how to choose an Israeli beach
Israel’s beaches at a glance
| Region | Sea | Beaches on our list | Best for | Our detailed guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tel Aviv-Yafo | Mediterranean | 11 | City beaches, promenade, surfing, nightlife | Tel Aviv beaches |
| Herzliya | Mediterranean | 4 | Quieter beaches, marina, upscale hotels | Herzliya beaches |
| Netanya | Mediterranean | 5 | Cliffs, wide sandy bays, families | Netanya beaches |
| Haifa and the north | Mediterranean | 11 | Nature reserves, history, snorkeling coves | Haifa beaches |
| Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) | Freshwater lake | 8 | Camping, families, calm water | Kinneret Authority |
| Dead Sea | Dead Sea (salt lake) | 5 | Floating, mineral mud | Official Dead Sea info |
| Eilat | Red Sea | 6 | Coral reefs, snorkeling, warm winter swims | Eilat beaches |
| Southern coast | Mediterranean | 5 | Dunes, nature reserves, fewer crowds | Bat Yam beaches |
1. Tel Aviv and Surroundings: City Beaches on the Promenade
Tel Aviv has 13 declared beaches along a single continuous promenade, the Tayelet, which runs from the port in the north to Jaffa in the south. All of them are free to walk onto, all have lifeguards during the bathing season, and most have free rinse showers and rentable chairs. The character changes every few hundred metres: volleyball and crowds in the centre, surfers at the northern end, a calmer family cove by the port.
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metzitzim Beach | Old North, below the port Google Map location | Families, sheltered cove, shallow entry | Free |
| Hilton Beach | North, below Independence Park Google Map location | Surfers, the dog beach, LGBTQ+ section | Free |
| Gordon Beach | Central, by the marina Google Map location | Volleyball, lap swimming, the classic city beach | Free |
| Frishman Beach | Central Google Map location | Crowds, food on the sand, people watching | Free |
| Bograshov Beach | Central Google Map location | Easy walk from the city centre, sunsets | Free |
| Jerusalem Beach (Geula) | Central south, by Allenby Google Map location | Surfing, central and busy | Free |
| Dolphinarium Beach | South of Jerusalem Beach Google Map location | Walking the Tayelet, wide open sand | Free |
| Charles Clore Beach | South, facing Jaffa Google Map location | Grass above the sand, picnics, kite surfers | Free |
| Banana Beach | South, Charles Clore park Google Map location | Laid back crowd, beach bar, Jaffa skyline | Free |
| Alma Beach | South, below Neve Tzedek Google Map location | Quieter sand, closest to Jaffa | Free |
| Aviv Beach | Southern end, toward Jaffa Google Map location | The quiet end of the strip | Free |
Full detail: our Tel Aviv beaches guide.
Also on the Tel Aviv coast: this list counts the 11 central beaches, but the city has more, including Tel Baruch in the far north, Nordau, the separate beach with alternating days for men and women, Trumpeldor, Maravi and Ajami (Givat Aliyah) down in Jaffa. The whole coast is joined by the Tayelet promenade.
Staying on the coast? See our guide to seaside hotels in Tel Aviv, or run the Tel Aviv beach hotel finder to match a hotel to the beach you want to be on.
2. Herzliya: Quieter Sand and the Marina
Herzliya sits about 15 km north of Tel Aviv, and its beaches run below a low cliff with hotels on top. The sand is wider and the crowds thinner than in Tel Aviv, and the marina at the southern end is the largest in Israel. Way more relaxed than the Tel Aviv beaches!
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidna Ali Beach | North Herzliya, below the mosque Google Map location | Quiet local sand, cliff views | Free |
| Hasharon Beach | Herzliya Pituach Google Map location | Wide sand, hotels directly behind | Free |
| Acadia Beach | Herzliya Pituach Google Map location | The main Herzliya beach, full facilities | Free |
| Daniel Rowing Beach | By the marina Google Map location | Calm water, rowing club, families | Free |
Full detail: our Herzliya beaches guide.
3. Netanya: The Cliffside Coastline
Netanya is built on a cliff, so its beaches sit below the city and are reached by stairs, ramps or a lift from the promenade. The bays are sheltered and the sand is wide, which makes this the easiest stretch of Israeli coast for families with small children.
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sironit Beach | Central, below the cliff lift Google Map location | Families, sheltered bay, step-free access | Free |
| Argaman Beach | Central Google Map location | Calm swimming, promenade above | Free |
| Herzl Beach | Central Google Map location | Closest to the city centre | Free |
| Amphi Beach | Central Google Map location | Sheltered water, easy entry | Free |
| Poleg Beach | South Netanya Google Map location | Surfing, open sand, fewer people | Free |
Full detail: our Netanya beaches guide.
4. Haifa Beaches and the North: Nature Meets History
North of Haifa the coast stops being urban. Between Haifa and the Lebanese border you get nature reserves, archaeological sites, natural rock pools and sheltered coves, along with some of the only genuinely quiet sand in the country. Several of these are inside national parks and charge entry.
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel Beach (Hof HaCarmel) | South Haifa Google Map location | The main Haifa beach, full facilities | Free |
| Dado Zamir Beach | South Haifa Google Map location | Long promenade, families, cafes | Free |
| Bat Galim Beach | West Haifa, by the port Google Map location | Surfing, city beach, boardwalk | Free |
| Quiet Beach (Hof HaShaket) | Haifa, near the port Google Map location | Separate swimming days for men and women | Free |
| Hof Dor (Tantura) | Carmel coast, near Zichron Yaakov Google Map location | Shallow lagoon, small islands, families | Paid |
| Habonim Beach | Carmel coast nature reserve Google Map location | Rock coves, snorkeling, kurkar cliffs | Paid parking |
| Nahsholim Beach | By Tel Dor Google Map location | Sheltered bay, archaeology next door | Paid |
| Shavei Zion Beach | North of Akko Google Map location | Quiet, local, calm water | Free |
| Achziv Beach | Near Nahariya Google Map location | National park, natural seawater pools | Paid |
| Rosh Hanikra | At the Lebanese border Google Map location | Grottoes, cable car, dramatic cliffs | Paid site |
| Akko Beach | Beside the old city Google Map location | City beach under the crusader walls | Free |
Full detail: our Haifa beaches guide.
5. Sea of Galilee (Kinneret): Freshwater Beaches
The Kinneret is a freshwater lake about 210 metres below sea level, ringed by beaches that work differently from the coast: most allow overnight camping, many charge for parking or entry, and the water is calm enough for small children almost everywhere. It is also the warmest swimming in the north in spring and autumn.
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tzemach Beach | South shore Google Map location | Camping, water sports, festivals | Paid parking |
| Gofra Beach | East shore Google Map location | Camping under trees, quiet nights | Paid |
| Hukok Beach | North-west shore Google Map location | Families, calm shallow water | Paid parking |
| Haon Beach | South-east shore Google Map location | Camping, grass areas | Paid |
| Ein Gev Beach | East shore Google Map location | Kibbutz beach, fish restaurants | Paid |
| Amnon Beach | North shore Google Map location | Shallow entry, families | Paid parking |
| Dugit Beach | North-east shore Google Map location | Quiet, long-standing free camping spot | Free |
| Shikmim Beach | North shore Google Map location | Shade trees, calm water | Paid parking |
Full detail: the Kinneret Authority.
6. Dead Sea: Floating, Mud and Desert
You do not swim in the Dead Sea, you float in it: the water is roughly ten times saltier than the Mediterranean, so you cannot sink even if you try. Keep it out of your eyes and mouth, rinse off in fresh water afterwards, and do not shave the same morning. The southern basin by the Ein Bokek hotels is the safest and most developed stretch.
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ein Bokek Beach | Southern basin, hotel strip Google Map location | The main free public beach, lifeguards, showers | Free |
| Neve Zohar Beach | Southern basin Google Map location | Quieter public beach, local feel | Free |
| Kalia Beach | Northern basin Google Map location | The classic northern beach, mud, facilities | Paid |
| Biankini Beach | Northern basin Google Map location | Resort-style beach, camping, Moroccan decor | Paid |
| Mineral Beach | Northern basin Google Map location | Closed for years because of sinkholes; check before travelling | Closed |
Full detail: the official Dead Sea information page.
7. Eilat and the Red Sea: Coral Reefs and Winter Swimming
Eilat is the one place in Israel where you can swim comfortably in January! The Red Sea stays around 21 to 23 degrees in midwinter, and the coral reef along the southern shore is the only one in the country, which makes this the snorkeling and diving capital of Israel.
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coral Beach | South Eilat Google Map location | The best snorkeling in Israel, protected reef reserve | Paid |
| Migdalor Beach (Lighthouse) | South Eilat Google Map location | Snorkeling and dive clubs, reef access | Free |
| Princess Beach | Far south, by the Egyptian border Google Map location | Quiet, clear water, reef edges | Free |
| Dolphin Reef | South Eilat Google Map location | Enclosed beach with resident dolphins | Paid |
| Dekel Beach | Central Eilat Google Map location | Calm water, short walk from the hotels | Free |
| Mosh Beach | Central Eilat Google Map location | Easy city beach, cafes and bars | Free |
Full detail: our Eilat beaches guide.
8. The Southern Coast: Ashdod, Ashkelon and the Dunes
South of Tel Aviv the coastline opens out into dunes and nature reserves, with far fewer people than the centre. Ashdod and Ashkelon both run wide municipal beaches with lifeguards, and the reserves between them are the best place on the Israeli coast to see what the dunes looked like before the cities arrived. Ideal for families and anyone after quiet!
| Beach | Where it is | Best for | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmachim Beach | South of Rishon LeZion Google Map location | Surfing, dunes, national park | Paid parking |
| Nitzanim Beach | Between Ashdod and Ashkelon Google Map location | Dunes, nature reserve, quiet sand | Paid parking |
| Ashdod Beach | Ashdod Google Map location | Wide city beaches, families, promenade | Free |
| Bar Kochva Beach | Ashkelon Google Map location | The main Ashkelon beach, marina nearby | Free |
| Zikim Beach | South of Ashkelon, near the Gaza border Google Map location | Wide dunes; check the security situation and whether it is open before going | Free |
Full detail: our Bat Yam beaches guide.
Know before you go
- Swim only where there is a lifeguard. Israel’s Mediterranean coast has strong rip currents, and most drownings happen at unguarded beaches or outside lifeguard hours. A black flag means no swimming; our beach flags guide explains every colour.
- Season: the Mediterranean bathing season runs roughly from late March to October, with exact dates set by each municipality. In Tel Aviv-Yafo the 2026 season ran from 25 March to 10 October.
- Water quality: the Ministry of Health tests seawater weekly at every regulated beach in season and publishes the results on its bathing water quality page.
- Jellyfish: swarms reach the Mediterranean coast most summers, usually for a few weeks between late June and early August. See our jellyfish guide and the Ministry of Health’s first aid advice for stings.
- Sea temperature: the Mediterranean peaks near 30 degrees in August and bottoms out around 17 in February. See our month-by-month sea temperature guide.
- National parks: beaches such as Akhziv National Park are run by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and charge entry.
- Theft: never leave a bag unattended on the sand. See our beach safety and theft guide.
- Still deciding? Take the beach finder, or read our pick for the best beach in Israel.
Israel beaches FAQ
How many beaches are there in Israel?
Israel has roughly 140 declared bathing beaches, spread across the Mediterranean coast, the Red Sea at Eilat, the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. The exact number changes each season, because every local authority declares its own lifeguarded beaches. This guide covers the 55 best known.
What is the best beach in Israel?
For most visitors it is Gordon or Frishman Beach in Tel Aviv, because they combine city convenience with full facilities and lifeguards all season. For snorkeling it is Coral Beach in Eilat, and for families it is Sironit Beach in Netanya.
Are beaches in Israel free?
Yes, almost all of them. Municipal beaches in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Netanya, Haifa, Ashdod, Ashkelon and Eilat are free to enter, and you pay only for chairs, umbrellas or parking. The exceptions are beaches inside national parks and reserves, such as Achziv and Coral Beach, and most of the Sea of Galilee and northern Dead Sea beaches.
Which beach in Israel is warmest in winter?
Eilat, on the Red Sea. The water there stays around 21 to 23 degrees in January, warm enough to swim comfortably, while the Mediterranean at Tel Aviv drops to about 17 degrees and the sea gets rough.
When can you swim at Israeli beaches?
Only at declared beaches while lifeguards are on duty. The Mediterranean bathing season runs from around late March to October; in Tel Aviv-Yafo the 2026 season ran from 25 March to 10 October. Eilat and the Dead Sea are swimmable year round.
Which Israeli beach is best for snorkeling?
Coral Beach in Eilat. It is a protected nature reserve on the only coral reef in Israel, with marked snorkeling trails and equipment rental. Migdalor (Lighthouse) Beach nearby is the free alternative with reef access.
Are there separate beaches for men and women in Israel?
Yes. Most coastal cities have a separate beach with alternating days for men and women, for religious bathers. The best known are Nordau Beach in Tel Aviv and Quiet Beach (Hof HaShaket) in Haifa.
Are there nude beaches in Israel?
There is no officially designated nude beach in Israel, and public nudity is not formally sanctioned. A few secluded spots are used by naturists, the best known being Ga’ash, north of Tel Aviv. See our guide to nude beaches in Israel.
Can you swim in the Dead Sea?
Not really. The water is about ten times saltier than the ocean, so you float rather than swim, and you cannot put your head under. Keep the water out of your eyes and mouth, and rinse off in fresh water afterwards.
Which beaches in Israel allow dogs?
Tel Aviv has a designated dog beach next to Hilton Beach where dogs run off-leash year round. Dogs are generally not allowed on declared swimming beaches during the bathing season. See our Tel Aviv dog beach guide.
Entry fees, lifeguard dates and facilities change from season to season and are set by each local authority or park operator. Confirm with the operator before you travel, especially for national park beaches and the Sea of Galilee.
Solomon (Shlomo) Wiesen is the author and photographer behind TLV Beaches. Originally from New York, he moved to Israel in 2011 and lives in Tel Aviv, a short walk from Frishman and Bograshov beaches. Every guide on the site is written from the beach, with more than 200 of his own photos of the Tel Aviv coast. He works in marketing, SEO and startups.
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