by Torquil

Created on: December 01, 2008

Tel Aviv Beaches

Imagine a perfect peach sunset reflected on softly lapping waters next to a stretch of golden sand. No this is not the Caribbean or Mauritius or even Koh Samuii - it is Marina Beach at the edge of Tel Aviv city on a weekday evening in November.

To visit Tel Aviv is to be stimulated and surprised by its beauty. There are about ten main beaches stretching the length of the city, each with its own character and particular stunning appearance. Several have games equipment, such as the outdoor, public multi-gym at Gordon Beach and the volleyball nets on 2 or 3 of the others. Many of the beaches enjoy a variety of on-sand cafes and restaurants that are pleasantly sited in convenient yet tasteful locations.

Up at the Harbour, at the northernmost end of the strands, is Israel's famous fish restaurant, Benny Hadayag, which serves an amazing range of freshly caught fish with a very generous servings of side dishes, salads, hummus and of course delicious Israeli wine. It is worth trying the Sea Wolf, which is a large, extremely tasty fish with white meat.

Accommodation is not too expensive and there are hostels, such as the Gordon Inn (on Gordon Road, very near Gordon Beach) or others within the town centre. The Gordon Inn is basic but ideal if you are going to be out most of the day anyway. Their price includes a free meal voucher, that can be used at any time of day in one of the beach restaurants. Other hotels adorn the sea front and range from two to four star in quality.

Other surprising finds in Tel Aviv, a short walk from the beach, are the English Pub (on Allenby Street) and Molly Blooms, Irish Bar just off Hayarkon Street. Both serve a pretty good pint of Guinness!

It is possible to walk right along the whole beach, either on the sand barefoot (roll up your trousers - the water is lovely, even at night) or on the pavement next to it. Walking North leads to the harbour, which has a pleasant array of shops and restaurants and a superb sea view. Walking South, you eventually arrive at Jaffa, the ancient town with a long history of development through the days of the Crusaders and even earlier, through more recent Turkish ownership and British influence in the 1940s and 50s.

The view of Tel Aviv and her beach from Jaffa is striking. At night, looking out over the 'yam' (sea in Hebrew), the atmosphere is captivating, with the sunset and the moon-rise and the echoing call to prayer from several local mosques. It is almost possible to imagine an ancient traveller, perhaps a pilgrim on their way to Jerusalem, thinking the same thoughts and feeling the same electric sensations as the sun sinks in radiant pink over the bay.

Walking home at night is quite safe. In fact throughout modern Tel Aviv nowadays there is a feeling of safety and ease. Gone are the old days of troubles and tourists and business people from around the world are present. Walking back towards Tel Aviv one is presented with an array of lights and colours reminiscent of firework night or London's Piccadilly circus. Restaurants use lights cleverly to attract their evening custom and the beach walk is very pleasant as a result.

In the distance can be seen fluorescent signs on buildings and fountains lit from within. All of these contribute to a wonderful atmosphere, in a city that is perfect for couples, lone travellers or pensioners alike.

One of the signs, seemingly floating in the sky in green fluorescence, says, "Yallah", which in Hebrew means "Go-on!". Tel Aviv is definitely worth visiting and anyone thinking about it is encouraged to yallah and travel to this dazzling jewel in the heart of Israel.

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