Cycling around Israel

If you like to cycle outdoors like I do, Israel offers such a diverse range of options which is amazing for such a tiny country!

I’ve never been but I hope to be going shortly and this is what I’m excited about based on the research I’ve been doing..

Starting up north, the Galilee appears so lush and green that you could be cycling by vineyards, olive trees and other types of orchards. The Sea of Galilee is a natural circuit and there is nothing cyclists love more than doing a lap of it. It seems incredible to pass fishermen, churches and kibbutzes in an area that’s thousands of years old. It really looks frozen in time.

If you have the stamina to climb up the Golan Heights, I’m told that the struggle is worth it with a breathtaking view that will ease the aches and pains.

Then down south, there’s barely a blade of grass in sight as you’re in the Negev. Green is replaced by orange and brown and you will have nothing but long stretches of road as well as the sun for company. The silence may be broken by the odd bird flying above. Here you’ll find the Ramon Crater which is like Israel’s Grand Canyon.

If you want to keep going, you can go all the way down to Eilat, which is Israel’s southernmost city. Once you get there, you may wish to unwind in the Red Sea.

Then in the middle of the country you have Tel Aviv, which is one of the most hectic cities in the world. Be careful if you’re going out for a relaxing leisurely ride as you could be run over by one of the electrical cyclists! There’s a huge riding culture in Tel Aviv and they seem to take it very seriously.

Cycle around Jerusalem and take in the thousands of years of history in this paradox of a city which stays modern in the 21st century despite being one of the world’s most ancient metropolises.

You can take the Israel National Bike Trail up and down the country whether it’s in Jaffa, Caesarea or Herzliya. If you want you can stop by a small village overnight taking in the real country away from the tourist hubs and their shiny hotels.

Cycling around Israel isn’t just about fitness or transport, it’s about history and culture. There are so many incredible stories the roads could tell as your bike transforms into a time machine and takes you by places that you read about in the bible.