Sometimes it’s all about the Gram… but when it comes to Israel, the spots you see on Instagram are not just pretty faces. From the Golan Heights in the north to the Negev desert in the south, Israel has some of the most photogenic beaches, deserts, green hills, and historical sites.
Don’t worry, I’m rating all the spots for their Instagram vs. visit value (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = worth both the pic and the trip). Whether you’re here for the photo or the full experience, this guide has got you.
Here’s the full rundown of Israel’s most Instagrammable spots!
Oh, and don’t forget to DM me if you’re coming for a visit!
South of Israel
The Negev desert offers jaw-dropping desert landscapes.
Red Canyon
This one’s for the adventurers. The Red Canyon is stunning with its dramatic red rock walls, but it’s a trek to get there. So, make a weekend out of it and spend a night nearby to get the most out of your trip. Bonus: you’re close enough to Eilat for some underwater fun too.
Instagram vs. Visit Value: ⭐⭐⭐ – Gorgeous, but super far.
Tree of Life (Dead Sea)
Meet the iconic Tree of Life! It stands as a symbol of resilience in the heart of the Dead Sea!
This unique spot promises epic shots, especially if you have a drone. However, getting there requires floating or swimming through the thick, salty waters of the Dead Sea. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. By the time you reach this tiny salt island, you’ll likely feel exhausted and dehydrated. And don’t count on the white ground as a comfy resting spot—it’s rough and can be painful to stand or sit on.
These days, this spot isn’t the hidden gem it once was; you’ll find plenty of people swimming to it. So, if you’re up for the challenge, plan to arrive super early, bring a waterproof bag for your gear, and don’t forget your water bottle!
Location: Near the Herodes Hotel, about 1.5 hours from Jerusalem.
Dead Sea (Yes, Again)
When you’re visiting the Dead Sea, you’ve got two main options for beaches: the hotel beaches or Biankini and Kalia.
Hotel Beaches: If you choose to go to the hotel beaches, you’re in for a treat with those classic Dead Sea vibes—think stunning blue waters and gorgeous white salt formations. These beaches are well-maintained, making for a nice, relaxing experience. Plus, if you hit up the Tree of Life area, you can enjoy free access right in front of the Herodes Hotel!
Biankini and Kalia: On the flip side, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to experience the local scene, head over to Biankini or Kalia. These spots have a more laid-back vibe, but they can be a bit neglected compared to the hotel beaches. You might not find those postcard-perfect views, as the water here has a darker green hue, but the mud is right at your feet, making it easy to slather on for that mineral-rich treatment.
Location: Hotel Beaches: 1.5 hours from Jerusalem. Biankini/Kalia: 30 minutes south of Jerusalem.
Costs: Hotel Beaches: Free. Biankini/Kalia: 40-60 NIS (and don’t forget to check out Groo.com for some discounts or bring your student ID).
Instagram vs. Visit Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
While the hotel beaches offer more Instagrammable views with their stunning blue waters and white salt formations, both the hotel beaches and Biankini/Kalia are worth a visit for their unique experiences at the Dead Sea.
Ein Avdat
This one's a hidden gem. Tucked away in the Negev, Ein Avdat offers a peaceful desert oasis with pools you can reach after a short hike. Family-friendly and perfect for a desert getaway, it’s also near Mitzpe Ramon, so you can extend your trip with a visit to Israel's very own mini Grand Canyon.
Location: 2 hours from Tel Aviv.
Entrance: 30 NIS.
Instagram vs. Visit Value: ⭐⭐⭐
You can reach this small pool relatively quickly, but if you want, you can continue hiking and exploring, making it a perfect hiking trip.
Beit Govrin Caves
The Beit Govrin Caves are definitely in my Top Things to Do in Israel—absolutely one of the most Instagrammable places too. This UNESCO heritage site is a photographer's dream, packed with history and mystery. You’ll explore ancient caves from Roman times, the ruins of the biblical town of Merasha, and even St. Ana Church. The cherry on top? A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking lush valleys and mountains that will make your Instagram feed pop.
Plan for about 3 hours here, so it’s perfect for a half-day trip. Pro tip: bring a bike or car for easy access. And heads up—no drones allowed. The experience is definitely worth it for more than just the gram.
Location: About an hour's drive from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv (50 km).
Entrance: Around 30 shekels.
Instagram vs. visit value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's rich in history, so even without the pics, it’s worth every minute!
The Arches Pool – Ramle
This 1,300-year-old underground water reservoir has somehow survived multiple earthquakes, leaving behind a small but picturesque spot in Ramle. You can rent a little boat and float through its narrow aisles. It's a cool location for a quick snap, and wedding photographers love it for those artsy, dreamy vibes.
Location: Ramle, about 30 minutes from Jerusalem.
Costs: 20-30 NIS.
Instagram vs. visit value: ⭐
There’s not much to do here besides the quick photo-op and soaking in the history.
Sunflower Fields – Hulda
As a kid, I was all about that yellow life, so it’s no surprise that I’m drawn to these cheerful sunflowers—they’re like nature’s smiley emojis, right?
Lucky for you, these vibrant fields are in full bloom from mid-May to mid-June, and sometimes even longer!
Location: Entrance to Hulda (left-hand side), but you can also check out fields at Bror Hail, Negba Intersection, and Kochav Michael.
Costs: Free.
Instagram vs. visit value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You’re really here just for the gram, but it’s a perfect stop if you’re en route to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
Jerusalem and Surrounding Area
The Abandoned Plane
A giant, abandoned Dutch plane… in the middle of a forest? Sounds surreal, right? And it is! it feels like a movie set come to life! The plane is accessible by car, and you can even climb on top for some epic drone shots.
Location: Yaar Hameginim (aka Yaar Hamatos- the plane forest), near Beit Shemesh.
Instagram vs. visit value: ⭐⭐⭐
The plane itself is super cool for photos, especially from above. It’s a bit of a random attraction, but you can’t deny it makes for interesting shots.
St. George’s Monastery
Perched on the cliffs of the Wadi Kelt Valley, St. George’s Monastery is one of those spots that seems to have come out of a fantasy novel. The rugged landscape and dramatic architecture make it a prime location for breathtaking photos.
Location: Near Ein Karem, Jerusalem.
How to get there: From Highway 1 (between Ma’aleh Adumim and the Dead Sea), turn at the junction toward Mitzpeh Yericho (just east of the Good Samaritan Khan). Then, veer right toward the settlement, and follow the signs to Wadi Kelt and the monastery. After about 100 meters, you’ll hit a T-junction—take a right and enjoy the winding road for about 5 minutes, stopping at the first observation point near a large cross. Park and hike up for a breathtaking view of the monastery and the valley below.
Instagram vs. visit value: ⭐⭐⭐
It’s a stunner of a view, but you’ll need a car to get there, which adds to the adventure. You can combine the trip with a visit to Jerusalem.
Tel Aviv Area
Graffiti in Florentin
If you’re on the hunt for an amazing photoshoot location, Florentin is a graffiti paradise! This vibrant neighborhood is like the Brooklyn of Tel Aviv—hip, up-and-coming, and bursting with creativity.
The street art in Florentin truly captures the essence of the area. Some murals cover entire walls, while others are cheekily tucked away in corners or high up on buildings. I might have missed a few hidden gems if it weren't for my guide, Adi, pointing them out!
I highly recommend joining Adi Siri from LocalTourisTlv for a fun tour to check out all these cool spots. For more details on a graffiti tour, click here.
Instagram vs. visit value: ⭐⭐⭐
While I’ve done graffiti tours in so many cities and love hearing the stories behind the art, not all the pieces here are super Instagrammable. So, if you go, it’s really more about the stories than the pics—three stars feels just right!
Tel Aviv Beaches
Honestly, any beach strip in Tel Aviv is an Instagrammable dream! Sure, these beaches aren’t isolated and palm trees might be in short supply, but the lively scene with people playing matkot, surfing, and soaking up the sun creates a colorful backdrop that pops in photos.
Instagram vs. Visit Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You’ll visit the beach anyway, so why not snap some colorful beach shots?
That Lifeguard Cabana
This colorful lifeguard stand adds a splash of fun to any beach shot! The cabana is simple yet iconic, making it a must for your Tel Aviv beach photo collection.
Location: Bograshov Beach, in front of the Renaissance Hotel
Instagram vs. Visit Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You’re already at the beach, and this adds a quirky element to your photos—five stars for being a perfect addition to your beach day snaps!
Gordon's Lighthouse
This cute lighthouse can be found north of Gordon Beach.
Fruit Stands
You can’t miss the fruit stands all over TLV—grab yourself a refreshing smoothie and snap a pic while you’re at it!
Location: Carmel Market, corner of Dizengoff St. and Ben Gurion, plus other random spots around the city
Instagram vs. Visit Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Who can say no to a vibrant fruit pic? It’s a refreshing stop and a perfect Insta moment in one.
The Abandoned Ship
Take a mini-adventure to Habonim Beach, about an hour from Tel Aviv, to find this cinematic shipwreck resting on the shore. The water is crystal clear, perfect for swimming, and you can even set up a tent to camp out.
Habonim is a national reserve, and you can visit the official beach for around 22 NIS per person. If you want to skip the entrance fee, just turn right before the national reserve entrance and follow the dusty road parallel to the train tracks. You'll find other cars parked in an improvised lot, and it’s just a short 2-minute walk to the beach.
Can’t find the beach? Just head to the official entrance and ask the receptionist how to reach the shipwreck!
Location: Habonim Beach
Instagram vs. Visit Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The shipwreck is photogenic, the water is crystal clear, and the whole setup is easy to get to by car.
Caesarea
Built by Herod about 2,000 years ago, Caesarea is both a historical and coastal gem. Whether you’re exploring the national park, the beach, or the ancient arches, this place exudes a rich, ancient vibe.
Location: About an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv
Instagram vs. Visit Value – ⭐⭐
While the history is impressive, there's not much to do here beyond admiring the ruins and snapping a few quick photos.
Northern Israel
Welcome to the lush green mountains and valleys of northern Israel!
The Rainbow Cave – Me’arat Keshet
This place is pure Instagram gold, especially if you're into a little adrenaline! Snap a pic while hanging from a rappelling rope over the stunning natural arch for a truly unique shot!
Instagram vs. Visit Value: Can’t rate this spot yet since I haven’t been there! Message me if you want to explore it together!
Gan Hashlosha (Sachne)
Gan Hashlosha National Park is famous for its warm natural springs and pools, making it a refreshing spot to visit and capture. The spring water remains a pleasant temperature year-round, making it a great place for relaxation.
Location: Near Beit She’an
Instagram vs. Visit Value – ⭐⭐⭐
While the pools are nice, they get super crowded during the spring and summer months, so getting that perfect Insta shot might be challenging.
Hexagonal Pool – Breichat Ha’meshushim
A pool framed by unique hexagonal basalt columns, giving the whole area a striking, almost otherworldly appearance.
Instagram vs. Visit Value – Can’t rate this spot yet since I haven’t been there!
Rosh Hanikra
Located at Israel’s northernmost point, Rosh Hanikra is home to stunning sea grottoes carved into the cliffside. Take a cable car for a bird’s-eye view or simply walk along the bridge for breathtaking sea views.
Instagram vs. Visit Value – Can’t rate yet! Haven’t been here yet, but I’m excited to explore this Instagram-worthy spot!
Instagram-Worthy Winter Locations
I’m not a winter fan, but winter in Israel brings an incredible variety of blossoms that are truly Insta-worthy!
For those of you braving the colder months, check out the stunning fields filled with flowers all around the country. Click here for the full list of winter flower fields.
This is just a taste of Israel’s most Instagrammable spots! Let me know when you're coming, and we can plan the perfect photo tour.
