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)
An iconic Dead Sea shot, the Tree of Life stands alone on a tiny salt island. But getting that perfect drone shot comes with a challenge—floating through the thick, salty water. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, and the salt surface is not friendly to your feet. But hey, it’s all about the adventure, right?
Pro Tip: Bring a waterproof bag and arrive early to beat the crowds.
Location: Near the Herodes Hotel, about 1.5 hours from Jerusalem.
Dead Sea (Yes, Again)
You can’t talk about Israel’s Insta-famous spots without mentioning the Dead Sea—twice! There’s the more popular, pristine spots near the hotels (think blue waters, white salt formations) and then there’s the less polished, local beaches like Biankini or Kalia.
Location: 30 minutes south of Jerusalem.
Costs: Free access near Herodes; 40-60 shekels for Biankini/Kalia.
Instagram vs. Visit Value: Biankini/Kalia – ✅ for mud. Hotels area – ✅ for that classic Dead Sea shot.
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 shekels.
Instagram vs. Visit Value: ⭐⭐⭐
Quick access to stunning pools or make a day of it and explore more.
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 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
Yellow everywhere! These sunflower fields are like walking into nature’s emoji section. If you're in Israel during late May to mid-June, you’re in luck. The sunflowers are in full bloom, and they’re begging to be photographed.
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’s one of those things you have to see to believe. The plane is easily accessible by car, and you can even climb on top for some epic drone shots (if it's not too hot to handle).
Location: Yaar Hameginim (aka Yaar Hamatos), 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: Take Highway 1, turn towards Mitzpeh Yericho, follow signs for Wadi Kelt, and you’ll hit an observation point after a short drive. From there, park and hike up for an epic view.
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 easily head to Jerusalem after for more exploration.
Tel Aviv Area
Graffiti in Florentin
If you're into street art, Florentin is your spot. This neighborhood in Tel Aviv is like Brooklyn’s hipster cousin—gritty, artsy, and always buzzing with creativity. The graffiti scene here is vibrant, with murals and hidden gems at every turn.
Take a tour with a local guide (Adi Siri from LocalTourisTlv is awesome!) to uncover the stories behind the art. While not every piece is Insta-worthy, the street art definitely adds a raw, urban edge to your feed.
Instagram vs. visit value: ⭐⭐⭐
The stories are captivating, but if you're strictly here for the ‘Gram, you might want to temper your expectations. Still worth it for those cool, grungy shots!
Tel Aviv Beaches
Tel Aviv’s beach scene is vibrant and filled with action—perfect for any Instagram shot. You won't find isolated spots or palm tree backgrounds, but the bustling vibe with people surfing, tanning, and playing matkot makes the scene pop!
Instagram vs. Visit Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You’ll visit the beach anyway, so why not snap some colorful beach shots? I only took one star off because palm trees would have been the cherry on top.
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
Fruit stands are sprinkled all over Tel Aviv, offering fresh smoothies and vibrant pops of color. They’re not just for your stomach but for your Instagram feed too!
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 along the coast. The clear blue water is perfect for swimming or even setting up a tent for camping.
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. Plus, you can make a day out of it by enjoying the beach.
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 spot is Instagram gold, especially for those who love a little adrenaline. Snap a pic while hanging from a snappling rope over the impressive natural arch for a one-of-a-kind shot!
Instagram vs. Visit Value – Can’t rate yet! I haven’t been here yet—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 yet! I haven’t been here yet—message me if you want to explore it together!
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.
