Tel Aviv Beach
Tel Aviv Beaches
Not surprisingly, one of the most popular attractions in Tel Aviv are the miles and miles of glorious beautiful beaches. If you don’t know what to do in Tel Aviv, stroll along the boardwalk and you’ll pass nearly all of the beaches. Each Tel Aviv beach has its own name, most accorded by the hotels they are situated nearby or by a nearby road or venue.
Tel Aviv Israel: Life at the Beach
During the bathing season, from April to September, all the beaches are watched by a lifeguard, usually from 7 am until 5 – 7 pm. Always check to see that a flag is flying over the lifeguard’s stand to indicate that it is manned. When the black flag is flying, swimming is forbidden.
Tel Aviv beaches all have some form of kiosk or café where amongst other menu items, you can cool off with an artik (popsicle). Although entry is free to most beaches in Tel Aviv, there is often a charge for parking.
Israelis love playing ‘matkot’ on the beach (known as “Kadima” in the U.S.). This game involves bats and balls and it’s best to keep a lookout for them while strolling along the sand. Watch also for ‘meduzot’ (Blue Bottle jellyfish), which can sting and which have unfortunately been plaguing Israeli beaches in recent years.
Tel Aviv Weather
Remember that the weather in Tel Aviv is very hot during the summer and that sunscreen should be used at all times, even if you feel a breeze or the spray of the sea. Children and babies should use a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and this should be reapplied regularly if they spend any time in the water. Keep kids covered up and use a beach umbrella to shield babies from the sun’s rays while they play.
Israel Tel Aviv Beaches
Be prepared for your visit at any of the following four beaches. Amenities, costs and accessibility are just some of the considerations to keep in mind.
1. Hatzuk (Cliff) Beach
This is the northern-most Tel Aviv beach and the only one for which there’s an entrance fee for non-Tel Aviv residents. However there are plenty of free parking spaces as well as wheelchair access. There are sports facilities, windsurfing, kayaking, and plenty of lawns and shaded areas as well as hot showers and changing rooms.
2. Tel Baruch
Slightly further south, Tel Baruch boasts a new boardwalk and a bridge linking it to the Yarkon River. Amenities include water sports, changing rooms, lawns, playgrounds, sunbeds, lounge chairs for rent, and a lifeguard. Bring the family to the beach for the day and barbeque along the beach at sunset. Parties, dogs, and bonfires are strictly prohibited.
3. Mezizim (Metzitzim) (formerly the SHERATON now named after a famous film made here). This Israel Tel Aviv beach tends to attract a young, trendy crowd. There is a new children’s playground and good handicapped access. This beach is also easily accessible by public transport.
4. Nordau Religious Beach
Located at the end of Nordau Street, this is the Tel Aviv beach to hit for separate swimming. The beach is open to women on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and men on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There are changing facilities, a children’s play area, and beach chairs for rent. This particular beach is usually not as crowded as the other beaches.
Beaches Tel Aviv: Did You Know?
A great time to visit a Tel Aviv beach is early morning when the crowds are thin. If you have a question or complaint you can reach the Beaches Department at 03-724-0340.