Herzliya Mini Guide
What is Herzliya Like?
Herzliya is considered to be the St Tropez of Israel. Split into two parts, Herzliya City and Herzliya Pituach, the latter is home to exclusive residences, populated by diplomats and politicians, lining a beautiful beach dotted with even more exclusive hotels. The Pituach area of the city is also known for its bars, restaurants and top quality nightclubs. In Herzliya City, you’ll not find too much of interest as it is primarily a residential zone whilst, surprisingly, Pituach is more of an industrial and commercial city as well as hosting the tourist facilities. To the north of the city is the ancient Greek city of Apollonia with a crusader castle sitting incongruously on the crest of the city.
How do I get to Herzliya?
Like many of Israel’s cities, it is not easily accessed from outside of Israel with the nearest airport only serving domestic flights. Public transport is such in Israel that it is worth taking a flight directly from the
UK with easyJet, El Al or BA into
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and using the train to get to Herzliya. You can hire a car at the airport or wait until you get to Herzliya.
What is There to See and Do in Herzliya?
The beach is where everyone goes when the weather is hot. There’s so much to do there including just lying back and enjoying the sun. Scuba diving and snorkelling is available whilst you can also learn to sail a catamaran and take internationally accredited courses for the craft. For those interested in history or archaeology, Apollonia-Arsuf makes for a great visit with the remains of the Greek city sympathetically excavated.
What is there for me to buy in Herzliya?
With Pituach’s emphasis on looking after the wealthy residents of the city, you won’t be surprised to find plenty of top designer shops around the city. If your wallet doesn’t stretch that far, there are other clothes outlets selling ‘almost designer’ labels at a fraction of the cost. Apart from that, you can also find the typical fare of shells, coral, confectionery and beach souvenirs.
What Should I eat When in Herzliya?
There are plenty of top restaurants around the beach and harbour area with prices to match but if you want to splash out one night then you won’t be disappointed. Elsewhere, family run restaurants make the most of the delicious seafood caught off the coast there and the food is served with delicious flatbread and mouth-watering salads including the unusual Middle Eastern ingredient sumac.
Where Should I go for a Good Night out?
There are a number of great bars and nightclubs but you’ll find that in the more exclusive outlets drinks and entrance fees are expensive. For a great time, wander along to the Caveman Café for an experience you won’t forget at the hands of the eccentric owner of this ramshackle café/bar.