​(Communicated by Israel Ministry of Tourism)

Last year, USA TODAY reported Israeli beaches as the best beaches to party on, and 21 beaches and two marinas in Israel have been awarded the Blue Flag by FEE, the Foundation for Environmental Education, for environmental excellence.   The 21 chosen beaches include Hukuk Beach on Lake Kinneret; Dado in Haifa; Chanz, Onot, Amfy, Herzl, Sironit North, Sironit South, Lagoon-Argaman and Poleg beaches in Netanya; Metzizim and Jerusalem beaches in Tel Aviv; HaKachol Beach in Rishon Lezion; Mei Ami, Oranim, Lido, Kshatot, Yod Alef, Riveria and the separate swimming beaches in Ashdod; and Hash’hafim Beach in Eilat. The Herzliya and Tel Aviv marinas were chosen by EcoOcean to be given the Blue Flag. Both Netanya and Herzliya beaches have elevator access to the beaches, which are located underneath the cliffs.
 
Bathers must comply with the lifeguards and rescue guards, no motor sports (jet skis, boats) are allowed close to shore, motorized vehicles are forbidden on beaches and on the boardwalk, and building fires is also prohibited on the beaches.  Bathing is officially prohibited when there is no lifeguard on duty, and also when the black flag is raised.

There are 13 beaches along Tel Aviv-Yafo’s coastline alone, with over 8 million beach-goers enjoying the sandy shores and clear water every year.  There are four beaches that are accessible to people with disabilities: Tzuk, Northern Tzuk, Metzizim and Hilton (all in the northern part of the city). Tel Aviv-Yafo boasts an 8.7 mile stretch of open views, blue horizons, white sandy shores with lounge chairs, restaurants, outdoor gyms, children’s playgrounds and a promenade along the shore line with non-stop use by walkers, joggers or those just enjoying the view and taking a stroll. The city’s beaches are well equipped with changing rooms, showers and toilets.