Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv

South of Atarim Square starts the Gordon Beach, one of Tel Aviv's busiest and most popular beaches, as well as one of its widest. This beach is distinctive by the large strips of white sand running alongside the modern promenade, breakwaters and innumerable umbrellas. Centrally located opposite the Sheraton Hotel, Gordon offers everything one can possibly ask for of a city beach, including a paid parking nearby.

It also has myriad of bars and restaurants serving huge portions of classics, like Israeli breakfast, fresh fish, sandwiches and a huge array of salads. Plus, this is a good place for matkot (Israeli paddle ball game), surfing, meditation and many other activities. Each summer the beach becomes a mecca for tourists seeking to take advantage of its fitness area, a lovely saltwater swimming pool surrounded by lawns to lounge on, beach volleyball courts, a children's playground and plenty of water-sports providers ensuring no shortage of entertainment.

Gordon Beach is known for the ideal conditions for stand-up paddling, surfing and windsurfing. But if you want things a bit more relaxed, you can lie down in the shade under one of its pavilions or park yourself in one of the beach-chairs and enjoy the Mediterranean view culminated by a picturesque sunset. Folk dancing happens here every Saturday at 8 pm, and Pilates classes are offered on Sundays and Wednesdays at 7-7:45 pm. After sundown, various outdoor beach bars provide sun-burnt partiers with some after-hours fun with DJs, drinks and dancing. And if you seek a reprieve from the city clamor opposite the waves combined with a fine dining experience, consider Gordo Cafe offering a selection of good food and drinks.