7 Cities You Have to Visit While in Palestine: The West Bank, Palestine is a special place in the Southern Levant. It has many places that are important for religion and culture. These cities have amazing histories, and each one is unique. From the dry desert of Jericho to the magical Dead Sea and the old buildings in Jerusalem, you’ll find something interesting no matter who you are or how old you are.

Deciding which cities to visit can be tough, but this guide will help. You can think about what interests you the most, the time of year you’re visiting, and the weather. If you’re traveling alone, we’ll also talk about places to stay and tours where you can meet other travelers.

If you’re thinking about volunteering, learning Arabic, or interning in the West Bank, we can help you find more information. Keep in mind, this list gives you just a glimpse of what Palestine has to offer, and there’s so much more to explore.

Here are seven cities you can’t miss when you’re in the West Bank Palestine:

Jerusalem

Known as one of the holiest cities of all three major Abrahamic religions, few cities are as universally revered as centers of culture and history as Jerusalem.

Aside from the many amenities provided to tourists, Jerusalem is home to a great number of famous spiritual destinations such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Wailing Wall. You can explore the old city, markets and cafes.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is best known as the birthplace of Jesus. The 1700-year-old Church of the Nativity (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) marks the place traditionally accepted as the birthplace of Christ.

Bethlehem is also home to various other religiously significant sites such as Milk Grotto, and other important non-religious destinations such as famous artist Banksy’s Walled-Off Hotel located directly beside the illegal separation wall built by the Israeli government. It is possible to visit some of the refugee camps in and around Bethlehem,this will give you further insight into the lives of those residing there and you may be inspired to apply to volunteer or assist with various projects within these camps. 

Bethlehem is also well known for olive wood crafts. There are lots of items crafted from olive wood which are popular gifts. 

7 Reasons To Visit Palestine

Hebron

Although not one of the most commonly visited tourist destinations Hebron is home to several important sites. The most famous is Al-Ibrahimi Mosque, commonly known as the burial site of Abraham, the patriarch of all three major monotheistic religions, as well as several other important religious figures. 

Hebron is home to the Hirbawi textile factory- the last remaining factory to produce keffiyehs in Palestine. You can also find pottery and glassware factories in Hebron, you may even be lucky enough to see some items being made right in front of you. It is very interesting to see the craftsmen at work. 

Hebron is also an interesting destination for those looking to learn more about the Israel-Palestine conflict, as its divided status serves as a microcosm for the conflict as a whole.

Jericho

Jericho is known as the oldest city in the world, having been continuously inhabited for around 11,000 years. It is also home to several sites of religious importance such as the Mount of Temptation, the Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus, and two monasteries.

It is also located very near to the dead sea—famous as the lowest place on Earth, at 430 meters (1400 feet) below sea level. Visitors to Jericho can enjoy hiking through the beautiful landscape or perhaps take a cable car and marvel at the spectacular views from the air.

Ramallah

Ramallah is one of the centers of cultural and political life in the West Bank. It serves as an administrative center for the Palestinian National Authority and houses the mausoleum of Palestinian political icon Yasser Arafat.  It is also home to an old city boasting attractive Ottoman-era architecture, and numerous Christian churches and Muslim mosques.

Nablus

Nablus is one of the largest cities in the West Bank and is the home of the famous cheesy treat known as kunafeh. Like Jerusalem and Bethlehem its old city serves as a cultural center, home to many buildings that date back to the Ottoman era.

Nablus is also renowned  for producing olive oil and soap. You will  find churches, mosques, Turkish baths, lively markets, some tanneries, potteries and textile workshops within this city..

Outside of the city itself are Sebastiya and Mount Gerizim, two important archeological and religious sites best known for their connection to the Samaritan people of the Levant.

Jenin

Although not as famous or as popular among tourists as Jerusalem or Bethlehem, Jenin is a must-see for those willing to travel a bit off the beaten path. Located directly outside of Jenin is the Um Al-Rihan Forest, the largest in the West Bank and the perfect place for an outdoor excursion.

Another possibility is St. George Church, located in the nearby town of Burquin, considered to be the 3rd oldest Christian church in the world.

Lastly, the Jenin Refugee Camp is home to The Freedom Theatre, a cultural center for the arts that serves as a pillar to Palestinian culture and creative expression. To experience this city fully, consider applying to be a volunteer.

Palestine’s Climate

Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers and mild winters. While snow is possible in some areas during winter, spring and autumn are relatively short, each lasting around one month. The average annual temperature in Palestine is 26 degrees Celsius, with approximately 79 mm of rainfall per year. The region remains dry for most of the year, with 316 rain-free days annually, an average humidity of 54%, and a UV-index of 6.

The Palestinian Women’s Rights
7 Reasons To Visit Palestine

Jericho stands out as a preferred winter destination due to its relatively warm weather in comparison to other parts of the West Bank. On sunny winter days, Jerusalem can also offer a pleasant experience. The summer season extends from May to October, with the hottest months being July and August. Both locals and foreigners flock to Ramallah and the North West Bank to escape the summer heat. Spring is an ideal time to visit, as the weather is moderate and traveling is more comfortable.

Palestine is affected by the Khamseen winds during April, May, and early June. Originating from the Arabian desert, these winds are hot, dry, dusty, and sandy. However, they become calmer and cooler in late summer, providing a refreshing breeze to counteract the high temperatures of July, August, and September.

Average temperatures range from 10-18°C in winter to 27-35°C in summer.

Temperature and rainfall 

 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day17°C19°C21°C26°C29°C32°C33°C34°C32°C29°C23°C19°C
Night10°C10°C12°C14°C18°C21°C23°C24°C22°C20°C16°C11°C
Precip9mm11mm14mm2mm3mm0mm0mm0mm1mm7mm13mm18mm
Raindays665320101356
Drydays252226272930303129282525
Sun hoursper day6781212121213101087
Wind forcein Bft222222222222
UV-index444667777654

Final Thoughts

Palestine is a remarkable travel destination that may not always be the first choice for tourists, but it’s brimming with hidden treasures. Visitors to Palestine are met with warmth and open arms. People from all walks of life come here for various reasons – some are drawn to the political context, while others are captivated by the rich history and religious sites.

Many come to explore the breathtaking natural landscapes and savor the delicious local cuisine, immersing themselves in a unique culture. For those interested in learning Arabic, Palestine offers a fantastic opportunity, and volunteering options abound. Palestinians are incredibly talented and creative, crafting unique souvenirs that make for perfect gifts. Your time in the West Bank will be filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. We hope your journey to Palestine is everything you’ve dreamed of, and that it inspires you to return to this incredible place.

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