The Carmel, Without the Rush

Head up to the Carmel forests near Haifa, where shaded trails wind past streams and lookout points over the coast. Walk part of the Little Switzerland trail, then stop for lunch in one of the Druze villages nearby. Bring another couple along and split into two paces if needed — one duo for the steady climb, one for the slow photo-stops. Insider tip: go late afternoon, when the light turns gold and the day-trip crowds thin out.