43 off the beaten track places to discover in Israel
Israel is a very small country. It stretches for less than 500 kilometers from north to south and for a maximum of 130 kilometers from west to east. Yet the territory is immense in its historical and natural wealth. There is so much to discover and sometimes by passing only one hill and crossing only one bridge the landscape changes completely.
In this article, we will describe some lesser known places, but which are well worth a visit. These places are sometimes forgotten in the tourist books or in the itineraries too well marked by the travel agencies. They are no less deserving of a visit. Accessibility is sometimes not easy via local transportation and you may lose time to get there by your own means. So don’t hesitate to ask an Israeli tour guide to show you the way and explain the way.
Must-see and secret places in Northern Israel
1. Manara’s cliff
Location : Northern Israel – Upper Galilee – Border with Lebanon.
Nearest cities : Kiryat Shmona (2 km) Safed (30 km south)
Perched at the top of the Galilee, the Manara cliff is home to Israel’s highest cable car, connecting the municipality of Kiryat Shmona to the heights of the Naftali Mountains. This is the place to be for panoramic views of the nearby Lebanese border, the Hula Valley and Mount Hermon. There are many opportunities for extreme outdoor sports activities such as paragliding, carting, tobogganing and sliding down the slope for over a kilometer at 40km/h. Abseiling or zip-lining down the cliff is also possible.
2. Gamla Nature Reserve
Location : Northern Israel – Golan Heights – Border with Syria.
Nearest cities : Moshav Ramot (30 km east) Katzrin (17 km north) Tiberias (32 km west)
The Gamla Nature Reserve is located in northern Israel in the heart of the Golan Heights. The main attraction of the place is the observation of birds of prey. Eagles and vultures have taken up residence here, and you can come and watch their flights at the end of a high path overlooking the Sea of Galilee. You can also come and see the highest waterfall in the country, which drops more than 50 meters into a wide canyon. Mount Gamla had a tragic fate. It was here that at the beginning of the Christian era the Romans besieged a village of Hebrews whose inhabitants were killed and thousands threw themselves off the hill to avoid surrender.
3. Rosh Pina
Location : Northern Israel – Upper Galilee.
Nearest city : Safed (2 km)
In northern Israel, there is a magical town with picturesque cobblestone streets. Founded by a group of religious immigrants and financed by Baron Rothschild in the 1800s, Rosh Pina has become a hidden gem. Up the mountain, the main road leads to the original neighborhood and at the top of the hill is the Nimrod Lookout, which offers a monumental view of the Houla Valley, the Golan Mountains and of course, Mount Hermon and the Druze village, Majdal Shams. The Baron Rothschild Gardens, built at the end of the 19th century and designed by the same creators as the gardens of Versailles, are located nearby and are worth a visit. Another feature of Rosh Pina are the “Zimmers” or “Tsimmers”, peaceful residential rental properties located in the middle of nature and featuring swimming pools and saunas.
4. Mount Tabor
Location : Northern Israel – Lower Galilee.
Nearest cities : Haifa (54 km west) Tiberias (32 km west)
Mount Tabor is a sacred place for Christian pilgrims, because according to the Gospels, it is here that the transfiguration of Christ took place. That is, for a few moments Jesus showed his divine appearance to three of his disciples (Peter, James, and John). A Franciscan monastery was built on top of it on the ruins of a Byzantine church. The visit is worthwhile for non-believers as well, as the climb leads to panoramic views of the entire Jezreel plain below. In spring, the view is even more breathtaking, as the countryside offers all its splendor with thick bands of wild flowers. The climb can be done by car, but hiking on the wooded slopes is the best option.
5. Achziv Beach
Location : Northwest coast of Israel – Galilee.
Nearest cities : Akko (15 km south) Nahariya (5 km west)
Just 15 kilometers north of Akko and close to the town of Nahariya, there is a stretch of beaches protected by cliffs. Around the beautiful coves are seawater pools carved into the rock. Several small islands have been formed in this nature reserve calledThe Islands of Achziv Beach. Companies of seagulls come to live here in summer. It is during this same season that the sea turtles come to lay their eggs.
6. Montfort Castle
Location : Northern Israel – Border with Lebanon.
Nearest city : Nahariya (20 km west)
The fortress of Monfort is a castle that dates back to the late 12th century. It was built by German crusaders on top of a small hill in the Galilee region. It was conquered by Mamluk fighters in 1271 who destroyed it and left it in ruins. Climbing to the top of the cliff the panoramic view is sublime. To reach the site, start from the small village of Hila near the Nahal Kziv stream. Today, the site is a popular starting point for beautiful hikes along the stream.
7. Arbel cliff
Location : Northern Israel – Galilee.
Nearest city : Tiberias (9 km east)
The cliff of Arbel dominates the lake of Tiberias. It is the central point of a natural park rich in flora and fauna. You can visit an ancient fortress and the remains of an impressive troglodytic village from the time of Herod with its ancient synagogue. It was in these caves that the Jews who fought against the Greeks and Romans hid. These places were inhabited by the Druze until the 18th century and are nowadays easily accessible via hiking trails.
8. Caesarea National Park
Location : Northwest coast of Israel.
Nearest cities : Kiryat Shmona (10 km west) Safed (47 km south)
The city of Caesarea is located on the Mediterranean coast halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. It has one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Israel, some of which date back to the time of Herod in the first century BC. A huge amphitheater is used during the summer as a concert venue for a music festival. On the outskirts of the harbor, you can come and have a drink or a meal in the evening while admiring the sunset. Not far away is one of the most beautiful beaches of the country, Caesarea Aqueduct Beach.
9. Banias Falls Park
Location : Northern Israel – Golan Heights – Border with Lebanon.
Nearest city : Kiryat Shmona (14 km west) Nahariya (91 km west)
Halfway between the Houla Valley and the mountainous region of Mount Hermon ; we discover one of the largest waterfalls in Israel (10 meters high). It is a must for all tourists visiting the Golan. There are many possibilities for excursions and it is advisable to stay a few days to better appreciate the region. For those who have only one day, the park of Banias is not to be missed under any pretext. You can get there from the source of the stream or directly from the cliff. A suspended path connects the two places. On your way, you will discover an ancient Roman bridge, an old hot water pool, an old windmill still in activity as well as the ruins of the crusaders’ passage.
10. Rosch Hanikra caves
Location : North-western Israel- Golan Heights – Border with Lebanon.
Nearest city : Nahariya (10 km south)
Rosh Hanikra is a geological formation on the border between Israel and Lebanon in the western Galilee. It is a white chalk cliff that opens into spectacular caves. The caves of Rosh HaNikra are tunnels formed by the action of the sea and the waves that crash into the rocks. A 200 meter long path has been built through the sea caves. On a 60 degree slope, a cable car was built to take visitors from the top of the cliff to the tunnels. The British, wishing to build a road from Haifa to Tripoli, dug a path through the cliffs with a special tunnel for the railway. You can rent bicycles and enjoy a nice ride along beautiful coves with a breathtaking view of the bay and three small islands that are home to a variety of water birds.
11. The Circassian village of Kfar Kama
Location : Northern Israel – Lower Galilee.
Nearest city : Tiberias ( 25 km east)
The origins of the Circassian people come from the Caucasus Mountains, where they lived for thousands of years. In the 19th century, a war with the Russians saw more than a million of them perish and the rest were banished from their country. The neighboring Ottoman Empire welcomed this population and encouraged them to settle on the land it owned. Thus, in the north of Israel, a community of 3,000 Circassians remains in Kfar Kama. A museum has been built in honor of their culture, but the whole village is pleasant to visit, as it preserves in its center the typical streets and houses of its people. Some restaurants still offer typical Caucasian dishes.
12. Mt. Guilboa
Location : Northern Israel – Lower Galilee.
Nearest cities : Afoula (13 km west) Nazareth ( 22 km north)
Located at the northeastern tip of Samaria, Mount Gilboa overlooks the Jordan River and the Jezreel Valley. It rises to 600 meters above sea level. The mountain’s trails or bike paths offer delightful hikes in the heart of nature. The best known is the Gilboa Scenic Road. The 27-kilometer route follows the mountain ridge with several terraces for picnic stops or simply to enjoy the panoramic view.
13. Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication and Capernaum
Location : Northern Israel – Lower Galilee.
Nearest city : Tiberias (13 km south)
Here we are in one of the high places of Christian spirituality. Tabgha, a quiet cove on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, more commonly known as Lake Tiberias.
It was here, according to the gospel, that Christ performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes in front of a hungry crowd. The Benedictine church built in the fourth century was discovered and renovated by archaeologists only a few decades ago. It is decorated with mosaics of bread and fish.
Just three kilometers away is the fishing village of Capernaum (the city of Jesus), which is described in the New Testament several times as the home of Christ and at least five of his disciples. Tourists can visit the newly built St. Peter’s Basilica built on the remains of a 6th century Byzantine church where the ” insula sacra ” the home of St. Peter, was located.
14. The waterfalls of El-Al river
Location : Northern Israel – Golan – East of Lake Tiberias.
Nearest cities : Ramot (23 km west ) Safed (51 km north)
Nahal El Al is a popular nature reserve in the southern part of the Golan Heights. The spring water of the El Al River has carved its way through the rock forming waterfalls at the end of the field known as the “Black Waterfall” and the “White Waterfall”. A hike along the creek is a popular family activity, especially in summer. In many places, the natural pools provide a perfect stop for a refreshing swim. The complete hike from Elliad s about nine kilometers long and takes about 3 to 4 hours.
15. Dor-Habonim Beach
Location : Northern coast of Israel.
Nearest city : Haifa (30 km north)
HaBonim Beach is described by some as the most beautiful beach in Israel. It is located in the heart of a natural park on the Mediterranean coast. The area stretches from Tel Dor in the south to Moshav HaBonim in the north. The wind and the waves have carved coves along the hills. It’s a delight to walk around and discover interesting flora and fauna. A looping path will allow you to return after two hours of walking to the sandy area to go swimming in the crystal clear waters. Here rock piers connect the sea to the shore. There is a campground open from May to September to sleep under the stars and wake up with your feet in the water.
16. Druze village of Beit Jann
Location : Northern Israel – Western Galilee.
Nearest city : Tiberias (36 km south)
The Druze village of Beit Jann is located in the Upper Galilee, perched on Mount Meron at an altitude of nearly 1,000 meters. It retains the appearance and architecture that it has had for hundreds of years. The houses are still made of the same materials and the culture is ardently preserved. The Druze people are a very attractive minority in Israel. Coming to this mainly agricultural village (apples, grapes, cherries) is an excellent way to discover its customs and way of life. The locality has developed this tourist asset with many hotels, guest houses and restaurants.
Must-see and secret places in Central Israel
17. Beit Gurin-Maresha Caves
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest cities : Ashkelon ( 37 km west) Jerusalem ( 53 km north)
Bet Guvrin is an important archaeological site about 60 km south of Jerusalem. The park encompasses the remains of the ancient city of Tel Maresha.
The historic ruins are:
– The spectacular Roman amphitheater which could seat 3,500 people.
– The Church of St. Anne dates back to the Byzantine era and was renovated by the Crusaders in the 1100s.
– Eight hundred bell-shaped caves, some of which are connected by underground tunnels. Many are ancient columbarium (places for breeding pigeons) dating back to 200 BC.
18. Sarona District Tel Aviv
Location : West central Israel.
Nearest city : Tel Aviv.
The Sarona neighborhood is a newly renovated complex that was historically home to a colony of German Christian Templars in the late 19th century. The residential buildings have been tastefully renovated so as not to lose the charm of the past. Today it is a trendy place with the most innovative art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants and bars. A huge culinary market has opened its doors. It has nearly a hundred booths with cooking styles from around the world.
19. Austrian Hospice Jerusalem
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest city : Jerusalem – Via Dolorosa – Muslim quarter of the old city.
The Old City of Jerusalem has many rooftops from which to enjoy breathtaking views, one of the best of which is the Austrian Hospice. This building, which opened in 1863, was first used as a refuge for pilgrims. It later became a convalescent home for soldiers in the First World War and a prison in the Second World War, then a hospital again before becoming a famous youth hostel with a famous restaurant serving its unmissable Viennese coffee and its famous apple strudel. The main attraction lies on the roof where you can admire one of the most magnificent views of the old city of Jerusalem.
20. Montéfiore Mill
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest city : Jerusalem – Yemin Moshe neighborhood.
Built by the English Jewish philanthropist Moses Montefiore, the windmill was supposed to be a beacon for the future of Jerusalem, as it was built outside the old city in 1857. It was only functional for a few years but encouraged the inhabitants to settle in the area. During the war of independence it was a watchtower but the British in an operation rightly called “Operation Don Quixote”. The bombarded. It was only in 2012 that it was fully restored and is now functioning again. Around the building, the charming neighborhood of Mishkenot Shaananim and Yemin Moshe is a real delight with its small alleys and flowery houses.
21. The market of Tira village
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest cities : Kfar Saba (10 km south) Netanya (21 km west)
Located in an Arab village near Kfar Saba, the Tira Souk (market), whose main day is Saturday, hosts a vibrant mix of colors, flavors and scents. With a wide variety of goods, including spices, clothing, jewelry and fresh fruit, there is something to entertain every traveler. The highlights are the food that can be found here at unbeatable prices. Shawarma, falafels or the typical hummus. The products of the bakeries are extremely tasty, especially at the Abu Hassan bakery near the main square. The smell of the market will make your mouth water and encourage you to try these traditional foods.
22. The Qumran Caves
Location : East central Israel.
Nearest city : Jerusalem (50 km west)
The site of Qumran is located about 20 kilometers south of Jericho on the Dead Sea in a completely remote area where the members of the sect of Judaism, the Essenes, lived from the second century BC until its destruction by the Romans around the year 70. It is undoubtedly in this sect that Jesus Christ took refuge. The place has remained in very good condition and it is only around 1955 that archaeologists began excavations that revealed intestinal treasures including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls in the caves of the nearby mountains.
The ancient city can be visited with its excavated buildings that once contained meeting rooms, dining rooms, a watchtower, a pottery workshop and stables. The site also has many ritual purification basins.
23. HaYarkon Park
Location : West central Israel.
Nearest city : Tel Aviv.
HaYarkon Park is a vast expanse of gardens that extends to the gates of Tel Aviv at the junction with Ramat Gan. The park is considered the green lung of the “city that never sleeps”. Millions of visitors come here every year to enjoy its vast lawns, sports facilities, aviary, water park and botanical gardens. You can take a boat ride along the Yarkon river that runs through it. Coming here to have a good time with family and friends is a good way to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Tel Aviv.
24. Wadi Qelt Oasis
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest city : Jerusalem (20 km west)
Less than an hour’s drive from the center of Jerusalem lies a natural gem in the heart of the Ein Prat Nature Park, in the silence of the Judean Desert. Only the gentle sound of the Wadi Qelt stream rushing down the slope to the rocky canyon can be heard. All along, the vegetation contrasts with the extreme aridity of the place. Ancient aqueduct remains are still present, they used to carry precious water to Jericho. Two ancient monasteries were built in the area. The one of St. George dates from the 5th century, but the one of Chariton located at the top of the canyon would be much older. There are many paths in the area. The one of Nahal Prat allows circuits that can go from a few hours to a day’s walk, not forgetting to go and refresh yourself in the numerous natural pools present in the Wadi.
25. Ramla arches pool
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest cities : Jerusalem (45 km east) Tel Aviv (22 km northwest)
On the road from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, Ramla is the only city built entirely by Arabs. It was built in the year 716 by the Umayyad Caliph Sulayman. The city contains a treasure trove for a most unusual exploration. By descending old stairs, one reaches a huge underground reservoir of 1200 years. It is on board of boats that you will furrow the places by rowing quietly. The observation of the 15 massive pillars which support the building going up to the arches. This ingenious construction has survived despite the many earthquakes that have occurred in the region.
26. Caves Avshalom
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest cities : Bet Shemesh (9 km north) Jerusalem (29 km east)
Located near Jerusalem, the Soreq caves, called Avshalom in Hebrew, are a treasure that is hundreds of millennia old. The water has sculpted spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in its cavities. Some of them are connected to form magnificent stone pillars. It was in 1968 that workers working on earthworks in the Judean hills discovered the site. But the cave was not opened to the public until seven years later. And now tourists can come and visit one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Israel. All of this is enhanced by the clever arrangement of lights that make the caves even more enchanting.
27. Meah Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest city : West Jerusalem
In the center of West Jerusalem, is concentrated the ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Jerusalem (the Haredim). One can visit it and make sure to respect the way of life of the people who live there. Many posters are there to remind us how “it is appropriate to behave”. Here you will find a community dressed as their Eastern European ancestors were. Yiddish is more commonly spoken here than Hebrew. Time seems to have stopped and it is even more obvious on Saturdays (Sabbath) when one has the impression of being in the old Shtetl (these small villages populated only by religious Jews of old Europe). The streets are closed to motorized traffic and visitors are asked to refrain from taking pictures or using cell phones.
28. Ein Kerem district in Jerusalem
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest city : Jerusalem.
Ein Kerem is a beautiful and quiet neighborhood in the west of Jerusalem. A sort of village in the city, it is surrounded by beautiful groves far from the busy center of the capital. All the architecture of the houses is harmonious and built with local limestone. You can walk along the small paved streets. You will hear the chimes of the many churches built in this place where John the Baptist was born. Today it is a very trendy and fashionable place appreciated by artists who have opened several studios. The houses are often covered with foliage and the courtyards with green gardens and colorful flowers. You can come in the evening to listen to music or dine in the many restaurants serving local cuisine.
29 Sataf Forest
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest city : Jerusalem.
On the western outskirts of Jerusalem near the town of Har Eitan, discover an ideal place for family outings. The Sataf forest offers a multitude of trails where you will discover new things along the way. The main and most accessible trail is an eight-kilometer loop that is perfectly laid out and can be walked even by the disabled. There are other trails for different levels. You will be able to make multiple discoveries: the water springs of Ein Sataf and Ein Bichora, the secret cave of Ein Hendek , agricultural gardens or the natural pools of Hendek and Tayasim .
30. Mahane Ben Yehuda – The market of a thousand flavors
Location : Central Israel.
Nearest city : Jerusalem.
There is nothing better to feel the soul of a city than to get lost in one of its markets. The Mahane Ben Yehuda of Jerusalem is there to confirm the rule. The market is divided into two main streets. Mahane Yehuda Street is the open-air market with mainly butchers and vegetable vendors, and Etz Chayim Street is the covered market with stalls selling spices, sweets, various items, as well as small cafes and restaurant corners with delicious hummus specialties. Walking around the market is a memorable sensory experience, as there is a lot of energy in the place. The market is closed on Saturdays and is even more crowded on Thursdays and Friday mornings. In the evening, when the blinds of the stalls are down, restaurants and bars open their doors with music and concerts on the program.
31. Nitzanim Natural Reserve
Location : Southwestern coast.
Nearest cities : Ashdod (11 km north) Ashkelon (11 km north)
La réserve naturelle de Nitzanim est une vaste étendue de dunes de sable qui jouxtent la mer. Ces hauts monticules ressemblant aux dunes du Sahara seraient apparu vers l’an 600 quand des vents très forts auraient provoqué d’immenses tsunamis ensevelissant selon les archéologues d’anciennes villes byzantines sous sept mètres du sol. Les dunes étaient bien plus nombreuses autrefois et celles que l’on trouvé entre Ashkelon et Ashdod sont les dernières ; une flore endémique y persiste avec une faune diverse alentours ; nombreux rongeurs, reptiles, renards, lapins, et même des daims. C’est une balade des plus divertissante de marcher pieds nu sur ces grandes collines de sable doré. La plus grande dune mesure 35 mètres et borde le quartier Yod Dalet de la ville d’Ashdod.
Must-see and secret places in southern Israel
32. Negev forests and the Red South Festival
Location : Southern Israel.
Nearest city : Beer Sheva (26 km south)
The Darom Adom (Red South) festival is a festival that takes place every year between mid-January and the end of February in the northern Negev region during the flowering of the anemone. It is mainly the villages that organize events around their agricultural operations (fruit and vegetable pickings, cooking classes, hot air balloon rides).
Beautiful walks are possible through the countryside and the forests of Devira, Be’eri and Shokeda with bicycle paths or just very well laid out hiking trails with a firework display of colors all along.
33. Yerouham Lake
Location : Southern Israel.
Nearest cities : Sde Boker (20 km south) Beer Sheva (36 km south)
Yerouham Park is located in the northern hills of the Negev, almost in the middle of the desert. It is a site where immigrants from Romania, Morocco and India were settled in the late 1950s. There are green groves of different trees including date palms, cypress, eucalyptus, and olive trees. A large artificial lake fed by the Revivim River makes the place attractive. All around the lake, tables have been set up on large green lawns for picnics, a playground and camping sites for overnight stays. You can even come here for boating, fishing and bird watching
34. Hamukei Nitzana
Location : Southern Israel – Negev.
Nearest cities : Beer Sheva (72 km north) Mitzpe Ramon (88 km south) Tlalim (40 km north)
Hamukei Nitzana is a natural park formed by large chalk rocks with curves. Its name means “the curves of a female body” in Hebrew. Its location is a few hundred meters from the border with Egypt. There are no marked paths to walk through the hills that look like a lunar landscape. Remember to protect your eyes with sunglasses, because here, the landscapes are of an intense white that can be blinding. Take the opportunity to reach the Nizzana farm, an experiment in reproducing the agricultural techniques used by the Nabateans.
35. Zin-Ein Akev Park
Location : Southern Israel – Negev.
Nearest cities : Sde Boker (16 km north) Mitzpe Ramon (25 km south)
The hike in the Zin-Ein Akev valley will take you along a path to the Zin River: the largest spring in the Negev. To get there, you have to reach the point of Midreshet Ben-Gurion, which is 8 km from the park entrance. The total distance of the tour will take you one day and 16 km starting from Ein Avdat. You will soon discover the sign for the red trail down the valley to the river. From there, the green trail begins and climbs a small hill. From there, the road is easy and you can cross the small Bedouin farm of Ein Akev and a waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy an oasis, a pond for birds and other animals that come to drink. Continue along the wadi to the ancient city of Avdat.
36. Viewpoint of Mount Zefahot
Location : Far south of Israel.
Nearest city : Eilat (9 km north)
At the southern end of Eilat, is the southernmost path of Israel where you will arrive at the viewpoint of 4 countries: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the Hebrew state. Below you lies the Gulf of Aqaba and its highest point is Mount Zefahot. You can access a network of well-marked trails. Be careful when choosing your hiking schedule, as the heat is sometimes stifling. Choose rather the end of the day to reach Har Zefahot. You will enjoy a splendid sunset.
37. Makhtesh Ramon Crater
Location : Southern Israel.
Nearest cities : Sde Boker (48 km north) Mitzpe Ramon (7 km north)
The Ramon crater in the Negev desert in Israel is a long, heart-shaped erosion cirque 40 km long with a diameter of 2 to 10 km. The entrance to the park is located in Mitzpe Ramon. There you will find all the information about the different possibilities of visits that are proposed to you. From the simple observation of the crater from its summit at the Camel Mountain ookout to a variety of hikes that will immerse you in the discovery of the ecosystem of the place. Tours by mountain bike or even by jeep accompanied by a guide. For those who want to discover over several days. In the heart of the reserve, there is the Bedouin campground of Be’erot .
38. Kibboutz Neot Semadar
Location : Southern Israel.
Nearest cities : Shitim (17 km north) Eilat (62 km south) Mitzpe Ramon (88 km north)
The kibbutz appears like a mirage in this oasis in the middle of the Negev desert on the road from Mitzpe Ramon to Eilat. The main source of income is organic and sustainable agriculture, using recycled water. They produce goat cheese, herbs, olive oil and an organic vineyard. The buildings constructed have a very particular architecture. The center is known for its passive cooling tower. The air entering from above cools the place with a small amount of water spray. There are art workshops that can be visited. Visitors to the community can shop around what the residents produce, but a volunteer system is available for a few weeks.
39. Red Canyon
Location : Far south of Israel.
Nearest city : Eilat (21 km south)
Located only 25 minutes drive north of Eilat, the Red Canyon is one of Israel’s most beautiful and accessible hiking trails. This amazing geological wonder offers a beautiful excursion through natural canyons that are only a few meters wide in places. The magnificence of the colors appears when the sun hits the rock, exploding the lights of red, white and intense yellow on the sandstone reliefs sculpted by the wind. There are two options for a walk.
– The easy, family-friendly green trail goes down to the river and then leads to a second stream.
– The black trail is a little more complicated and starts at the second stream and reaches a large rock that dominates the whole area.
40. Timna Park
Location : Far south of Israel.
Nearest city : Eilat (21 km south)
Leaving the main road in the Negev desert, you branch off to a secondary route that will lead you to a valley surrounded by cliffs and rock formations with amazing shapes. The most famous are the Pillars of King Solomon . Many people come to Timna Park to see what was the center of production of the first copper mines in the world. Thousands of shafts and tunnels were dug to extract the precious metal. We let you imagine the hardness of the work in such an arid region. The region is vast and it is preferable to leave on an organized tour to not miss anything.
41. Archaeological Park of Tel Arad
Location : Southern Israel.
Nearest city : Arad (13 km east) Beer Sheva (40 km east)
Tel Arad is an important archaeological site near the Judean Mountains. Excavations that began in the early 1960s confirmed that the area was an important route between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Testament even mentions it as the site of a battle between the Israelites and the king of Arad. The park is now open to the public to discover the remains of the 4,500 year old Canaanite city, which includes a lower city with a city wall, well laid out streets, private dwellings, a well and an upper hill with a partially reconstructed citadel with double-towered gates. One of the great discoveries that can be observed are the writings on the pottery called ” Arad Ostraca ” which reveals a very high level of literacy for the time. The park has a camping area.
42. Carasso Science Park
Location : Southern Israel.
Nearest city : Beer Sheva.
The Carasso Science Park was opened in 2013 in Beer Sheva. It is an innovative space exhibiting all the latest and advanced research in science and technology in all fields (agriculture, media, energy, art, transportation…). The site includes many restored buildings dating from the Ottoman Empire with no less than 15 interactive exhibitions changing regularly. The philosophy of this park has been to orient itself in an educational way to interest the majority of the communities and especially the youngest, the students and the educators who accompany them. Not to mention the little ones with a playground always oriented to science. The Carasso Science Park has brought to the great Negev city, sometimes forgotten by tourists, a revival of visitors who can stop and appreciate all the assets of the sixth largest Israeli city.
43. Dolphin Reef of Eilat
Location : Southern Israel.
Nearest city : Eilat.
On the shores of the Red Sea at the gates of Eilat, come and live the unique experience of swimming with dolphins. Dolphin Reef Eilat is a magical place that was created some twenty years ago with respect for nature. It is in the heart of a reef with multicolored corals where one comes to observe multiple kinds of fish. Here, everything has been created to live around the dolphins while respecting their original way of life. We are finally their guests and they are never in captivity and can go as they please off the coast. The center has relaxation pools (fresh water, salt water or sulfurous water), a spa, a botanical garden. Diving sessions are organized with instructors. For the atmosphere, you can come to eat or have a drink while listening to music.
