Even though Israel is a small country, about 420 km in length and about 115 km across at the widest point, it offers a unique diversity of landscapes and climate characteristics. Israel has a coastline along the Mediterranian Sea, mountains and plains, valleys, fertile land, and desert. Driving from the mountains and waterfalls of the north to the desert and most southern point of Eilat will take you just 9 hours!

There are over 80 national parks in Israel offering a combination of spectacular nature, fascinating history, holy sites, wildlife, and archaeology. As a visitor to Israel, you will be spoilt for choice.

Wondering which are the best national parks to explore? You are in the right place!

This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love!

A few practicalities before we get started!

• During your walk, you will need to drink plenty of water. It is easy to dehydrate while out exploring, especially if you are not used to the Israeli climate. Please make sure you have a reusable water bottle with you.
  Using a reusable water bottle is a cheaper and more sustainable way of traveling compared to buying disposable plastic water bottles. This is the first step to traveling plastic-free, protecting the environment, and doing our part in helping to eliminate plastic pollution.

  If you are looking for a fun traveled-themed water bottle this is it!

  And the best thing? It is on sale!

• Have the right day backpack! To make sure you enjoy your experience you need to be comfortable as well as prepared for the trail you have chosen. You will need a day pack. Think about a backpack that is the right size for you, that is lightweight, has a suspension system, and comfortable padding to ensure your back and shoulders don't hurt.

• PRO TIPS!
  Many of the National Parks in Israel include water trails and natural pools you can take a dip in. Have a lightweight travel towel with you for a quick dry.

• Wear waterproof sneakers/walking shoes.
  During a couple of my hikes in National Parks halfway through or walk, we encountered mud for example or a stream we didn't know about in advance. We walked in the water wearing our regular shoes making it very uncomfortable later on.

There are great and affordable options out there today for backpacks and walking shoes. You can have good travel gear with you for fair prices and without having to compromise on quality!

More about hiking in Israel in this mini-guide

13 X best National Parks in Israel

Northern Israel

Tel-Dan Nature Reserve: This nature park is in northern Israel and is rich in water shadowed by trees and grooves; the Dan River stemming from the larger Jordan River combined with smaller brooks flows throughout making it ideal to chill and have fun in during the hot days of summer. Rainwater and snow from Mount Hermon flow down here as well so after a wet winter, it's a beautiful sight indeed! There are three unique hiking trails and wadding pools to explore.

The Hula Nature Reserve: This unique park is of worldwide importance for waterbirds and is an important wet habitat in the Middle East. At the heart of the park, you have a beautifully restored lake. Birdwatchers can enjoy waterbirds from the floating bridge. At the edge of the lake, there's a marsh area that serves as a hiding place for a range of animals.

Another attraction here is the three-story observation tower along the walking trail. Wildlife you can spot here is water buffalos and deer.

Horshat Tal: This is one of my favorite parks up north! There are so many activities and fun to be had here! The park stretches over 700 acres of beautiful nature for outdoor recreation; with open grass and trees to enjoy a picnic on, a large lake to swim in originating from the Dan Stream and marvelous views.

Rosh Hanikra National Park Located at the most north-western corner of Israel it is the only point in the country where the sea meets the mountains and as a result, you’ll find dramatic cliffs and the grottos which are marine caves, a unique natural phenomenon to this area. Stunning views await you! 

If you would like to join a group as well as take advantage of a guide joining you, this is a day trip combining three locations: Caeserea, Rosh Hanikra and Akko

This company offers good value for money and professional guides.

Yehudiya Nature Park This park is at the heart of the rocky Golan Heights, follow the footpath and you reach a deep canyon, streams, ravines, and waterfalls filling deep pools you can swim in, surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Montfort National Park The Monfort is a ruined Crusader castle found in the Upper Galilee region dating back to the 13th century. It is situated over the Kziv River making this site a great combination of history, flowing water, animals, and woodland views.

Central Israel

Caesarea National Park This is truly one of the best historical and archeological sites in the country! It is an amazing testament to Roman times. Some of the highlights here include a pretty port, an old city, an ever-growing archaeological park, an Hippodrome, a small beach area, and a seafront promenade filled with galleries and restaurants.

Mount Carmel National Park This is Israel's largest national park in the area of Haifa covering most of the Carmel mountain range containing hectares of pine, eucalyptus, and cypress forest. Here you'll find many hiking trails, camping areas, and additional attractions.

Bet She'an National Park This park situated in the valley of Bet She'an showcases the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman/Byzantine city of Bet She’an. Some of the star attractions are a street paved with basalt stone slabs, remains of columns, and several impressive buildings. Tyche mosaic shows the figure of Tyche, goddess of the city’s fortune. TIP: I highly recommend not visiting during July-August, these are the hottest months of the year and as this is a valley, the dry hit is not for the faint-hearted.

No visit to Israel is complete without Jeruselam ~ Grab your mini-guide

Accommodation recommendations!

Are you ready to plan/book your trip to Israel? Here are some recommended hotels I think you'll love!
Tel Aviv

Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv

Brown TLV Urban Hotel

Jerusalem

King David

Waldorf Astoria

Mitzpe Ramon

Beresheet Hotel By Isrotel

Eilat

Dan Eilat

Royal Beach

Herods

Southern Israel

The Visitors Center in Mizpe Ramon: The entrance of the center is located on the edge of the carter, it offers spectacular scenic views of the Negev desert and the Ramon Crater below which is the world’s largest erosion crater. This unique phenomenon is shaped like a long heart and you have several ways to explore it; hiking trails, driving, cycling, visiting the high viewing balconies, in addition, there’s the science center. This area is a celebration of the geography, geology, flora, and history of the region from prehistoric to modern times.

Masada National Park: This is an iconic landmark in Israel and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, a must-visit in my opinion. This is a mountain complex and an ancient fortress in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. This is an important archaeological as well as historical spot commemorating the tragic events that took place here during Roman rule.

After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D., the survivors fled with their leader, Eleazar to Masada which was also Herod's former palace. This was the last Jewish community consisting of 960 rebels and where they took their last stand against the Romans. The long-lasting siege ended in mass suicide, unfortunately. Masada is a UNESCO world heritage site.

If you are in the area don’t miss a visit to the Dead Sea! Golden tips in this post

You can take a day trip combining a visit to Masada and the Dead Sea so it’s double the fun! After you finish your hike to the top of Masada, go down to the Dead Sea below float and just relax! The views are INCREDIBLE!

Ein Gedi Nature Park: This is a desert oasis west of the Dead Sea where you can enjoy desert views, the shores of the Dead Sea, waterfalls, springs, and wildlife such as the Nubian ibex and rock rabbits.

Timna Park: The horseshoe-shaped Timna Valley in the Negev Desert is a short drive from Israel's most southern point, the city of Eilat, it is rich in copper and equally rich with a fascinating history. The park is in a scenic setting of steep red mountains all around, there are several and some unexpected activities to try here including making your own coins symbolizing the money used in ancient times, a Bedouin tent serving delicious traditional food and coffee, see ancient copper mines, an artificial lake, and Egyptian temple ruins.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social media for more travel tips and inspirational photos! @mytrendytrail

Yours,

Diti