Tourist Israel is Israel’s cool
travel site Independence Day is a great time to get out of the city to celebrate
and enjoy the beautiful country. Israel has hundreds of National Parks, Nature
Reserves, Forests, and other spots for a hike or barbecue, so you can never get
bored.
1. Sataf
Beautifully nestled in the hills just minutes outside
Jerusalem, if you are in Jerusalem and can only spare a few hours on
Independence Day, this could be the place to head.
Its beautiful setting and
great range of walking trails make it perfect for the whole family. From the
parking lot, head off on one of the great range hiking trails and return to the
café or for the all-important barbecue.
Read more about Sataf
here.
2. Caesarea
A firm favorite, Caesarea is one of
Israel’s most iconic national parks. Although it's likely to be very busy on Independence Day, it’ll be worth it.
Walk through the beautifully restored harbor,
built by King Herod over 2,000 years ago, gaze in awe at the incredible amphitheater, and relax at the great restaurants.
The exhibits and interactive
experiences are great for kids. If you don’t want the afternoon to get away,
drive ten minutes north to Zichron Yaakov and walk through the pretty downtown
of one of the first settlements in the Land of Israel.
Read more about
Caesarea
here.
3. Mount Gilboa & Gan Hashlosha
It might be a little further from
the center of the country, but it's certainly worth it. The Mount Gilboa Scenic
Road passes along the Gilboa Ridge with a number of great stop-offs along the
way for hikes and barbecues in magical settings overlooking the Jezreel and Beit
Shean Valleys beneath.
After your hike and lunch, descend and head ten minutes
down the road to Gan Hashlosha, one of the most beautiful parks in the world
(according to Time magazine) and relax beside the beautiful pools while the kids
take a swim.
Read more about Mount Gilboa
here.
4. Masada
The snake path up Masada
on Independence Day is about as idealistic as you could get. Of course, Masada
is one of Israel’s most impressive and important sites.
Its story of Jewish
heroism thousands of years ago makes it an icon in modern Israeli society, and
whether you decide to take the one and a half hour walk up the snake path
at dawn, or to come along later and ride the cable car, it’ll be worth
it.
Read more about Masada
here.
5. Yarkon Park
While most people know the Yarkon
Park for its narrow stretch through northern Tel Aviv, this urban park is
actually a lot bigger and you can walk all day from the estuary of the Yarkon
near the Tel Aviv Port, inland.
Have a barbecue or picnic in the park or head to
one of the great restaurants at the Tel Aviv Port and after lunch take a stroll
down the promenade towards Jaffa or turn left and explore the
beautiful streets of the White City.
Read more about the Yarkon Park and the
walking options it provides
here.
Tourist Israel provides ideas for what to do
in Israel, Israel tours, hotels in Israel, and events. It aims to be a resource
for everyone whether they are planning their first visit to Israel or are a
seasoned resident.