The Hamat Gader resort is one of the most unique places in the north of Israel. Tucked away under the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) and eastward of the Jordan River, Hamat Gader featured a ton of unique attractions for all ages. The main attraction is obviously the thermal springs which have been exploited by mankind since the Romans, some 2,000 years ago. But there is more, Hamat Gader also hosts the only crocodile farm in all of the Middle East.

The Banias Nature Reserve contains an abundance of natural and historical beauty, from the ruins of ancient cities to the roaring Banias Waterfall – the biggest waterfall in Israel. Found in the Upper Golan between the fertile Hula Valley and the Mount Hermon mountain area, the Banias is a favorite for those visiting the Golan. Hours can be spent at the Banias; walking the trails, exploring the ruins and picnicking in the lush green woodlands.

Gan Hashlosha, otherwise known as the Sachne, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Israel. Located in the Lower Galilee, some believe that Gan Hashlosha is the real-world location of the garden of Eden, and, once you visit, you might understand why. The main highlight of Gan Hashlosha are its beautiful pools shaded by lush palm trees and surrounded by green lawns, which are constantly 28 degrees celcius year-round. The park also has an archaeology museum and tower and stockade, and is popular with visitors who come to spend a day swimming and relaxing, or to explore the history and admire the beauty it has to offer.

The Sa’ar Falls are both amazingly picturesque and easily accessible. Found just off Road 99, some four kilometers from the Nimrod Fortress, the waterfalls are best visited in the winter or spring when the water and snow from Mount Hermon are still making their descent to the Sea of Galilee. In the summer and autumn, the falls are reduced to a mere puddle so be sure to time your trip right!

Ein Avdat is undoubtedly one of Israel’s most striking and beautiful sites. Set within the incredible landscape of the Zin Valley in the center of Israel’s Negev Desert, Ein Avdat National Park offers spectacular panoramas and enchanted hikes through the incredible desert scenery. The spectacular canyon is the result of power of the waters at Ein Avdat (the Avdat spring). It forms part of the longest wadi in the Negev, the Zin Valley, which stretches over 60km and attracts visitors from across the country.

Ein Gedi, just aside the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert, not too far from Jerusalem, is one of Israel’s premier hiking spots, featuring spectacular beauty, varied landscapes and botanical gardens. There’s no doubt that Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Israel. Not too far from Jerusalem, yet it feels worlds away, Ein Gedi is, of course, one of the most popular escape spots for Israelis who take advantage of the reserve, botanical gardens, and the Dead Sea.

The Ramat Gan Safari Park is the main zoo of the Tel Aviv area and is home to the largest collection of animals in the Middle East. Arranged as a 250 acre African Safari Park, unique in the world as the African animals who live here are able to roam around the park, and visitors are able to have an African safari experience, just minutes from the center of downtown Tel Aviv. There is also a zoo within the park.

Beautiful Mount Carmel stands tall alongside the Mediterranean Coastline of Israel, just to the south of the city of Haifa. In December 2010, the beautiful forests were hit by terrible forest fires. Now, a three hour program allows tourists, as part of their trips to Israel, to reforest the Carmel. Running every Sunday through Thursday, this unique thing to do in Israel is totally free.

There are over forty national parks in Israel ranging from archaeological sites such as Caesarea National Park and Masada to sites of natural beauty such as the Carmel National Park. With so many national parks to visit, which are the ones that a tourist should try to find time in their itinerary to experience? In this article, we will list the ten best national parks in Israel to visit.

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory lies in the heart of Jerusalem, just below the Knesset, the Parliament building. The observatory first opened about twenty years ago, and in January 2010, a visitor center, Israel’s first living building, also opened at the site to enhance the visitor experience and the wonder of this spot of nature where birds and birdwatchers can gather. The site also hosts a research center as well as the observatory and visitor center, and is a great place to visit among the hustle and bustle of modern Jerusalem.