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!

The Nimrod Fortress is the biggest Crusade-era castle in all of Israel, a mountain-top stronghold spanning back to the 13th century. With views of much of the Golan, the Nimrod Fortress is situated on a peak neighboring Israel’s highest and only snow-capped mountain, Mount Hermon. Below the fortress are the lush Banias forests with the rivers and waterfalls. The ruins of Nimrod Fortress are beautiful and well-preserved, a truly visible snapshot of history.

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.

Sataf located in the the Jerusalem Hills, is famed for its hiking trails and natural beauty, set in one of Israel’s most incredible and powerful landscapes. Pine forests line the hillsides providing a powerful entry to the powerful city of Jerusalem. Just off the road are a large number of amazing places, within breathing distance of the city. These include the village of Abu Ghosh, Israel’s hummus capital, the village of Ein Kerem, famed for its Biblical importance, and a large number of beauty spots of which Sataf is definitely one. With a great walking or hiking trail, amazing views, and a great cafe, its a great place to escape the city and enjoy some shaded beauty.

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.

There are hundreds of archaeological sites to visit in Israel dating from almost every major historical empire. Israel is covered in history and with these, and so many other things to do in Israel choice can make it hard for tourists in Israel to decide which archaeological sites to visit. This list includes the five archaeological sites you should most consider including in your trip to Israel.

Caesarea is a magnificent site, a national park where amazing amazing ancient harbor ruins, beautiful beaches, and impressive modern residences sit side by side. Caesarea is originally an ancient Herodian port city located on Israel’s Mediterranean Coast about half way between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The site recently been restored to create one of Israel’s most attractive and fascinating archaeological sites. The restored Caesarea amphitheater hosts modern-day concerts during the summer months, whilst the Old City has a range of boutiques and restaurants. The new town of Caesarea is a luxurious neighborhood of villas, whose beach, the Caesarea Aquaduct Beach is one of the best beaches in Israel.