Extreme sports in Israel are ever popular and wide ranging, and from sea to land, high to low, and even beneath ground, almost every extreme sport conceivable is possible in Israel. With its varied geography and good year-round climate, Israel is well suited for many sports: watersports are immensely popular on the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Sea of Galilee coastlines, caving, canyoning, and the like, take advantage of the rocky Negev Desert, especially in the Dead Sea area, as well as the Galilee and Judean Hills, whilst you can also ski, paraglide, snowboard, sandboard, kayak, dive, climb, mountain bike, ATV, and even more.

Biking in Israel is a great way to see the country. Israel has a comprehensive selection of bike trails across the country, including extensive off road trails covering large areas of the country. A National Cycle Trail set to run from Metulla in the north to Eilat in the south is currently under construction, however elements are open, as are many other official trails which have been created by other organisations and individuals who love the sport.

The Ben Shemen Forest, located about mid-way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is home to a 32 kilometer single track mountain biking trail, one of the longest trails in the whole of Israel. The trail, which opened in late 2011, which is split into two parts, the Herzl and Anava trails, passes through the western part of the Ben Shemen Forest and continues up to Modi’in Forest across largely flat terrain. As well as the sheer beauty of the forest, along the way are historic and archaeological sites, as well as beautiful lookout spots.

With the help of our friends at The Kotel, people around the world are able to send their prayers to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Now, as well as taking prayers through Twitter and via Tourist Israel, you can send their own short prayer to Jerusalem with a free Android or iPhone app. All prayers are printed and carefully placed within the cracks of the Western Wall as in this custom.

The Banias Nature Reserve and iconic Banias Waterfall located within it provide some of Israel’s most beautifully tranquil spots. In the Golan, the Banias is a spring which rises from the base of Mount Hermon, Israel’s tallest mountain, flowing for about 3.5km through a gorge, eventually coming to the impressive waterfall, the largest in Israel. The park also incorporates Caesarea Philippi, Dan, a historic city mentioned in the New Testament featuring ruins, including those of a Herodian temple.

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.

The Gospel Trail is a new hiking trail through the Galilee, the land of Jesus, designed to follow the paths that Jesus took when he left Nazareth, his childhood home for Capernaum, which became the center of his ministry. The trail, which opened in 2011, is of interest to pilgrims, as well as hikers, walkers, bikers, and even drivers who can all access much of the trail, and can soak in the well marked route and beautiful scenery. The Gospel Trail is 62 km in total, starting at Mount Precipice near Nazareth and ending at Capernaum (Kfar Nahum) at the Sea of Galilee.

A jeep tour in Israel is one of the most amazing and unique ways to experience this amazing land. Taking a safari in Israel in the depths of the Negev or Judean Deserts, beyond where normal cars can go, or in the green hills of the Galilee, is an experience that will remain with you forever. With such a mass of trails only accessible to jeeps, and professional and well equipped guides waiting to take you, make sure you don’t miss the experience to take a jeep tour in Israel.

Mount Gilboa, located in the Lower Galilee region, south of the Sea of Galilee is one of Israel’s most beautiful spots. Whilst spring saturates the mountains in pretty wildflowers, no matter what the season, Gilboa is a stunning, tranquil area to explore, offering a break from the intense summer heat with a cool breeze. The Gilboa Scenic Road is your access point into this array of hikes, viewpoints, picnic sites, bike paths, and stunning outlooks, and is a great path to follow when exploring the area.

The JerusaLAND backpack trek is a new hiking experience providing tourists and Israelis alike with a unique, intimate introduction to the land, through “pilgrim like” walks to Jerusalem. JerusaLAND is a unique 3 day, 2 night trek, from Tel Azeka on the slopes of the Judean Hills to Jerusalem, about 60km of moderate hiking away. JerusaLAND provides a unique and special entrance to the city of Jerusalem understanding the history, context and surroundings on the way. The trek is fully guided and organized for participants who come from a range of backgrounds.