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.

The Yam lYam Hike (Sea to Sea) is one of the most popular hiking trails in Israel literally crossing the country from west to east, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee, crossing some of Israel’s most beautiful scenery in the Western Galilee and Upper Galilee regions. The Sea to Sea hike is walked by thousands of Israelis and tourists every year, and takes between three to five days depending on how fast you walk, along marked scenic trails.

Biking in the Negev in southern Israel is becoming an increasingly popular way for Israelis and tourists alike to explore the beautiful Negev, and satisfy their passions for cycling. Over the past few years, bike trails in the Negev have been developed at an unprecedented rate, making it easy and safe for bikers of all levels of experience to enjoy the varied terrain, magnificent landscapes, and striking peace and tranquility which biking in the desert provides. As well as the trails, supporting services have been developed: bike centers from where bikes can be rented, tours planned, or guides taken, and accommodation along the trails.

The Golan Hiking Trail is a beautiful hiking trail through the Golan Heights. Covering a total of 125km of trails, the hike begins at Mount Hermon, Israel’s tallest mountain, heading down through the hills to the Sea of Galilee, the lowest freshwater lake in the world! The full hike of the Golan Trail takes about a week, although many people come just for a day or a weekend and hike it in sections. The Golan Trail is undoubtedly one of Israel’s most beautiful hiking trails.

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.

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.

Mount Arbel located in Israel’s Lower Galilee region stands sharply and prominently over the Sea of Galilee. Its graceful stature and steep slopes, particularly on the eastern side, provide magical views across the Sea of Galilee and beyond, to the Golan Heights, and Israel’s tallest peak at Mount Hermon. Designated as Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve, the mountain has beautiful observations, hiking trails, archaeology and Biblical history, and is the only place approved for base jumping in Israel.

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.

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.