On the outskirts of Tel Aviv lies the beautifully tranquil Yarkon Park (Ganei Yehoshua). What Central Park is to New York, the Yarkon Park is the green lung of Tel Aviv and straddles the Yarkon River in the north of the city.

The large number of trails in the park make it popular with joggers and cyclists alike. Image: Flickr user RonAlmog

Aside from the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the neatly groomed lawns abutting the calm river, the Park also has some interesting features.

In the eastern part of the park lie the Rock Garden and the Tropical Garden. The Rock Garden, one of the largest of its kind in the world, gives ample expression to Israel’s geological diversity. Poetic descriptions term the interesting rocks on display in ways such as “a gift from the sea” and “a message from the depths.” Wandering the trails in the 10-acre enclosure you’ll find the rocks interspersed with some 3,500 species of plants, including over six acres of cacti, many of them beautifully flowering. One trail leads to a scenic view of the Yarkon Park’s lake.

Across from the Rock Garden, is the five-acre Tropical Garden where a wooden walkway shaded by towering palm trees takes you too its own tiny lake where swans glide and fish frolic. The rainforest-like micro-climate is the perfect home for the huge variety of orchids and vines you’ll see along the way.

A tranquil break from the bustle of the city. Image: Flickr user EagleXDV

Nearby is a bike-rental center. With the breeze in your hair, take a refreshing ride around the park, or bike over to another of the park’s attractions, Seven Mills, a heritage site that straddles a narrow point of the Yarkon, where historic flour mills that ran on the stream’s power have been restored, and ducks and other water-loving birds abound. On the way, you’ll pass the lakeside paddle-boat rental station.

Ganei Yehoshua is also home to one of Israel’s largest water parks (complete with water slides, a wave pool and a toddlers’ pool), a bird sanctuary and petting zoo.

The Park is also home to Israel's National Rowing Center. Image: Flickr user RonAlmog

If you’re ready to for an active break from the city’s famous galleries and museums and to work off a few calories after eating and drinking well at Tel Aviv’s famous restaurants (and if there are youngsters who have been promised a chance to let off steam), start your Yarkon Park experience at the western part of the park at Sportec, an outdoor center with a 45-foot high climbing wall, whimsically known as “Olympus,” basketball and rollerblading courts (rollerblades and balls are for rent) and trampolines.

For more information, and for opening hours of the attractions, its best to call the park on 03-6422828 or 03-6990307 or visit www.park.co.il.