Sataf

Sataf, located in the Jerusalem Hills, is known for its hiking trails and natural beauty. 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, like Abu Ghosh and Ein Karem, near the city. With hiking trails, amazing views, and a cafe, it’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy nature.

Sataf is a ten-minute drive from the outskirts of Jerusalem. Sataf was first settled 6,000 years ago during the Chalcolithic Period. 1,500 years later, the inhabitants began terracing the slopes of the hills to create land used for agriculture. They moved large amounts of the rocks to create small platforms upon which they grew grapes, olives, figs, and pomegranates.

The village, correctly known as Ein Sataf, was originally settled by North African Jews after Israeli independence and was then taken over by an Israeli paratrooper unit. The Jewish National Fund took control of the hillside next to the village about twenty years ago. They manage the pine and cypress forests, terraced the slopes, and began cultivating olives, figs, and pomegranates using ancient methods. They also carved out of the reserve, creating some great walking trails.

Sataf is an incredibly popular spot for hikers, runners, and families looking to enjoy a barbecue.

Hikes at Sataf

There are five hiking trails at Sataf which work in unison to provide visitors with various options or a circular walk starting from the main entrance and car park.

For a circular walk, follow the blue trail, passing through olive groves, a well, and a cave that was once inhabited. You will see the excavations of a Chalcolithic site which has the oldest traces of agriculture in the region. Today, the plots are being used to grow organic vegetables and herbs. As you continue along the hillside, you will pass an ancient olive press and enter a pomegranate orchard. Eventually, you will reach Ein Sataf and Ein Bikura, offering a fascinating glimpse into Jerusalem’s history.

Continue onto the green trail back up the hill. You can take the green trail in the other direction, towards the Soreq Stream, passing beautiful, ancient forests, before arriving back at the start point and the upper car park.

Getting to Sataf

• Turn south from the main road to Jerusalem, Route 1, at the Harel Interchange. From there, head south through Ma’oz Tzion in the direction of Kibbutz Tzuba
• From Jerusalem, you can take Route 395 from Ein Karem

You enter the site from the Sataf Junction, where the roads that come from Mevasseret Tzion, Tzuba, and Ein Kerem intersect.

Visiting Sataf and the Rest of Israel

Sataf is free to enter and is open during daylight hours. There is a fantastic café at the site - a perfect place to relax after your hike. Alternatively, if you prefer, there are benches along the trails for picnics. During weekends and holiday periods, Sataf can become busy - although this is the price of beauty.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Jerusalem, our Best of Jerusalem Day Tour provides a wonderful opportunity to visit the ancient Old City, indulge in mouthwatering flavors at the Machane Yehuda market, and more. Additionally, Israel is home to many other stunning nature spots, such as the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and the Negev Desert, perfect for those looking to connect with nature. To make the most of your visit, book one of our Israel Package Tours, which includes expert guides, comfortable hotels, exciting activities, and seamless transfers. We take care of all the details, while you focus on enjoying all that Israel has to offer.

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