Israel National Parks and Nature Reserves – Best, Map, Matmon
National Parks and Nature Reserves guide includes a complete list, top ten, map, tickets (Israel Pass, Matmon, combo), and campsites.
Map of National Parks in Israel
Israeli Nature and Parks Authority provided the maps that appear in this post.
Here are the Hebrew and English maps:
Note: you can click on the maps to enlarge them.
The total number is 69 (I saw several versions of these maps, with 63, 66, and 69 sites, but I guess the bigger the number, the newer the plan). The map shows that most of the national parks and nature reserves are in northern Israel, and there are also many in Jerusalem and its surroundings.
You can find an interactive map on the Israel Nature and Parks Authority site.
Furthermore, you can use this map with the locations of all posts.
List of National Parks and Nature Reserves in Israel
Here are three lists divided by region. Also, I added the “Size” column. The size denotes how big the national park or the nature reserve is and how much time most people spend there. But remember that these are rough average estimates, and you can either do a one-hour highlights tour or dedicate a whole day to cover the same site. So here is the division:
- Small – most people spend 1 – 2 hours there.
- Medium – people typically spend 2 -4 hours there.
- Large – anywhere from 3 hours to a full day.
In some places, I also wrote combinations of those categories. A mixture is a union of the range – for example, Small – Medium means 1 – 4 hours. Also, you will see an asterisk (*) in some places. The asterisk indicates that the duration of your visit depends on the selected routes, places you decide to visit, and activities you attend.
Northern Region
| # | Description | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nimrod Fortress National Park is the most significant Crusade-era castle in Israel. The entire fortress complex is 420 meters long and 150 meters wide. | Medium |
| 2 | Tel Dan Nature Reserve is located in northern Israel, not far from Kiryat Shmona. This nature reserve offers water, greenery, and archaeological findings. | Medium – Large (*) |
| 3 | Snir Stream Nature Reserve (Hasbani) is located in Upper Galilee. It offers a variety of nature hikes, including water trails, making it the perfect place for hot summer days. | Medium |
| 4 | Horshat Tal National Park is near Kibbutz HaGoshrim. It is both a resort (with camping and a pool) and a nature reserve (oak tree grove and Mesopotamian fallow deer). | Medium (*) |
| 5 | At Hula Nature Reserve, an accessible trail leads you through nature. Using the path and floating bridge, you will see the lake, birds, and other animals. But if you are there, you should know there are two places. Agamon Hula and Hula Nature Reserve are located in Hula Valley, with only several kilometers separating them. Сheck out Agamon Hula versus Hula Nature Reserve – Which one is Better? to compare the two places. | Small – Large (*) |
| 6 | Ayun Stream Nature Reserve offers an excellent trail with plenty of water, four waterfalls, and nature. | Medium |
| 7 | Beit Shearim National Park is located near Kiryat Tiv’on (about 20km from Haifa). It is an archaeological site of an ancient Jewish town and a world-famous Jewish cemetery of the Mishnaic era. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 8 | Tel Hazor National Park is located next to Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar, between Rosh Pina and Metula. And it is the Largest Tel in Israel. | Medium |
| 9 | Achziv National Park and Rosh HaNikra Grottoes are located north of Nahariya, next to the border with Lebanon. Rosh HaNikra Grottoes is a white chalk cliff face that opens into spectacular grottoes. Nearby, Achziv Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Israel. | Small – Medium |
| 10 | At Yehiam Fortress National Park, you can find ruins of a massive and mighty fortress, combining buildings from the Crusader and Ottoman periods. The fort also tells the heroic story of the defenders of Yehi’am during the War of Independence. | Small – Medium |
| 11 | Baram National Park | Small |
| 12 | Hai-Bar Carmel National Park is located on top of Carmel Mountain inside Carmel Nature Reserve. Israel Nature and Parks Authority has always advertised it as a place to see eagles and deer. | Medium – Large (*) |
| 13 | Korazim National Park is located several kilometers north of the Sea of Galilee and about 300 meters above the lake’s level. | Small |
| 14 | Capernaum is also called The Town Of Jesus, and the word itself stands for two words: “Kfar Nahum”, which means “Nahum’s Village”. | Small |
| 15 | Betiha Nature Reserve – The Majrase offers a short and enjoyable trail next to the Sea of Galilee that suits perfectly for hot days. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 16 | Yehudia Nature Reserve – Meshushim Stream | Medium – Large (*) |
| 17 | Gamla Nature Reserve is located in central Golan Heights, and despite its distance from any major cities, it is a popular site. I guess this is because Gamla can fit the interests of many people. Gamla Nature Reserve combines nature, landscape, and historical remains. | Medium – Large (*) |
| 18 | Kursi National Park contains the impressive remains of a monastery and church from the Byzantine period. According to Christian tradition, it is the site of the Miracle of the Swine mentioned in the New Testament. | Small |
| 19 | Hamat Tiberias National Park displays hot springs and rich history, including a stunning zodiac mosaic in the ancient synagogue. | Small |
| 20 | Arbel Nature Reserve And National Park is located on Mount Arbel near Tiberias. And it offers both stunning views and a glimpse of history. | Medium (*) |
| 21 | Ein Afek Nature Reserve is located east of Kiryat Bialik, and it is a popular site among locals. We also attended Bird Ringing at Ein Afek Nature Reserve. | Small – Medium |
| 22 | Tzipori National Park is located in Lower Galilee, west of Nazareth. This National Park has many remains of the ancient city of Tzipori, including many beautiful mosaics and an old water system. | Medium |
| 23 | Hai-Bar Carmel National Park is located on top of Carmel Mountain inside Carmel Nature Reserve. Israel Nature and Parks Authority has always advertised it as a place to see eagles and deer. | Small – Medium |
| 24 | Mount Carmel National Park offers many different trails. And “The Spring is here or Hiking the Carmel Mountains” is one of them. | Medium (*) |
| 25 | Nahal Mearot Nature Reserve is located at Hof Hacarmel, not far from Haifa. Due to the importance of its archeological findings, it is a world heritage site. | Medium (*) |
| 26 | You probably heard the word “Armageddon.” Ancient people said that the battle of the End of Days would be Megiddo. Due to its importance, Megiddo was conquered 25 times! In this post, you can find additional information on my last visit to Tel Megiddo National Park. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 27 | Dor HaBonim Beach Nature Reserve | Small – Medium (*) |
| 28 | Bet Alfa Synagogue National Park is located in a kibbutz with the same name, not far from Bet Shean. It has one of the best-preserved and most beautiful mosaics in Israel. | Small – Medium |
| 29 | Beit Shean National Park is probably the best-preserved ancient Roman city in Israel. | Small – Medium |
| 30 | Harod Spring National Park near Mount Gilboa is perfect for families with small kids. It has pools, barbecue places, a campground, and more. | Small – Large |
| 31 | Bet Alfa Synagogue National Park is located in a kibbutz with the same name, not far from Bet Shean. It has one of the best-preserved and most beautiful mosaics in Israel. | Small |
| 32 | Gan HaShlosha National Park, also known as Sahne, is famous for its hot spring water pools that maintain a steady temperature of 28°C. | Small – Large (*) |
| 33 | Beit Shean National Park is probably the best-preserved ancient Roman city in Israel. | Medium (*) |
| 34 | Taninim Stream Nature Reserve presents the Roman dams and aqueducts that watered Caesarea. Moreover, there is plenty of wildlife and other points of interest. | Small |
Central Israel
| # | Description | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Caesarea National Park is located next to a city under the name. The name comes from the word “Caesar.” It was built by Herod the Great about 25-13 BCE. | Medium |
| 36 | Beit Yanai Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Israel. I like it because it is a versatile beach. There are different things you can see and photograph. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 37 | Sebastia National Park | Small |
| 38 | Apollonia National Park, also known as Arsuf, is located North of Herzliya on the seashore. It was an ancient city and fortress. | Small |
| 39 | Avshalom Cave Nature Reserve, also known as Soreq Cave or Stalactites Cave, is a 5,000-square-meter cave not far from Beit Shemesh. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 40 | You can find a fortress, trails, and many other things at Migdal Tsedek (Migdal Afek) national park by Rosh Haayin. In 2021, after restoration, Migdal Tsedek was reopened. | |
| 41 | En Prat Nature Reserve | Small – Medium (*) |
| 42 | Martyrius Monastery | Small |
| 43 | Euthymius Monastery | Small |
| 44 | The Inn of the Good Samaritan Jerusalem Walls | Small |
| 45 | Castel National Heritage Site is a memorial located 8 km west of Jerusalem on a hill. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 46 | Ein Hemed National Park lies in the Nahal Kesalon riverbed. There are springs in the park, and a 12th-century Crusader castle remains. And its Latin name is Aqua Bella. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 47 | Avshalom Cave Nature Reserve, also known as Soreq Cave or Stalactites Cave, is a 5,000-square meters cave not far from Beit Shemesh. | Small |
Southern Region
| # | Description | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | Ashkelon National Park offers various excellent activities. You can go to the beach, picnic, and visit the archeological parts. Or even build a tent and stay for a night. It is one of Israel’s most popular national parks for all these reasons. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 49 | Beit Guvrin National Park is near Kiryat Gat and belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. | Medium – Large (*) |
| 50 | Qumran Park | Small – Medium |
| 51 | Enot Tsukim Nature Reserve | Small – Medium |
| 52 | Herodium (Herodion) National Park is a truncated cone-shaped hill 12 kilometers south of Jerusalem. | Small – Medium |
| 53 | Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is the largest Oasis in Israel. Thus it has attracted people starting from ancient times. Moreover, it draws wildlife as well. Therefore, the combination of history, archeology, wildlife, and nature makes Gedi Nature Reserve Park one of the most popular attractions in the Dead Sea area. | Medium – Large (*) |
| 54 | Ein Gedi Antiquities National Park shows an ancient synagogue with beautiful mosaics. | Small |
| 55 | Masada National Park is one of the most significant sites in Israel. It offers excellent views, important archeological remains, and a great story. | Medium – Large (*) |
| 56 | Tel Arad National Park is located in the South of Israel, northwest of the modern city of Arad. | Small – Medium |
| 57 | HaBsor National Park (Eshkol Park) in Western Negev is situated near Besor Stream and is good for recreational activities. | Small – Medium |
| 58 | Eshkol National Park, also known as HaBsor National Park in Northern Negev, is one of the leading attractions during the Darom Adom festival. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 59 | Beit Guvrin National Park is near Kiryat Gat and belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 60 | In Shivta National Park, you can see the remains of an ancient Nabatean city. Amazingly, this Byzantine city existed in the Negev desert without any natural water source. | Small |
| 61 | Ben-Gurion’s Tomb National Park is a small national park with gardens in the Negev desert overlooking Tsin Canyon and Ein Avdat. | Small |
| 62 | Ein Avdat National Park is located to the south of Sde Boker. In Hebrew, Ein means spring and offers a stunning hike in the Negev desert. | Small – Medium (*) |
| 63 | Avdat National Park has quite impressive remains of a Nabatean settlement. And it also was station number 62 on the Incense Route. | Small – Medium |
| 64 | Makhtesh Ramon Visitors Center and Bio Ramon are found at the Mitzpe Ramon settlement. And they are mainly dedicated to Ramon Crater, a fascinating geological feature in the Negev desert. | Small – Medium |
| 65 | Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve in southern Arava Valley was established to foster the breeding of animals mentioned in the Bible and other endangered desert animals. | Medium |
| 66 | Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a natural wonder. One of the best ways to see it is by visiting the Underwater Observatory Marine Park. | Medium – Large (*) |
Note: Parks with a short description are the ones I visited and covered in this blog. Parks and reserves that do not have a brief description next to them are the ones I have not visited in recent years. Thus, I have not yet written about them (and the link points to the official site).
Best National Parks and Nature Reserves
Before I get on to the list, I should mention several points. First of all, this is a subjective list. It is based mainly on my preferences and those I traveled with. I asked myself: “If I had a limited amount of time, which ones would I visit?”. Secondly, I have visited most of the 66 parks and reserves (around 60 out of 66) and have not been to several. And lastly, this is an unordered list. Thus, it does not matter whether something appears at the beginning or the end.
My Favorites
- Nimrod Fortress National Park is Israel’s most significant and impressive Middle Ages castle. Moreover, if you have an opportunity, join the lanterns tour.
Banias Nature Reserve is one of the most famous. It offers four different trails of varying lengths and is suitable for people who love nature, especially water and archeology.
If you are looking for a place to visit during the bird migration period, I recommend Agamon Hula. If you want to get closer to the birds, take the wagon tour or, even better, join the sunrise tour at Agamon Hula.
Masada National Park offers an exciting glimpse into the history and the revolt. While visiting it, more profound questions will also arise. What would you prefer to be enslaved or not to be? And as reconstruction work continues, there are more things to see on site.
Gamla Nature Reserve can fit the interests of many people. This Nature Reserve combines nature (including bird lovers), landscape, and historical remains.
Beit Shean National Park has probably the best-preserved ancient Roman city in Israel. And it is impressive.
Caesarea National Park is located in central Israel. If Beit Shean is too far for you, visit Caesaria.
Avshalom Cave Nature Reserve, also known as Soreq Cave or Stalactites Cave, is a natural wonder near Beit Shemesh. This visit will not take much time, but it will leave an impact.
Beit Guvrin National Park is one of Israel’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. The caves and on-ground constructions are impressive, especially considering they were made with essential tools.
Mamshit National Park is a Nabatean city in northern Negev. During Shavuot, a Nabatean market is on-site, so this is the best time to visit this site.
Ein Avdat National Park is located in Negev. It offers a stunning route inside the Zin Canyon and along the Zin stream. It is hard to imagine that such beauty can be found in the desert. No wonder Ben Gurion chose it as his burial place.
In Israel Trip Planner, I listed the Most Popular Israeli Attractions. Check it out as well.
If the top ten (well, actually 11) was not enough, here are several bonus places. Additionally, let us know your favorites in the comments below.
Bonus Places
- Rosh HaNikra Grottoes and Akhziv National Park offer beautiful nature in Northern Israel and are suitable for a half-day visit.
- If you love water trails, visit