Nature of Israel - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Israel is located on the border of two parts of the world and belongs to the Middle East region. The western coast of the country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Jordan River flows at the eastern borders and the majestic Dead Sea lies on the Syrian-African fault. The southern shore of Israel is washed by the Red Sea. Despite the Country’s small size, it is distinguished by its natural diversity. Israel’s territory can be divided into several regions: the coastal Mediterranean plain, hilly landscapes in the central part, the Negev desert and the Jordan Valley. The country’s climate can be described as subtropical or Mediterranean with mild wet winters and dry sultry summers.
Tourists can enjoy a rich and diverse shopping experience in the small area of ​​Israel. The Israeli authorities appreciate the guests of the …
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Natural uniqueness defines a huge number of natural attractions that deserve the attention of tourists. One of the most amazing places in Israel is the Dead Sea situated below the level of the World Ocean. It is a huge inner lake fed by the waters of the Jordan River. The reservoir got its modern name from the Crusaders. River waters saturate the Dead Sea with minerals and salt which makes it the most saline and lifeless reservoir on the planet. Today, a tourist infrastructure has been created on the shore of the Dead Sea including hotels, sanatoriums, hospitals and spa centers.
One of the most famous rivers in the world, “the Jordan River” can be found in Israel. It is a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world. Believers tend to take part in the symbolic sacrament of baptism in the place where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in ancient times. The Bible more than once speaks of the Jordan as a wonderful river whose waters parted before Joshua, helping the Israelis to complete a forty-year wandering through the desert. Today, tourists can see the Jordan with their own eyes and plunge into the sacred river waters. The most popular place to visit is the tourist complex “Yardenit” near the source of the river close to Tiberias. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Many colorful festivals and festive events take place in Israel year after year. One of the most important festivities in the country is the Jewish …
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Arriving in Israel, one cannot but visit the unearthly desert Negev, nicknamed “blooming”. Once a year, there comes the time of flowering of numerous plants, turning this stern place into a colorful carpet and filling it with fragrance. In the desert you will find ancient earth craters “mahtesh”, formed as a result of erosion of internal rocks. A few years ago, a water pipe was laid here which allowed the cultivation of the fertile lands of the northern part of the desert. This led to the emergence of settlements and agrarian communes –“moshav” and “kibbutzim”. Yatir, a large afforestation was created in the desert where many tourist routes are situated. The excavations of ancient settlements are of interest.
Lake Tiberias or Lake Kinerit is also popular among tourists. According to legend, Jesus Christ preached, resurrected the dead and treated the sick on its shores two thousand years ago. The water of this lake has shown a miracle of His walking on the water. There is a nature reserve Hamat-Gader with thermal springs at the lake. During excavations, the ruins of Roman baths were found within its territory. It also has a large crocodile nursery. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Israel is the grottoes of Rosh Ha Nikra, which formerly served as the starting point for trade caravans in Egypt. Depending on the time of day, the grottoes change their color from silvery to aquamarine. Tourists can take advantage of the convenient paths to go through the grottoes and admire the picturesque views of the Mediterranean coast.
These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher. …
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In Haifa at the slope of Mount Carmel are situated the Baha’i Gardens. Created in the middle of the 20th century, today there are nineteen rounded terraces branching off from the Baha’i Temple. The terraces are decorated in Persian style. Their perfect alleys, emerald lawns and exquisitely trimmed shrubs cannot but create delight. You will find more than four hundred varieties of strange plants in the gardens, each of which has a sacred meaning. Garden of Gethsemane is one of the religious and cultural shrines of Israel. Today, only a modest plot remains of it. Before now it occupied an extensive valley. The modern garden adjoins the tomb of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, it was in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus Christ spent the last hours before His crucifixion. Presently, ancient olive trees which are over hundreds of years old grow here.
There is also the “Caesarea National Park” – the center of the ancient city of Caesarea which disappeared under the water several centuries ago. Even today, part of its territory is under water. An ancient amphitheater, a hippodrome and a port have been preserved in the park. Its colossal walls are surrounded by exquisite galleries, shops and restaurants. On the way to the public beach you can see the ancient aqueduct with an intriguing “bird’s mosaic”. You will also find a lot of art galleries in “Caesarea”. In the harbor, you can find an archaeological exhibition representing a thousand-year-old Sarcophagus made of stone, on the lid of which the head of the mythical gorgon Medusa is carved.
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Reference information
Map of all parks
National and city parks of Israel
♥   National Park 'Aqwa Bella' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Bet Guvrin' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Eshkol' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Eshqol' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Gan Hashlosha' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Hamat teverya' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Har tavor' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Hare Yehuda' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Hazor' . On the map   Photos
♥   National Park 'Hof Palmahim' . On the map   Photos
Famous places and sights of Israel

Caesarea Theater

From the series “Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational”
In Israel, an operating amphitheater is situated in the city of Caesarea. The history of the ancient city is not simple. For hundreds of years it has repeatedly been destroyed by conquerors. The sea hasn’t spared the city either. Part of its territory was completely flooded. The main witness of a number of important historical events was an ancient Roman amphitheater, which archaeologists managed to discover in the 20s of the last century.

After the completion of archaeological works and a complete reconstruction, the amphitheater has been used again. Today, performances and music concerts, as well as other important public events are held here. The amphitheater is relatively small and can accommodate only 4000 spectators. But this fact does not diminish its great historical … Read all

Salt cave Kolonel

From the series “Fantastic and Colorful Caves Inside the Earth”
Another natural miracle is to be found in Israel, on the southern coast of the Dead Sea. Here is the only salt mountain in the world, the Colonel, as well as a cave of the same name, which attracts not only researchers but also ordinary tourists. The cave is fabulously beautiful. When only the beam of a lantern touch its walls, they begin to sparkle like scattering of precious stones. The structure of the salt cave is quite complicated, behind every steep turn incredible surprises await its guests.

The finest threads of snow-white stalactites, snow-covered galleries, amazing crystals and snow-white walls strewn with large crystals of salt. All this looks fantastic and is being surprisingly transformed when any attempt to illuminate the cave. Throughout the year, the cave maintains a … Read all
All unique sightseeing Israel
 

Cultural sights in regions of Israel

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