Top Things to do in Southern District
Things to do in Southern District, Southern District: The Best National Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Southern District, Israel including Avdat National Park, Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park, Shivta National Park, HaMal'akhim Shkharya Forest, Ein Avdat National Park, Timna Park, Ashkelon national park, Ada Canion, Nitsanim Dunes Nature Reserve, Eshkol Park.
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1. Avdat National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
In the heart of the desert, on a hilltop above the Tsin Stream watercourse, are the impressive remains of an ancient Nabatean city.
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Unfortunately, due to rain we were unable to explore this UNESCO Heritage Site that we unexpectedly stumbled upon along Highway 40 in the Negev. This ancient city of the Nabateans was located along the Incense Route between 1st Century BCE-7th Century AD, second only in importance to Petra in Jordan. Perched upon a plateau high above the desert, it was the modern metal outlined sculptures of a camel caravan that alerted me to the site. We stopped below for gasoline and a McDonald's hamburger, which hit the spot after several weeks of Mid-Eastern dining.
2. Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 352 reviews
This 1,250 acre national park is filled with 2,000 year old archaeological sites that visitors can explore.
Reviewed By teddy1014 - Brooklyn, United States
It's really a whole bunch of attractions rolled into one: various ancient man-made caves, ruins of a city, tombs, nature hikes....We were not able to do it all, but visited the Mareshs caves. There were very few people there and it was beautiful and a little eerie. We also visited the Sidonian Tombs, which was also very interesting. Worth the slight detour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
3. Shivta National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Shivta National Park showcases the impressive remains of a Byzantine city that existed in the heart of a desert area with no natural water sources whatsoever. The splendid churches, streets, and homes are astonishing even today.
4. HaMal'akhim Shkharya Forest
5. Ein Avdat National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By sheltonhar
Amazing view pleasant atmosphere well signed. I assume better in winter than the height of summer and preferably on a weekday
6. Timna Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,802 reviews
Surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains on three sides, this scenic valley features ancient copper mines, the red volcanic Mt. Timna at its center and “The Mushroom,” a sandstone rock shaped by wind and water resembling a giant mushroom.
Reviewed By layylavictoria - Lublin, Poland
I visited the Park in December, apparently one of the better times, taking into consideration the tempretures. First, if you travel solo and don't have a rented car (as I did) don't let anyone convince you that it's impossible to reach the park on your own - the tourist office of Eilat discouraged me saying it's not safe. Well - it's doable, it's safe. Take any public bus going into direction of Jerusalem / Dead Sea (drivers will tell you if they go by the park), then get off at the main road. You will need to walk about 3 km to the entrance - if you are used to walking, shouldn't be a problem. However, to see all attractions of the park if you were walking - this might be tricky, as the park is vast. Best option for me was renting the bike - available on the site. With this you can safely see all interesting landmarks. The park itself is huge, mostly empty spaces, which bring otherwordly associations, like being on Mars. Roads well kept, well marked cycle routes. Having your own water is a definite must. Snacks and water only available at entrance and then by the lake. Beautiful landscapes, amazing and photogenic (yes, a lot of selfies is going on) rock formations, traces of the historic sites (Solomon mines), rock drawings, some animals if you are lucky. Definitely worth a visit, one of the highlights of the region.
7. Ashkelon national park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Yarkon National Park includes two sites: The Source of the Yarkon River and Afek, that together form the green, serene lung in the heart of the most highly populated area in Israel. The beautiful, tranquil park has a wading pool, a magical lake and ancient fortress that dominates the area. The National Park offers a recreational compound and playgrounds, sport grounds, a family fitness trail, various walking trails, a campground and a picnic area (bonfires are permitted).
Reviewed By 338shaia
In the middle of Ashkelon you will found history on history. Old harbur city,Water wells and much more. The archeological digs continue to revel layrs on layers of the local history. By car by foot or bicycle ???? you will find alot of Lanes to explore. In the holidays there are Educational activities for the environment, wildlife and vegetation of the area.
8. Ada Canion
9. Nitsanim Dunes Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
The reserve conserves the natural world of shifting sand dunes, semi-stabilized dunes, hollows containing remnants of old orchards, coastal limestone ridges and beaches.
10. Eshkol Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 19 reviews
Eshkol National Park is a green corner of the desert on the banks of HaBesor Stream. The national park has a lush spring surrounded by sprawling lawns and thousands of trees providing shade. The Eshkol National Park is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and an excellent base for trips through the Besor region. The park offers picnic tables, a restored British Mandate train bridge, ancient site from the ancient Egyptian period, two easy bicycle trails and an organized campground.
