The magical places in the north of Israel are a great reason to travel arround. Make sure you take the whole family as it has all kind of wild attractions
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Fascinating desert landscapes, an impressive geological feature, beautiful walking trails, a myriad of family activities, a fun-in-the-sun resort, and we haven’t even mentioned nature in all its glory – above and below sea level… Here are some of the best reasons to visit Southern Israel with your family.
The sleepy little town of Mitzpe Ramon sits on the edge of one of three unique erosion cirques to be found in Israel. But don’t let that fool you, because there is much to see and do in the area. Whether you want to explore the crater and its visitor center, bask in the sunshine by day and gaze at the stars by night, visit the extraordinary sight of the Amram Pillars or take an exhilarating jeep tour, one thing’s for sure: there’s never a dull moment.
25 miles long, the Ramon Crater is Israel’s most impressive geological feature. With its stunning colors and patterns, it is also notable for 200 million year-old rocks! Originally believed to have been the result of a meteor striking earth, the crater was actually formed over many thousands of years, when oceans covered the land. The crater walls soar to a height of 600-900 ft, its flora is typical of the warm desert areas of the Negev, and it is home to many animals, including the ibex and various reptiles, while vultures nest on its cliffs. There are interesting sites at the bottom of the crater, such as the Carpentry Shop rock formation.
The Ramon Crater Visitor Center is located on a cliff above the crater, with a spectacular and panoramic view of the area. Ramon Crater Visitors Center offers an experience that combines the life story of Israel’s first astronaut Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest erosion crater and a unique natural phenomena. The center stocks maps, lots of information on walking trails in the area, as well as exhibitions on geology, botany, zoology and evidence of early human settlement found in the crater.
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Beresheet Hotel, part of the Isrotel Exclusive Collection, is the place for you. With its unparalleled location and breathtaking view of the crater, it also prides itself on its innovative architectural design.
Close to the rim of the Ramon Crater, is an Alpaca Farm, one of few places in the world where you can get up close and personal with a herd of lamas and alpacas, originally from South America. You can join the farm activities, feed the animals, learn how to use the loom or join a horse ride in the area, and even stay at one of the unique cabins onsite.
There are many more attractions en route to Eilat. One of them is the Amram Pillars, five sandstone formations at the foot of the western cliff of the Amram crater, at the source of a creek by the same name. Next to the pillars is a concentration of copper-digging burrows and shafts from the Roman era. At the end of this short and fairly easy walk, you will be rewarded with an ideal place for a family picnic, surrounded by sheer cliffs and majestic desert views.
Be sure to also visit Hai-Bar Yotvata, a nature reserve established to foster the breeding of animals mentioned in the Bible, and whenever possible to set them free back in nature. There is an open area where herds of desert herbivores roam the land, so you can join a guided tour from the comfort of your car, and spot antelopes, wild asses, ostriches, and also some predators. There is also a ‘dark room’ to view nocturnal animals when they are active. The whole tour lasts about two hours, and on Saturdays at 11 AM you can join a feeding tour.
And another must-see is Timna Park, in the heart of the Red Valley, providing riveting glimpses of awe-inspiring geological formations. Timna is the site of the world’s first copper mine, and there is so much to see and do. You can drive around the park in your car, stopping by some of the most gorgeous formations (the Arches, the Mushroom, Solomon’s Pillars), or go on hiking trails through beautiful desert scenery, with deep gorges and breathtaking crags (the park is crisscrossed by 25 walking and biking trails, some for the whole family and others for more experienced hikers). You can also rent boats and go pedaling in the lake, or give your legs a rest in the park’s restaurant, while the kids join numerous activities, such as filling bottles with colored sand.
And here we come to our final destination on this trip to southern Israel. Eilat, a resort town on the shore of the Red Sea, with excellent family hotels, beautiful beaches, lots of water sport activities, diving and snorkeling, and world-class attractions. One of them is the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, plunging 20 feet (6 m) below sea level, allowing visitors to view the coral reef and its wonderful array of fish through enormous windows. Above sea level, the park has various tanks, full of colorful and exotic creatures, as well as sharks, sea turtles and stingrays. A separate area holds wildlife from the Amazon, like predatory piranhas, anacondas, alligators and such. For an extra fee, experience a simulated journey into the deep blue sea in the Oceanarium, or take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat for another glimpse of the wonders of the coral reef.
Dolphin Reef, a delightful complex with a well-maintained beach, a restaurant and a diving center, although the pièce de résistance is definitely the resident dolphin school. You can walk on wooden walkways above the water, and watch the dolphins swim and frolic. During feeding times, they get very close to the staff, so you can almost touch them. If you really wish to see them up close, for an extra fee you can swim or dive right next to them (this guided activity is suitable for children over 8 years old). Adults can enjoy their own brand of fun at the reef: three relaxation pools where you can float around to the sound of underwater music. The staff uses special relaxation techniques like cradling and rocking, for a complete soothing experience.
