28/08/2024
Nature and scenery at Ben Gurion Airport: from a slightly different angle
Nature in the area of Ben Gurion Airport - enjoy green with your eyes
Those who arrive at Ben Gurion Airport usually do so either to fly, or to pick up someone who is landing. Sometimes they also meet in the area for business purposes, or even for romantic purposes. Be that as it may, sometimes there is a desire to clear one's head from the hustle and bustle of cars and planes, from the noise of excited passengers, and to reach a place of peace and nature. Fortunately, there are quite a few places close to the airport that allow such a short or long stay. Here we have prepared a representative list of the options available to those who want to travel in nature and still stay close to the airport, and all you have to do is choose the option that suits you and those you are with. Yes, it is important to say If you want to stick to a schedule and not depend on public transportation, it is highly recommended to get to these places by car (you can use car rental services in Israel, or bring your own car from home).
Credit: Chen Hayek, from the pikiwiki site
Ben Shemen Forest
The western end of the (relatively) large Ben Shemen Forest is about a fifteen-hour drive from Tel Aviv, and it is one of the favorite destinations for spending time in nature in the area. The famous forest provides animals for the entire area, and includes a variety of hiking trails, bike trails, dirt trails for jeep tours And even ones that you can drive in your own car. You can go on a trip in the forest for a few hours, or even bring a cup of coffee with you for a quick picnic with your friends or family. If you want to eat, you can bring the food with you (don't forget to pick up the trash), or go to one of the restaurants in the localities of the area.
Givat Aliya beach in Jaffa
It does require a little more logistical organization, but if you are interested in relaxing at the beach before or after a flight, this is one of the most recommended beaches. At a distance of less than half an hour's drive (but watch out for traffic jams) is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, one that is easy to access and has a relatively large amount of parking. The beach itself is regulated and very comfortable for bathing, and those who are interested can also spend time in the nearby Jaffa Madron Park. Yes, you have to consider in advance the possibilities of showering and the like, but if you are ready for it, spending time at the sea before or after a flight is a very fun option. And even if you don't want to get in the water, there's nothing like watching the sea at sunset or playing on the slopes of the park to put you in the mood of freedom before the flight. Of course you can also choose one of the other beaches in the area, considering the traffic situation and your personal needs.
Joshua Gardens
It may seem far away, but Yarakon Park (Gani Yehoshua) is only a twenty-minute drive from Tel Aviv (assuming there is not too much traffic). The sprawling park, known to many as the "green lung of Gush Dan", is a center of attraction for visitors Every day, all year round. The park itself stretches over both banks of the Yarkon River, and contains a variety of nature walks in the heart of the urban area of the Dan Block. Walking and cycling paths, sailing in the Yarkon River, even fitness and games complexes - you can do all of these and more. In addition, if you want, you can bring food and have a picnic here before or after your flight, as a farewell or welcome party.
Credit: Israel Parker, from the pikiwiki site
Ariel Sharon Park
One of the most fun, available and convenient options for a Teva trip close to Ben Gurion Airport (about a twenty minute drive from the terminal itself) is that of Ariel Sharon Park. The park is famous for being the ultimate example of how good will and determination can turn trash (literally) into gold. On the site of the park there used to be a huge mountain of garbage - the "Khiriya" - which was quite an environmental nuisance. But through an innovative project and a lot of determination, the place became one of the most beautiful and well-invested parks in the country. Lawns, hiking trails, bike paths, lakes and a rich world of animals, all these and more you can find here. This is a great option for spending time in the greenery and greenery before entering the hustle and bustle of the city, or right after it.
The House of Arches
For the adventurous among us, there is an unusual option for outdoor recreation if you arrive in the vicinity of the airport. At a distance of about half an hour's drive from the field, near Modi'in and relatively close to road 1, there is a magical spring in the middle of agricultural fields. The House of Arches is actually an ancient Roman building located on a small hill near the settlement of Nof Ayalon, and is full of water most of the year. In addition, the fact that most of his pools are inside the building, gives the water great coolness even on hot summer days.
