5 Beautiful National Parks in the Tiberias Region of Israel
May 1st 2019
Tiberias is an ancient city located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee (known locally as the Kinneret). The surrounding region contains some of the most beautiful natural parks within northern Israel, most of which include notable sites of historical and cultural importance.
The city of Tiberias is one of the four holy cities of Judaism and is well worth a visit when touring the Galilee and Golan Heights. The local region is well-known for its hot springs, which are believed to contain healing properties and have been used for thousands of years to cure skin ailments.
The Tiberias region has a long and fascinating history, dating all the way to biblical times. Many of the regional national parks feature fascinating artifacts and ruins from different eras and civilizations, all of which can be viewed up close.
Five nearby national parks we recommend you visit include:
Gan HaShlosha National Park (Sakhne)
Some people believe Gan HaShlosha to be the location of the Garden of Eden. When you visit, you’ll understand why. The national park is filled with beautiful flora and fauna, and is particular renowned for its waterfalls and pools. The fresh-water pools are a popular bathing location for visitors, naturally heated at a steady 83 degrees (28° C) every day of the year. Located at the northern foot of Mount Gilboa, in the lower Galilee, the Gan HaShlosha National Park also contains the Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archaeology which features numerous historical artifacts (incl. Greek, Egyptian, and Persian) found in the surrounding region.
Jordan River National Park
The Jordan River National Park is located in the foothills of the Golan Heights, a little over a mile north of the Sea of Galilee. Covering approximately 250 acres, the sprawling park is filled with walking trails and beautiful green spaces. It’s an ideal place to stop off for a picnic and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Places of particular interest in the park include a water-driven flour mill as well as the aqueduct that diverts water from the Jordan River to the mill. There are also natural springs as well as the archeological ruins of an ancient fishing village.
Belvoir National Park
The main feature of the Belvoir National Park is the ancient fortress dating back to the 12th Century. It’s considered the best-preserved Crusader fortress in all of Israel and provides a fascinating insight into the Crusader period. The national park is located 20 kilometers south of the Sea of Galilee and is situated atop a hill which affords wonderful views across the local area. The fortress itself features two rings of defensive walls and was actually successfully defended against an attack by Muslim armies. However, it later fell after a siege lasting a year and a half.
Korazim National Park
Located a little inland from the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (near Capernaum) is the Korazim National Park. The 25-acre park is renowned for its archaeological ruins including the ruins of a town as well as fourth or fifth century synagogue. The synagogue was made from black basalt, a locally found volcanic rock. A pair of stone lions together with Jewish inscriptions and motifs can still be seen today, carved onto the rocks all those centuries ago.
Ma’ayan National Park
The Ma’ayan National Park is the spot where the biblical Gideon gathered his men before fighting the Midianites. Gideon’s men drank the water from the spring, where they gained strength for the victorious battle. Today, the national park is a popular place to go walking and enjoy picnics. There’s a large fresh water pool and numerous eucalyptus trees. A spring descends from a rocky cave down the slope of Mount Gilboa. On the top of the slope is a museum which provides more information about the area as well as tremendous views across the Bet She’an Valley.
