Rosh HaAyin Forest is a beautiful and tranquil forest located near the city of Rosh HaAyin in central Israel. It is part of the larger network of green spaces and nature reserves in the region and is known for its lush greenery, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. The forest offers a peaceful escape from the city, making it a popular destination for locals and nature enthusiasts.

The forest is home to a variety of plant species, including Mediterranean trees such as pines, oaks, and cypress. It also boasts a range of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature observation.​

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Cost: Free

8. Antipatris Fortress

Antipatris Fortress (also known as Tel Antipatris) is an ancient archaeological site located near the city of Petah Tikva in central Israel. The site is home to the ruins of a Roman-era fortress and city that played an important role in the region's history during the Roman period. Today, Antipatris Fortress is an important historical and tourist site, attracting visitors interested in ancient history, archaeology, and the heritage of the Land of Israel.

Key Features of Antipatris Fortress:

1. Historical Significance: Antipatris was founded by the Roman governor Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE and named after his father, Antipater the Idumaean. The city and fortress were strategically located along the ancient road that connected Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean coast to Jerusalem, making it an important stop for travelers, merchants, and military forces.

2. Roman and Byzantine Periods: The fortress and city flourished during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It was a key military outpost, and its strategic location allowed it to control the surrounding region. The site also had significance in early Christian history, as it is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as the place where the Apostle Paul was taken for safety.

3. Ruins and Structures: Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress, which include remnants of the city walls, towers, gates, and cisterns. There are also parts of ancient Roman roads visible at the site. The ruins offer a glimpse into the city's past, with evidence of its Roman and Byzantine inhabitants. Some sections of the site have been excavated, revealing fascinating archaeological finds such as pottery, coins, and inscriptions.

4. The Water System: The fortress was equipped with an advanced water supply system, including a cistern and a water channel that brought water to the fortress from nearby sources. This was crucial for maintaining the city's population and its garrison, especially in times of siege.

5. Connection to the Apostle Paul: In Christian tradition, Antipatris holds significance due to its mention in the New Testament. The Acts of the Apostles recounts how the Apostle Paul was transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea for his trial, and during this journey, he passed through Antipatris. This connection to early Christianity makes the site an important pilgrimage location for some visitors.

Website: Yarkon National Park - Israel Nature and Parks Authority

9.  Migdal Zedek National Park

Migdal Zedek National Park in Rosh HaAyin is a stunning archaeological site located in central Israel, just a short distance from Petah Tikva and Rosh HaAyin. The site is one of the most impressive natural and historical sites in the area, offering visitors a rich hiking experience combined with a magical landscape and archaeological remains from the past.

The national park is situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding area and features a historical tower belonging to an ancient Golanite city. The site offers hiking trails, amazing viewpoints, and rest areas.

Migdal Zedek National Park serves as a vital green lung in the heart of the country. The park offers expansive natural landscapes and views, while also showcasing a heritage that spans thousands of years. At the top of the hill, overlooking the Afeq Pass (which was used by travelers on the ancient Via Maris), stands an ancient fortress that visitors can explore. Surrounding the fortress are walking trails passing through restored quarries and along lime kilns, while offering wonderful scenic views.

A visit to the magnificent medieval fortress, which became an Arab manor house during the Ottoman period, is highly recommended. It’s best to start or finish your visit to the national park with a trip to the fortress. You can visit the rooms and halls of the fortress and enjoy the panoramic views of the park and its trails. The site offers a variety of walking routes that combine nature and heritage, including:

• Fortress Path – An accessible walking trail that ascends from the western entrance of the park to the Migdal Zedek Fortress. The trail circles the fortress and offers views of both the structure and the surrounding landscape.

• Stone Path – A walking trail that tells the story of the stone heritage at Migdal Zedek. The trail passes through restored quarries and alongside the largest collection of lime kilns in Israel. The circular route is accessible and suitable for the whole family. The longer version of the Stone Path features views from the top of the quarry cliff and visits additional lime kilns; this section is not accessible to wheelchairs.

• Tomb Hill – A walking trail suitable for the whole family, featuring lovely viewpoints and spectacular springtime blooming. The trail passes by the tomb of the sheikh overlooking the fortress, ascends to the top of the hill, offering views of Rosh HaAyin, the Sharon settlements, and the lowlands, then continues past water cisterns and burial caves from the Second Temple period before returning to the promenade.

• Sovav Migdal Zedek – A circular bike trail approximately 4 km long, passing through all of the park’s attractions and including views in all directions.

• Winter Pools Trail – A short, accessible walking trail around three pools that fill each year with rainwater, attracting various bird species and other wildlife.

• Migdal Zedek Promenade – A scenic promenade linking the western entrance of the park to the new neighborhoods of Rosh HaAyin in the east.

Website: Migdal Tsedek National Park - Israel Nature and Parks Authority