Summer has officially arrived, and Israeli tourism is in full swing following a ceasefire that ended last month’s Operation Rising Lion, the 12-day war with Iran.
One of the best areas for a half-day or day-long trip is less than an hour from Tel Aviv and a short ride from the Israeli capital: the Gush Etzion bloc in the Judean Hills.
Here are some of the options, just 15 minutes south of Jerusalem.
Oz veGaon nature reserve is green and peaceful, with playgrounds for the kids, shaded picnic areas, sports fields and a pool. Entry to the nature reserve is free but there is a fee per child for entry to activity areas.
Biyar Aqueduct is another option. Consider the walk through a 130-meter-long underground water tunnel built by King Herod to supply water to the city of Jerusalem and its Holy Temple. The water reaches knee-level. There is a small entry fee per person.
Herodium national park, where one can explore King Herod’s palace, amphitheater, pool, mikvahs and a network of Bar Kochba tunnels. Herod’s tomb is also located at the site.
Tekoa Forest and Wadi Pool is located between the Judean Hills and the Judean Desert. The site includes a pine grove and myriad Israeli wildlife and serves as an entryway to Nahal Tekoa Reserve (Wadi Khureitun).
Khureitun Cave is the second-longest cave in Israel; guided tours are available through the Kfar Etzion Field School. Check the website.
Nokdim Pools – four large pools – are surrounded by shaded picnic spots overlooking breathtaking scenery. Each pool is just 50 cm (about a foot and a half) deep – great for younger children.
Hungry? Stop at the Gush Etzion Winery, just off the Gush Etzion junction on the Lev Yehuda (Heart of Judea) Highway (also known as Highway 60). In addition to a guided tour of the winery and vineyards, there is a top-notch restaurant on site (this writer visits often), where one can enjoy a cool glass of the region’s finest wine.
