Ein Hemed National Park

Getting There: From the hotel, drive to Highway 1 (Tel Aviv-Jerusalem) and get off at the Hemed Interchange between the Shoresh and Harel (Mevaseret Zion) intersections. From the interchange, continue south for a few dozen meters until you reach the entrance to Ein Hemed National Park.

When You’re Here: It’s worth walking down the not-so-large garden to reach its lower section. The plane trees growing here, right on the banks of the stream, are larger, the shade is more abundant, and – most of all – the large 2-story Crusader building that has stood here since the 13th century, serving as a fortified farmhouse, is especially eye-catching. An arched gateway leads to the central courtyard, flanked by two large vaulted halls you can visit, which are cool even on the hottest days. Inside lives a community of fruit bats. The park’s water sources have attracted many songbirds over the years, including the red-breasted and white-breasted Syrian woodpecker, yellow and white wagtails, the orange-tufted sunbird, and more.