EL AL | Atmosphere

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The Ben Gurion promenade breathtaking views and spectacular observation points Ben Gurion used to wake up early and go for a 7km walk along the dirt road. Seventy years later, and the dirt road has become a NIS 20 million new promenade, named after him, and considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The promenade spreads across 3.5km and is designed to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. The promenade includes five observation points with shaded seating and swings. They are perfect for enjoying a relaxing break on your hike, to take in the incredible landscape and views of the Zin Valley, Nahal Zin, Zinim cliff, and the olive trees and flocks of sheep pasturing below. The promenade ends near the gravesite of Paula and David Ben Gurion. Geofun desert bike trails If you feel like cycling along the promenade, the Manor family, and owners of Geofun, will be happy to rent you a bike and any equipment you need. Bikes can be collected either at the Kedma hotel or at Midreshet Ben Gurion. Children’s bikes are also available, as well as bikes with children’s seats. Upon request, the Manors will provide you

Ein Avdat I Photos: Eyal & Tal Bartov

are three springs including Ein Avdat (impressively beautiful, but unsuitable for bathing). If you don’t have an SUV, type “Ein Akev” in your GPS navigator and it’ll lead you to the easy 500m walking trail from the campground to the natural springs. negevtour.co.il Desert Climbing an indoor bouldering complex The Desert Climbing indoor complex spreads across 250sqm. It has three big spaces with climbing walls for all ages and difficulty levels, including a 4.5m bouldering wall. At the entrance to the complex, you’ll find an old truck painted purple and turned into a coffee and beer spot with a seating area in the parking lot. Desert bike trail with Geofun I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

with a map and tips for what trail choose, according to difficulty level. geofun.co.il Zin Valley and Ein Avdat natural desert springs The winter rain has been a blessing for Nahal Zin, Ein Avdat, and Nahal Akev. The streams are full, and the valley is beautifully luscious and green. If you come here with an SUV, you can drive along the streams, through the natural springs. The trail starts at the Serpentina campground at the foot of Midreshet Ben Gurion and descends to the Zin valley. It continues along the cliffs and observation points, the incredible 7 meter-deep Akev natural spring, and Ein Avdat canyon where there

Ein Akev I Photo: Shay Issacs

18 ATMOSPHERE APRIL 2024