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Hamukei Nitzana , Negev Desert Hamukei Nitzana ( Nitzana Curves ) is a natural park full of large , bright-white chalk rocks that form in curvy , smooth patterns reminiscent of , well , curves . Its location right on Israel ’ s southern border with Egypt means that it ’ s not flooded with tourists even in the most Covidfree of times , enabling enterprising visitors to walk around and enjoy the moon-like setting in peace and quiet . It ’ s also a great destination for a moonlight hike , when the chalky stones shine bright .
A view of the chalk stone park of Hamukei Nitzana near the border with Egypt . Photo by Mendy Hechtman / Flash 90
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Little Crater , Negev Desert Despite its name , the Little Crater is quite a large secret location , coming in at 5 miles long , almost 4 miles wide and 1,300 feet deep . The crater is a rare geological phenomenon and is far less famous than its cousins , the Ramon Crater and the Big Crater . It was only deemed a nature reserve in 2019 following a decades-long struggle with Israel ’ s defense establishment , which opposed the move because some of the reserve belongs to the Negev Nuclear Research Center . It is home to unique geological forms , colorful rocks and endangered wildlife and is a wonderful site for a desert hike .
The Little Crater in the Negev desert is a unique geological phenomenon . Photo by Ester Inbar / Wikimedia Commons
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The entrance to the Alma Cave in the northern Galilee region . Photo by Dmitry Babin / Wikimedia Commons
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Alma Cave , Galilee Alma Cave in the northern Galilee region is everything you could wish for in a cave : long , dark , cold and full of bats . It has a few legends surrounding it , such as the one claiming that Jews returned to the Land of Israel from their Babylonian exile through it ( because it ’ s so long ).
Fast-forward a few thousand years , and the cave is equipped with pegs and light reflectors to ease the way in for visitors , who should still come in long-sleeved clothes and anti-slip shoes . The cave is currently closed to protect its bat population , but once it reopens it ’ s well worth the descent .