For most people who have not been to Israel, they envision the landscape to be a vast dessert with stretches of brown, barren land. But don’t forget- this is the land of milk and honey! Those who have visited Israel in the Spring know that in reality, the country is full of colorful wildflowers and blossoming fruit trees as far as the eye can see. If you are lucky enough to be travelling to Israel during the Spring, make sure to take advantage of the natural beauty and visit at least a couple of places from our list of the best places to see flowers in Israel.
Photo by krembo1
1. Scarlet South Festival in the Negev
Held in the northwestern portion of the Negev Desert, the festival celebrating the bloom of the gorgeous scarlet colored anemone flower, which covers the area like a vibrant red carpet. While the festival itself only occurs until the end of February, but the beauty of the bright red flowers can be enjoyed through April.
2. Carmel Nature Reserve
Also known as Little Switzerland, the Carmel Nature Reserve is home to vibrant lupines, and the unique tiger tulips, a large tulip that boasts yellow and brown stripes.
Photo by Alastair Rae
3. Mount Gilboa
Another ideal place to view irises is Mount Gilboa. The Gilboa iris is a stunning purple iris that also serves as the symbol for the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.
Photo by Zachi Evenor
4. Shokeda Forest
Once in a while you get to visit places that look like paradise in earth. In Shokeda Forest you will find red carpets of Anemones, millions of red flowers in the Northern Negev region of Israel, a mayor tourist attraction.
Photo by Rahel Jaskow
5. Lupine Hill
In the Elah Valley you will find another vast park called Gival Hatourmasim or Lupine Hill where anemones grow and color the foothills, but purple lupines steal the show! Hike for 15 minutes and be mesmerized by the diversity of flowers and the presence of the purple lupine.
Photo by Uzi Yachin
6. Emek HaNarkisim
You don’t have to be a narcissist to love the Valley of Narcissus Flowers. Better known as Emek HaNarkisim and located North of Tel Aviv, you will find a beautiful region full of Narcissus Flowers also known as the “lily of the valleys”.
Song of Solomon 2 1: “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys”.
Photo by Yair Aronshtam
7. Cyclamen Hill
Located in the Ramot Menashe Park in the Megiddo area you will see carpets of pink cyclamens blossoming in spring. The local legends say that this flower had a royal admirer in King Solomon, who used the pink cyclamen’s upward crown looking appearance as a model for his crown!
Photo by eeeman
8. Duda’im Forest
Located near Beersheva, in the Duda’im Forest you will find that the iris flower dominates the picture perfect shrublands and mountainsides in Israel. This fragrant flower with deep shades of purple was once threatened by deforestation. The beauty of this flower is deceptive, it is known for being poisonous, producing stomach pains if ingested and allergic reactions if touched, but oh so pretty to admire!
Photo by John Vonderlin
9. Jerusalem
The hyssop herb may not be considered a flower, however during the spring you will get to see shrubs around Jerusalem that might entice you to learn more about this magical plant. Since ancient times, people in Israel have used it to reduce and eliminate internal parasites!
Exodus 12:22: “And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin”.
Photo by max nathans
10. Evolution Canyon
Evolution Canyon is located in the lower Nahal Oren, Mount Carmel region where you will find the “pretty Carmelite” or Ricotia Brassicaceae. Known for its cross shape, which resembles the Carmelite cross. This tiny flower might look fragile, but it actually grows in tough terrains between rocks in the Galilee region.
If you would like to visit Israel next spring, click here for more details about our Israel Tours.
