Yatir Forest

Yatir Forest is Israel's largest man-made forest, situated on the southern slopes of the Judean Mountains at the edge of the Negev Desert. Since 1964, the KKL-JNF has planted over four million trees here, primarily Aleppo pines and cypresses, covering an area of about 30,000 dunams. The project is an internationally recognized success in combating desertification and serves as proof that afforestation is possible in semi-arid regions. The forest supports a surprising variety of wildlife and acts as a major research site for studying climate change and carbon sequestration. Historically, the area is rich in archaeological remains, including the ruins of the biblical city of Jattir and ancient synagogues. Hiking trails, such as the Israel National Trail, wind through the forest, offering spectacular views of the desert landscape and the Hebron hills. Despite receiving only about 280 mm of annual rainfall, the forest thrives through innovative water management techniques. Yatir Forest today stands as a vital ecological bulwark against the desert's expansion and is a popular destination for hikers and environmental scientists.

Nearby cities

Ashdod

Ashdod is a major coastal city and home to Israel's largest port, handling the majority of the country's cargo.

Beersheba

Beersheba is the largest city in the Negev desert, often referred to as the capital of the southern region.

Ashkelon

Ashkelon is a coastal city in the Southern District, featuring a rich history spanning thousands of years.

Eilat

Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea.

Rahat

Rahat is a predominantly Bedouin city in the Northern Negev, being the largest Bedouin settlement in the world.

Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

The lowest point on Earth, famous for its hypersaline water that lets you float effortlessly and mineral-rich mud.

History & landmarks

Makhtesh Ramon

Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert is the largest erosion crater in the world, captivating visitors with its dramatic cliffs and colorful…

Nature

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is an endorheic salt lake located at the lowest land elevation on Earth, famous for its extremely high salinity.

More places

Tel Lachish

An ancient Canaanite and Israelite city in the Shephelah region.

Ramat Hovav Industrial Zone

A major center for the chemical industry in southern Israel, home to numerous factories and waste disposal facilities.

Masada

An ancient fortress on a rock plateau overlooking the Dead Sea.

Ein Gedi Botanical Garden

A kibbutz garden in the desert featuring an incredible variety of desert and tropical plants from around the world.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi is a verdant oasis in the Judean Desert, featuring waterfalls, springs, and abundant wildlife near the Dead Sea.

Zin Phosphate Mine

One of the most important mines in the Negev Desert, extracting large quantities of phosphates for the chemical industry and export.

Mount Sodom

A mountain range composed almost entirely of rock salt, rising along the southwestern shore of the Dead Sea.

Ashalim Power Station

An innovative solar power plant in the Negev Desert, featuring one of the tallest solar towers in the world and providing renewable energy.