Plizio Visual Lab
Yarkon River
The Yarkon River is the largest coastal river in Israel, stretching approximately 27.5 kilometers before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea in northern Tel Aviv. Its sources are located at Tel Afek at the foot of the Judean Mountains, where water gushes from powerful karst springs. Historically, the river served as a significant strategic obstacle and a lifeline for agriculture in the coastal plain. Throughout the 20th century, the Yarkon suffered from severe pollution and excessive water diversion, but since the 1990s, massive efforts have been made to rehabilitate and restore its ecosystem. Today, the lower part of the river is surrounded by Yarkon Park, Israel's largest urban park, acting as a vital green lung for the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The river provides a habitat for numerous water birds and the endemic Yarkon bream, a rare freshwater fish species. Rowing clubs and excursion boats utilize the waterway, while cycling and walking paths along the banks make nature accessible to the urban population. The restoration of the Yarkon is widely regarded as one of the country's most successful environmental recovery projects.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Old Port Crane · Hangar 11 · The Independence Park
- Nearby: Ramat Gan (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 88 | 62 | 37 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 46 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The total length of the Yarkon River is about 27.5 kilometers.
- The river's sources are situated near Tel Afek (Antipatris).
- Yarkon Park covers an area of approximately 3.5 square kilometers.
- The endemic Yarkon bream fish was successfully reintroduced here.
- The river flows into the sea at the old Tel Aviv Port area.
- Originally, the river discharged 220 million cubic meters of water annually.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Yarkon River (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you go rowing on the Yarkon River?
Is swimming allowed in the river?
Are there picnic areas?
Can you cycle along the river?
Where does the river originate?
Yarkon River: where is it located?
Yarkon River: what is there to see?
Yarkon River: when is the best time to visit?
Yarkon River: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
