Kiryat Malakhi offers three distinct points of interest: a central city park with green spaces, play areas and sports facilities; a landscaped urban forest along Nahal HaEla; and a carefully designed memorial area in the military cemetery. Each place has a different focus: green spaces and activity in the park, the urban forest’s location by the stream, and the distinctive design of the memorial area. Together, they create a vivid picture of urban greenery and commemorative culture.
Urban Green Spaces and Paths
A municipal post from 2020 describes the urban forest in the Savyonim neighborhood, on the banks of Nahal HaEla. An urban forest was established there on approximately six dunams—about 0.6 hectares. At the time, plans called for the stream to be restored to a more natural state.
The central city park offers green spaces, children’s play equipment and sports facilities. There are paths for walking and cycling. The different features cater to different activities: you can enjoy green space, exercise and play together in one park. The city also lists the Shimon Peres Promenade in Kiryat Malakhi as another walking route.
The Memorial Area in the Military Cemetery
The memorial area is defined by a curved stone wall. The word “Yizkor” appears in its upper-left section; above it is a stone relief of a memorial torch, topped by an inverted helmet. The inscription, torch relief and helmet form a striking arrangement. The memorial area is open to everyone. If you are planning a visit, check the conditions on site as needed.
The Southern District: History, Landscapes and Activities
The wider travel destination of the Southern District includes other independent places to visit, each with a different focus. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Road in the Negev Highlands. Masada is a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE. Its remains include Herod’s palaces and untouched Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve offers a scenic focus: it encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, ibex, rock hyraxes and flowing streams. A hiking trail follows Nahal Arugot, which flows year-round, to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Conditions along the routes may change after floods; check them if you are planning to hike.
Ashkelon National Park also combines archaeological remains with nature conservation. The Canaanite Gate was built from mud and kurkar bricks, dates to 1850 BCE and is considered the oldest vaulted gate in the world. The southern part of the park is a nature reserve protecting the distinctive flora and fauna of the sand dunes.
Those interested in outdoor activities in the Southern District can find marked cycling trails and a disc golf course at Besor (Eshkol) Park. The park lies on the eastern bank of the river at Ein Besor Spring; its oasis landscape includes extensive lawns, picnic facilities and children’s playgrounds. Alongside archaeological and scenic attractions, cycling and disc golf are among the region’s specific highlights.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Dimona, Arad, Idan, Revivim, Ein Bokek, Sde Boker, Sapir, Beersheba.
Back to the main travel overview: Southern District.
