Near Natanya

The beautiful Poleg Nature Preserve, about 8km south of Natanya, begins where the Poleg River meets the sea. The walk upstream leads past flowering plants and eucalyptus trees planted during the last century to dry up the swamps that once covered the Plain of Sharon. A few kilometers south, near Kibbutz Ga’ash, seaside cliffs reach almost 6lm; during the summer, you may see hang-gliding here. Ga’ash is also Israel’s largest nudist beach. Egged bus #601 runs every half-hour, 5:30am-10:30pm. Just ask the driver to let you off at Ga’ash or Nahal Poleg.

Less than 5km north of Natanya, in Aviha’il, stands the Jewish Legion Museum (tel. (09) 82 22 12), dedicated to the Jewish units of the British Army in World War L Led by the dashing Yosef Trumpeldor, the Zion Mule Corps distinguished themselves in battle at Gallipoli in 1915 against the Ottomans. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 8:30am-4pm. NIS3-40) From Natanya, take bus #1 A.