You do not have to travel all the way to the far North to enjoy a day of nature during Sukkot. In the Be'er Tuviya region, set among the fields and moshavim of the southern Shfela, you can put together an itinerary that combines forest walking, agriculture, animals, art, coffee, and wine, moving between the stops at a pace suitable for a family day trip.
The route is not mandatory to follow continuously, and you can select the stops that suit you best. Here is one way to build the day:
Starting among the eucalyptuses: Azrikam Forest
You can start the morning in Azrikam Forest, a large eucalyptus grove in the heart of the Be'er Tuviya Regional Council, located a few minutes from Route 4. For years, the forest was one of the southern Shfela's best-kept secrets. Despite its location, just minutes from Route 4 and a short drive from Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gedera, and Kiryat Malachi, many were completely unfamiliar with the large eucalyptus grove stretching through the heart of the Be'er Tuviya Regional Council.
In recent years, the forest underwent a significant process of rehabilitation and community development, gradually turning into a hub for nature, leisure, cycling, hiking, and cultural events. Local residents, the Be'er Tuviya Regional Council, KKL-JNF, and volunteers joined forces to transform it into a community forest. As part of this effort, walking and riding trails were developed, signage was placed, seating areas were upgraded, and preservation and development works were executed while safeguarding environmental and landscape values.
From here to the dairy farm: Meeting agriculture up close
You can continue the day in a place where agriculture is daily work: Itay's Dairy Farm in Moshav Nir Banim. The dairy farm has been operating for about 60 years, and tours on-site offer an introduction to dairy farming, a view of the milking parlor, and access to the calf nursery, where young calves can be petted and fed.
The tour also includes watching the milking process, feeding cows, and a tractor display, making it suitable for families. During holidays and Hol Hamoed, two sessions take place: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with advance registration required.
Where: Moshav Nir Banim, Farm 53
Additional details: 050-7752655 / 050-5697361
Important: Advance registration is required.
From olive oil to the vineyard: Yogev Oil
From Nir Banim, you can continue to Moshav Kfar Ahim, to the Yogev Farm. This is a family farm that grows olives and produces extra virgin olive oil at the farm's oil press.
At the visitors center, you can learn about the olive oil production process, hear the family and farm story, and taste the oils. A farm shop and the Olivan coffee cart also operate on site, and tours and tastings can be held by advance arrangement. The oil press and shop are accessible to people with disabilities.
Where: 26 Hakramim Street, Moshav Kfar Ahim
Shop opening hours: Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Sundays through Thursdays by phone arrangement
Additional details: 052-3651011
Important: Group tours and guided visits by advance arrangement.
A slightly different stop: Zohar Shaham's Studio
If you want to incorporate a bit of creativity into the day, you can continue to Moshav Arugot, to the studio of ceramic artist Zohar Shaham. Handmade functional ceramic vessels are crafted at the studio with a minimalist design, using techniques including mold casting, glaze development, painting, and hand drawing.
The vessels are produced through high-temperature firing, and the glazes are intended for food use.
Where: 93 Sderot Hakormim, Moshav Arugot
Additional details: 050-7713719
Stopping for coffee and ice cream: Lychee
After the agricultural stops, you can pause in Be'er Tuviya itself. The Lychee coffee cart is located at 1 Alik Street, in the shade of a large eucalyptus tree, offering coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and especially boutique ice cream crafted in-house by the owners.
The ice creams are one of the elements that set the place apart, featuring classic flavors alongside less conventional combinations. The venue also features a lawn seating area.
Where: 1 Alik Street, Be'er Tuviya
Additional details: 052-4336844 (Kosher)
Finishing among the vineyards: Winery 70
You can end the day in Moshav Emunim at Winery 70, which hosts visitors in a courtyard facing the vineyards. The family winery produces its wine from grapes grown in its own vineyards and offers a hospitality experience combining wine and food.
Alongside the wines, the place also offers brunch, and the seating facing the vineyards makes it a particularly fitting final stop for the day trip - after the forest, agriculture, and local food, simply to sit and let time pass a little slower.
Where: 75 Harimon Street, Moshav Emunim
When: Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., by advance reservation
Phone: 054-7866638