Ramat Magshimim (Yonatan Airport)

רמת מגשימים

A scenic overlook and landing point for paragliders offering breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley, Hermon, and surrounding peaks. The site combines adventure sports with stunning photography opportunities and is named after a historic Israeli rescue operation.

Things to do

• Paragliding — Launch from the ridge with thermals rising from the Jordan Valley below, offering flights of 1-3 hours with views stretching to the Dead Sea and Hermon peaks.
• Sunrise Photography — Arrive before dawn to capture the Jordan Valley awakening with golden light illuminating the Hermon snowcaps and Syrian highlands.
• Hermon Peak Viewing — Scan the northern horizon with binoculars to observe Mount Hermon's three peaks and seasonal snow coverage across the Lebanese and Syrian borders.
• Dead Sea Panorama — On clear days, identify the Dead Sea's surface shimmering 1,100 meters below the Golan plateau, with Jordan's Moab mountains visible beyond.
• Historic Site Walk — Explore the memorial and interpretive markers honoring Operation Priha (Flower), the 1970 rescue of a downed pilot that inspired the airport's namesake.
• Bird of Prey Spotting — Watch for golden eagles, griffon vultures, and steppe buzzards riding thermals in spring and autumn migration seasons.

Food to try

• Druze Za'atar Bread (Markouk) — Thin, wood-fired flatbread coated with za'atar, olive oil, and sumac from Druze villages in the lower Golan, served warm at nearby roadside stands.
• Grilled Goat Cheese (Gibna Meshwia) — Local halloumi-style cheese grilled over open flames and drizzled with thyme honey, a staple at Golan farm restaurants and picnic areas.
• Hermon Spring Water with Mint — Pure glacial runoff from Mount Hermon mixed with fresh mint leaves, sold at visitor centers as a refreshing highland tradition.
• Golan Heights Olive Oil Tasting — Sample pressing-season extra virgin oil from kibbutzim and moshavim surrounding the plateau, often paired with fresh pita.
• Wild Boar Stew (Khuzir) — A Druze specialty slow-cooked with mountain herbs and served at family-run restaurants in Majdal Shams, reflecting local hunting traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Airspace Protocols — The site is an active paragliding airport with military airspace restrictions; stay in designated viewing areas and do not interfere with launching or landing pilots.
• Dress for Altitude Winds — The plateau sits at 1,000+ meters with consistent strong winds; bring a windproof jacket and secure any loose items, even in summer.
• Learn Yonatan Netanyahu's Story — The airport commemorates the 1976 Entebbe rescue commander; reading about Operation Priha before visiting deepens appreciation for the site's historical significance.
• Visit Early Morning for Pilots — Thermal conditions peak in late morning, so arrive by 6 a.m. to witness the organized launch sequence and avoid crowding afternoon visitors.