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Israel
Photo: חנה עזר, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Dead Sea (Hebrew: ים המלח, Hebrew transliteration:Yam HaMelach; Arabic: البحر الميت, Arabic transliteration: al-Bahir al-Mayyit) has its western coast in Israel and the West Bank. It is the lowest point in the world at 394.6 m (1269 ft) below sea level. 25 km of Dead Sea coastline lie within Palestinian Authority territory, including Qumran and Ein Feshka.
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Qumran was home to a monastic Jewish sect 2000 years ago. They stored many of their documents in nearby caves, which when found in the 20th century became known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. While the scrolls themselves are now displayed in Jerusalem's Israel Museum, the cave complex and ruins are open to visitors.
Ein Feshkha
The world's lowest oasis, with pools, trees, wildlife, and archaeological remains just northwest of the Dead Sea. You can swim in the pools (season dependent).
Ein Gedi is a Kibbutz and nearby oasis (and official Nature Reserve) set in stunning desert canyons, which are great for hiking and experiencing nature. Also features the remains of a synagogue in the Old City Eye - Capricorn, from the Byzantine period, including a mosaic floor well preserved. The close-by public beach at the Dead Sea is closed now due to sink holes, but there is another one a few kilometres south.
Masada is a mountaintop fortress which King Herod transformed in 35 BC into a 3-tiered winter home. Easily accessible via a quick cable car ride or by hiking up the serpentine path. Located only 18 km north of the Ein Bokek hotel area. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, a spectacular light show in the evening recounts the dramatic history of Masada with special pyrotechnic effects. Spectators sit in a natural amphitheater on the west side of the mountain, reachable only via Arad, 20 km away.
Behind Neve Zohar you can find interesting canyons and further up the archaeological site and fortress Metsad Zohar.
A low mountain next to the Dead Sea which is 80 % made of salt. It includes fascinating landscapes, the Flour cave where the eroded rock has a texture similar to flour, and an impressive 200 m salt cave. The Biblical towns of Sodom and Gomorrah may have been nearby (though other opinions place them elsewhere around the Dead Sea), and tour guides will point out to you a rock formation which they say is
Also has a water park with hot water pools and slides. There are three beaches near Kalia, all of which are closed off and charge a fee to get in.
The signature element of the Dead Sea - black mud - has both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits known to cleanse and stimulate the skin, relieve muscle and emotional tension, improve blood circulation and ease rheumatic pain.
They do not rent tents, but have three large “desert igloos” available, with mattresses if required. Otherwise you can just set up your private tent.
open camping area
Open camping area with parking and fireplaces among the desert hills. No facilities or shade, come prepared.
A beautiful hostel with uniquely built large bungalows and wooden cabins, all shaded by acacia trees, a bonfire inside a geodesic dome and a desert bar. Member of ILH.
A guest house in the oasis of Ein Gedi with 51 rooms, some of which have balconies.
A guest house on the slopes of Massada with 88 rooms and a private swimming pool.
formerly Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Hotel
Beside the sea, the hotel has direct access to a private beach with stunning scenery of desert cliffs in the background.
Kibbutz hotel.
Modern rooms and suites, two spas, restaurant.
At the lowest spot on earth on the shores of the Dead Sea located the Royal Hotel Dead Sea. The hotel offers 400 guest rooms and exclusive suites which all offer an enchanting view of the Dead Sea, the Judaean Desert and the Moab Mountains. Additional hotel facilities: a fenced beach for hotel's guests, Solarium, outdoor fresh water pool, children's pool and private parking.
Our Oasis Dead Sea Resort – nestled between the Judaean hills and the shore of the Dead Sea – offers a new grand entrance pavilion and reception, contemporary accommodations and beautiful spacious grounds.
Magic Nirvana Club
One of the oldest hotels in the area, with 199 rooms. Freshwater pool, heated Dead Sea pool (36°), 2 sulfur pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, large fitness room and treatment rooms.
3 stars
The Spa Club hotel is the first spa hotel of its kind in the entire Dead Sea region. On the shores of the Dead Sea, the hotel is the first choice for business guests wishing to relax and unwind in an unbelievably calm and soothing atmosphere
The hotel has swimming pools, a conference center and a health club where a gym, sauna, whirlpool and steam room all await you. And all of this with a stunning desert view across the waters of the Dead Sea.
Home to the world-famous Ahava Dead Sea Products. There are windows into the factory area so you can see the products being produced, and a gift shop where you can purchase a wide variety of cosmetic products.
By bus
By bus, the easiest way to get into the area is from Jerusalem, from where buses are the most frequent. However, even from Jerusalem there aren't plenty of buses, so always check schedules in advance.
By bicycle
The descent on Route 1 from Jerusalem (Hebrew University area) to the Dead Sea is almost all downhill, descending ~1,200 m over a distance of 25 km.
By plane
(Hebrew מנחת בר־יהודה, minḥat bar-yehuda; sometimes known as Masada Airfield) (MTZ) There is a small airstrip called Bar Yehuda Airfield or Masada airport.
Mostly accessed by car, there are also many buses going south to Eilat, Neve Zohar and Arad or north to Jerusalem, at least hourly, all along the many roads besides the lake.
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Articles and travel topics about Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank) and Israel.
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