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Dead Sea

8 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Dead Sea Region

The Dead Sea has many names. It is often called the “bottom of the world” because it is located at the lowest point of the earth. And in the biblical scenes of this extraordinary reservoir is reflected. It is said that in the mixture for the binding of bricks in the construction of the Tower of Babel used a composition prepared on the basis of the components contained in the Dead Sea. It was used to strengthen the Noah's ark. An excellent resort area has been created on the shores of the Dead Sea: hotels, motels, health and beauty centers, providinging procedures using sea water and therapeutic mud.

1. Qumran

In one and a half mile from the Dead Sea there are ruins of the ancient settlement of Qumran, famous for the fact that the famous Qumran scrolls or scrolls of the Dead Sea were found in the caves near it. These are about 1000 manuscripts found in the caves of Qumran and the most ancient known fragments of the Pentateuch. According to the hypothesis, the Essenes hid the scrolls in nearby caves during the Jewish revolts in 66 BC shortly before they were killed by Roman soldiers. Their goal was to preserve these scrolls for future generations.

Today, there is an archaeological park, where you can see the excavations of the central complex of Qumranites, their water system and caves, where famous manuscripts were found. In the tourist center they show a small film about Qumran in different languages. Dozens of tourists come to Qumran every day to see the place where this unique find was made, unique not only in itself, but also in its history.

2. Mineral Beach

Mineral Beach is a public beach. It is located in the central part of the Dead Sea near the kibbutz Mitzpe Shalom. Clean and flat beach of salt and small pebbles.

It is well equipped for a beach relaxation: plastic chairs, sun beds, sun awnings, shower stalls, dressing rooms, a pool with warm water from radon springs and a small children's pool.

• There is natural healing mud that can be used for mud treatments right here.

• Swimming pool with warm sulfur mineral water, paddling pool for children.

• At the entrance to the beach there is a café, a shop and parking for cars and buses.

• Also there is an amusement park and several small cafes located on the beach.

Opening hours: 8.00–18.00 in the summer and 9.00–17.00 in the winter.

3. Wadi David

Wadi David is one of the two valleys that incorporate En Gedi Nature Park. This area of lush vegetation - in striking contrast to the surrounding desert hills - is a haven for hikers and wilderness lovers. Trek from the waterfall up to En Gedi Spring, where northwest of this you'll find the remains of a 4th-millennium-BC Chalcolithic templededicated to the cult of the moon. In the center of the building is the circular "moon stone," while two gates of the sacred precinct face towards En Gedi Spring on one side and the Shulamite Spring on the other. From the Shulamite Spring, a track continues north to the Dodim Cave above the waterfall. From the temple, tracks run northwest to the Dry Canyon and west to a square Roman fort and a circular Israelite stronghold.

4. Wadi Arugot

Wadi Arugot is En Gedi Nature Park's southern valley. Like Wadi David there are a multitude of pools and waterfalls along the trails here, though some of the hiking in this wadi is more difficult than in Wadi David, so it tends to get less visitors. If you don't fancy sweating it out on a hike, make sure you at least stop at the 5th-century synagogue (just northeast of the wadi entrance) to see the wonderful mosaic pavement here with a riot of fauna motifs and surviving inscriptions.

5. En Gedi Beach

This beach belongs to Ein Gedi kibbutz. It is equipped with toilets, showers, umbrellas and sunshades, hot water, a restaurant and a buffet. There are lifeguards on the beach.

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is car parking.

It is located in a deep gorge with waterfalls and a stream, with a unique flora and fauna near Kibbutz Ein Gedi and nature reserve.

The entrance is free.

6. Wadi Bokek

Wadi Bokek is another great Dead Sea hiking experience full of gorgeous greenery and gushing springs, which make a pleasing and rather photogenic contrast against the stark cliffs looming overhead. The hiking here is relatively easygoing and anyone with decent fitness levels can hit the trail through the wadi, so it makes a good stop to stretch out your legs - especially if you've spent most of the day lazing on the beach and want to break up all that bobbing about in the water with some exercise but don't want a challenging walk.

7. Neve Zohar

Neve Zohar in Israel is one of the most well-kept and beautiful resorts on the shores of the Dead Sea. Tourists love the village for clean beaches and picturesque sunsets. There are very few people here, so the place is perfect for lovers of a relaxing and quiet rest.

Neve Zohar is located in the south of Israel, 23 km from the city of Arad. This is the lowest settlement on our planet. The permanent population is 60 people. All locals work in touristic sector: cafes, restaurants and hotels.

There are no public beaches on the territory of Neve Zohar in Israel. As the signs say, it is forbidden to swim here, because the territory is not equipped and the bottom of the Dead Sea in this area is not well investigated.

8. Mount Sodom

Mount Sodom is located west of the southern basin of the Dead Sea and is an extraordinary geological phenomenon: with the exception of some thin layers of silt and marl, it consists entirely of salt. The name "Sodom" is mentioned in the book of Genesis in connection with the city of sinners, from which Lot, Abraham's nephew, was forced to flee after defending his guest, an angel, from an angry crowd. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed by divine power, and this mountain was there to watch.

One of the elements of the mountain is a detached salt column called Lot’s wife. Its shape really resembles a woman standing alone, whose head and shoulders are covered with a veil.

The Bible says that once on the site of the Dead Sea there were two prosperous cities - Sodom and Gomorrah. They were known for the corrupted customs of their inhabitants. God decided to destroy the cities for the sins of their inhabitants. Before sending the fiery rain with sulfur to Sodom and Gomorrah, God commanded the angels to bring the family of the righteous Lot, Abraham's nephew, out of the city. Lot set off with his wife and two daughters. Along the way, the angels warned travelers that they should not look back in any case. However, Lot’s wife violated the prohibition: curiosity or regret for leaving the house took over. The woman looked back and immediately turned into a salt column.

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