Traveling to Israel? Don't miss a visit to the Judean Desert!

The Judaean Desert is to the east of Jerusalem, the capital of Israel and descends to the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. The Judaean Desert has a special morphological structure along the east of the Judaean Mountains and offers a variety of attractions to tourists, from recreation and walking tours to medical tourism in the Dead Sea, known as a therapeutic resort.

Whether you're traveling on a business trip, with friends or on a family trip to Israel, you should incorporate at least one or two days in the Judean Desert area. You can book a custom day tour with a private tour guide through a local travel agency which specializes in day tours in Israel. If you prefer planning the visit yourself, here are some of the main sites to visit and attractions to enjoy in the Judean Desert:

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea's name derives from the fact that its harsh environment prevents the flourishment of animals and plants. This salt lake surface and shores are 430.5 metres (1,412 ft) below sea level, which make it the Earth's lowest elevation on land.

For thousands of years the Dead Sea is known as a health resort, and to these days, the salt and minerals from the Dead Sea are used to create cosmetics and skin care products.

You can finish a day tour floating on the salty water of the Dead Sea, surrounded by an exquisite desert landscape, or book a room in one of the many hotels on its shores to enjoy a few days in the area.

Mt. Masada

Masada is one of Israel's most popular tourist attractions. It is an ancient fortification built by Herod the Great, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological site, which includes the one of the oldest synagogues in the world, is situated in the Masada National Park, which requires an entrance fee.

You can take the cable car to the top of the mountain or take one of the two hiking paths leading to the top, both very steep.

The site has a great symbol of bravery in Israel and Judaism at large. At the end of the First Jewish–Roman War it was under siege by troops of the Roman Empire, which ended in the mass suicide of the Sicarii rebels and their families which were hiding there.

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi is a national reserve, an oasis in the middle of the desert. You can enjoy a walk in this beautiful area along waterfalls and pools, home to wild animals like ibex and rock hyrax or take one of the more challenging hiking trails. You can also visit historic sites such as an ancient synagogue with a unique mosaic floor, or enjoy a relaxing day at the spa, which includes sulfur and hot mineral water pools.

Jeep Tours

If you like adventures don't miss a jeep tour in the breathtaking natural landscapes Judean Desert. Roam the valleys and hills and discover awesome hidden sites and attractions in an off-road 4X4 jeep tour.