The stretch of Dead Sea coast known as Ein Gedi is one of the region’s most visited. The small, pretty Kibbutz Ein Gedi sits at the heart of it, but there is also the impressive Ein Gedi Nature Reserve for hiking. Choose Ein Gedi as your base for exploring the Dead Sea coast and experience the therapeutic waters, abounding nature and historic remains.
The nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a true desert oasis. Spend a few hours hiking along the stream and into the canyons, where you can try to spot ibex high on the cliffs. In contrast to the barrenness of the desert, lush greenery grows along this vital water source, where high waterfalls are a welcome surprise along the way.
Ein Gedi is also home to an antiquities park, which is located near the entrance to the nature reserve. The park offers a fascinating insight into the Chalcolithic, Persian, Hasmonean, Byzantine and Roman periods. Here you will find the remains of a synagogue, as well as information on King Herod’s role in the region’s history.
Kibbutz Ein Gedi is a small, tight-knit community perched on the hill above the Dead Sea. It offers a selection of health and wellness facilities including the Wellness Centre and Ein Gedi Sea of Spa. The kibbutz is a lovely example of this communal way of living unique to Israel and is a pretty little place to visit. Treat yourself to pampering treatments that use some of the acclaimed Dead Sea salt and mud or wander around the small botanical garden.
Ein Gedi is located approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Jerusalem and 2 hours from Tel Aviv. There are buses that go here from both cities, but do keep in mind that they are quite infrequent. There is a fee to get into Ein Gedi National Park.
