In the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a hiking trail follows the Nahal Arugot, which flows year-round, to a hidden waterfall and pools upstream. Water is not just part of the landscape here; it gives the trail a clear destination. In Israel’s Southern District, experiences like these meet places with a long history: Avdat lies along the ancient Incense Route, and Masada preserves the remains of palaces and siege works. This connection between landscape and cultural heritage shapes the region’s journey of discovery.
Water and Oases
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve contains Israel’s largest oasis. Springs, waterfalls and flowing streams define its character; ibex and rock hyraxes are also among the animals found there. The trail along Nahal Arugot leads to water spots upstream, making the stream itself the thread running through a visit. Trail conditions may change after floods, so check them before setting out.
The Besor Park (Eshkol) offers a different picture of an oasis. It lies on the river’s eastern bank, by the Ein Besor spring, and offers extensive lawns, picnic facilities and playgrounds for children. The park also has signposted cycling trails and a disc golf course. Here, relaxation on the lawns and outdoor activities go hand in hand. If cycling or disc golf is central to your plans, check the latest operating information in advance.
Archaeological Sites and Historical Traces
Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Negev Highlands, along the route of the ancient Incense Route. The site and the historic route are therefore closely connected: Avdat is a specific destination for exploring the route’s cultural heritage, while also forming part of a wider historical context.
Masada stands as a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE. The site preserves remains of Herod’s palaces as well as untouched Roman siege works, which rank among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. The events of 73 and the surviving structures offer two closely connected perspectives on the site: historical memory and material evidence of the siege.
In Ashkelon, the Canaanite Gate draws attention to an even earlier history of construction. Built from mudbricks and kurkar bricks, it dates to 1850 BCE and is considered the oldest vaulted gate in the world. A different view of the city can be found in the southern part of Ashkelon National Park, where a nature reserve has been designated to protect the sand dunes’ distinctive flora and fauna. At Tel Be’er Sheva, the view extends as far as modern Beersheba.
The Ramon Crater and Its Natural Phenomena
The Ramon Crater is part of the Zin Cliffs and Negev Highlands nature reserves. The visitor center at the crater combines the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its distinctive natural phenomena. A visit brings two themes together: an individual life story and the nature of the crater. If you plan to visit, check the latest registration information here as well.
Planning Your Visit
Advance registration through the visitor coordination system secures a place at Masada National Park for your chosen visit date. The same applies to a place at the Ramon Crater Visitor Center. Registration information may change, so check it in advance for your planned visit date. Ein Gedi calls for a different practical consideration: trail conditions may change after floods. This lets you factor both sites and their different advisories into your plans without treating their respective offerings as the same.
Discover more destinations: Eilat, Beersheba, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ein Bokek, Dimona, Ein Tamar, Mitzpe Ramon, Arad, Hatzeva, Amatzia, Mashabei Sadeh, Sede Boker, Midreshet Ben Gurion, Be’er Sheva, Kiryat Malakhi, Merhav Am, Ein Gedi, Zuqim, Giv’ot Bar, Mishmar HaNegev, Meitar, Elifaz, Revivim, Kokhav Michael, Be’er Ora, Maslul, Sapir, Idan, Kfar Menahem.
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