Discover the Dead Sea: A Unique Travel Experience
The Dead Sea, a natural wonder, is a top destination for tourists seeking a unique swimming experience due to its extreme buoyancy caused by high salt levels. Situated over 400 meters below sea level, the only water loss is through evaporation, which contributes to the saltiness.
Swimming in the Dead Sea is a must-do, but the area also offers excellent hiking trails and historical sites. Combining a visit to the Dead Sea with a trip to the nearby Masada is recommended. The towns of Ein Bokek and Arad serve as convenient bases for overnight stays.
Explore the top attractions in Israel's Dead Sea region below.
1. Qumran
![Qumran](/media/israel-dead-sea-qumran-cave-of-the-dead-sea-scrolls.jpg)
Qumran is famous for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient biblical manuscripts hidden by the Essene community. Visitors can see the ruins of the Essene settlement and an informative audiovisual presentation.
2. Kalia Beach
![Floating in the Dead Sea](/media/israel-dead-sea-region-top-attractions-kalia-beach.jpg)
Kalia Beach offers a paid-entry beach experience with amenities like sun loungers, showers, and shops selling Dead Sea products.
3. Wadi David
![Wadi David](/media/israel-dead-sea-wadi-david.jpg)
Wadi David, part of En Gedi Nature Park, is a lush oasis perfect for hiking and exploring ancient ruins.
4. Wadi Arugot
![Wadi Arugot](/media/israel-dead-sea-wadi-arugot.jpg)
Wadi Arugot offers trails with pools and waterfalls, and nearby ancient synagogue ruins.
5. Ein Kedim Hot Springs
![Dead Sea coast around Ein Kedim](/media/israel-dead-sea-region-top-attractions-ein-kedim-hot-springs.jpg)
Ein Kedim beach is a free-access area with natural hot springs along the Dead Sea shore.
6. Ein Bokek
![Ein Bokek Beach](/media/israel-dead-sea-ein-boqeq.jpg)
Ein Bokek is a resort area with spa hotels and Ein Bokek Beach, offering free facilities and nearby dining options.
7. Wadi Bokek
![Wadi Bokek](/media/israel-dead-sea-wadi-boqeq.jpg)
Wadi Bokek is an accessible hiking area with scenic beauty, located near Ein Bokek.
8. Neve Zohar
![Neve Zohar](/media/israel-dead-sea-neve-zohar.jpg)
Neve Zohar offers a spa and hot springs, with a scenic hike to the ancient Mezad Zohar fortress.
9. Mount Sodom
![Mount Sodom](/media/israel-dead-sea-mount-sodom.jpg)
Mount Sodom provides adventurous hiking and biking trails, with a unique low-altitude summit.
10. Arad
![Arad](/media/israel-dead-sea-arad.jpg)
Arad is known for the Tel Arad archaeological site, featuring ancient Canaanite and Israelite ruins.
History & Information
The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is a hypersaline lake with no life due to its high salt content. The main water source is the Jordan River, but reduced inflow has led to environmental concerns about the sea's future.