Weekend at the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea has been experiencing a resurgence in recent months, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has encouraged more domestic travel, and partly because social media has highlighted the beauty of this region. This exposure has made many of us notice the wonders that were always right under our noses. I dedicated two days to the Dead Sea, aiming to both relax and explore the area.

Important Information Before the Trip

There are no restaurants or nightlife options in the Dead Sea area (I visited during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is the usual state of affairs). In the evenings, all activities are centered around the hotel, making your choice of hotel critical since it will be the place where you eat and spend your leisure time. I stayed at the Isrotel Dead Sea, and after thorough research, I can confidently say it is the best hotel in the area.

Moab Lookout

On the way to the Dead Sea, in Arad, you'll find a sculptural installation by artist Yigal Tumarkin, commemorating Operation Lot during the War of Independence in 1948. The sculpture, shaped like an airplane, blends seamlessly with the desert landscape. Moab Lookout offers a stunning view from Arad eastward towards the Judean Desert mountains, the Dead Sea, and the Moab mountains. I recommend walking past the sculpture to fully appreciate the view. Further along the trail, you'll see a sculpture resembling a table and chairs, which makes a great spot for a coffee break.

Salt Islands of the Dead Sea

The Salt Islands in the Dead Sea are a natural phenomenon formed spontaneously in the sea. They consist of a strip of approximately 200 meters of round salt islands protruding slightly above the water surface.

Located just south of the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, you can drive right up to the water's edge. Please note, this is not a groomed beach area, so there are no facilities or showers nearby to rinse off after swimming.

The islands are most beautiful in the early morning hours when the sun rises from the east, so it's advisable to arrive by 10 AM. Upon arrival, park your car, descend to the water, and walk among the islands. The water is not deep and reaches up to waist level at its deepest point. It's important to wear water shoes as the salt can be sharp, and walking barefoot is uncomfortable.

If you wish to explore more beautiful (and more secluded) spots, about a five-minute drive south along the shore, there is another area of salt formations on the water—also a very photogenic area :)

"Minus 430" Gallery near Kalia Beach

The world's lowest gallery is located at the northernmost point of the Dead Sea, near Kalia Beach. It occupies buildings that were once the Jordanian army base and later served as an IDF outpost. Abandoned for years, these structures stood untouched until two entrepreneurs sought to raise awareness about the Dead Sea's condition. They invited graffiti artists from around the world to paint these buildings, resulting in an open-air art gallery. You can spend hours here exploring, as each building is unique in its own way.

To find it, enter "Kalia Beach" in Waze. After turning towards the beach, you'll spot the gallery on your right.

Nahal Arugot in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Within the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, there are essentially two main trails: Nahal David (David Stream) and Nahal Arugot (Arugot Stream). Nahal David offers the easier and shorter route, ideal for families with young children or those simply looking for a gentle walk in the stream's waters to cool off. It's a short and easy trail.

Nahal Arugot, located about a five-minute drive from the reserve entrance towards Kibbutz Ein Gedi, offers a more challenging trail. Here, you can choose between walking partly through the water (the wet trail) or sticking to the dry path. Both options involve walking under the sun with little shade, so it's crucial to bring plenty of water.

My recommendation is to take the wet trail on the way there and return via the dry path. The walk takes about 40-45 minutes, culminating in the impressive hidden waterfall. This waterfall flows year-round, with water levels varying by season—deep in winter and more gentle in the summer.

Upper Pools of Nahal Arugot

After enjoying a brief rest at the waterfall, it's highly recommended to continue another 20 minutes towards the upper pools of Nahal Arugot. In my personal opinion, those who miss out on these pools are missing the essence of the area—it's truly an oasis in the desert. The pools are deep and full of cool inviting water throughout the year (I visited in August). You can easily spend a few hours relaxing in and around them.

To reach the pools, backtrack slightly along the path towards the hidden waterfall until you see the continuation of the trail leading to the pools on the left.

It's important to note that you can stay at the pools until about 3 PM in the summer. Additionally, the ascent to the pools can be challenging, so it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.