Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, located in the Jordan Rift Valley, is the lowest point on the Earth's surface, with its shores sitting at approximately 430 meters below sea level. This hypersaline lake, bordered by Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank, is famous for its extreme salt concentration of about 34%, making it nearly ten times saltier than the average ocean. These harsh conditions prevent the survival of fish or aquatic plants, giving the lake its distinctive name. Geologically, it is divided into two basins: the deep northern basin and the shallower southern basin, which now primarily consists of industrial evaporation ponds for mineral extraction. The mineral-rich composition of the water and mud has been utilized for therapeutic purposes since antiquity, with Herod the Great reportedly building one of the world's first health resorts here. In recent decades, the sea has been shrinking at a rate of over one meter per year, largely due to the diversion of water from the Jordan River. The surrounding desert landscape, characterized by unique salt formations and hidden oases, remains a globally significant geological and historical site.

Nearby cities

Ashdod

Ashdod is a major coastal city and home to Israel's largest port, handling the majority of the country's cargo.

Beersheba

Beersheba is the largest city in the Negev desert, often referred to as the capital of the southern region.

Ashkelon

Ashkelon is a coastal city in the Southern District, featuring a rich history spanning thousands of years.

Eilat

Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea.

Rahat

Rahat is a predominantly Bedouin city in the Northern Negev, being the largest Bedouin settlement in the world.

Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

The lowest point on Earth, famous for its hypersaline water that lets you float effortlessly and mineral-rich mud.

History & landmarks

Makhtesh Ramon

Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert is the largest erosion crater in the world, captivating visitors with its dramatic cliffs and colorful…

More places

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi is a verdant oasis in the Judean Desert, featuring waterfalls, springs, and abundant wildlife near the Dead Sea.

Ein Gedi Botanical Garden

A kibbutz garden in the desert featuring an incredible variety of desert and tropical plants from around the world.

Masada

An ancient fortress on a rock plateau overlooking the Dead Sea.

Qumran Caves

A series of caves in the Judaean Desert where ancient Jewish manuscripts were found.

Mount Sodom

A mountain range composed almost entirely of rock salt, rising along the southwestern shore of the Dead Sea.

Dead Sea Works

A huge industrial complex that extracts valuable minerals such as potash, bromine, and magnesium from the water of the Dead Sea.

Yatir Forest

Yatir Forest is the largest planted forest in Israel, located on the edge of the Negev Desert.

Zin Phosphate Mine

One of the most important mines in the Negev Desert, extracting large quantities of phosphates for the chemical industry and export.