Things to Do

Masada is one of Israel's most iconic landmarks — a massive ancient fortress built by King Herod atop an isolated plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. It's famously the site where Jewish rebels made their last stand against Rome in 73 CE, and the sunrise view from the summit over the Dead Sea and Jordanian mountains is absolutely spectacular.

You have two ways up: the Snake Path, a winding 45-60 minute hike that climbs 350 meters — best started before dawn (depart by 4:00-4:30 AM) to reach the summit in time for an unforgettable sunrise over the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan. Or take the cable car (₪31 one-way, ₪46 round-trip) which operates from 8:00 AM. The sunrise hike is the quintessential Masada experience and a rite of passage for visitors to Israel. Bring a headlamp, at least 1.5L of water, and dress in layers — desert mornings are cold, but it heats up fast.

At the top you'll find Herod's spectacular Northern Palace clinging to the cliff face in three tiers, a Byzantine church, ancient mosaics, remarkably preserved water cisterns, Roman bathhouses, and the massive Roman siege ramp built by the Tenth Legion visible on the western side. Masada was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its outstanding universal value as a symbol of human courage.

In the evenings (seasonal, typically March-October), a sound and light show (₪55 adults) is projected against the western face of Masada, telling the dramatic story of the siege through light, music, and narration. Access is from the Arad side (western entrance). Check the Israel Nature and Parks Authority website for current schedules.

Floating in the Dead Sea is one of the most unique experiences in the world. The 34.2% salt concentration makes the water so dense that your body bobs on the surface like a cork — it's physically impossible to sink. You'll float effortlessly with your arms and legs above water, reading a newspaper if you like (the classic photo).

Ein Bokek public beach is the main tourist beach and your best spot for the classic Dead Sea experience. It's completely free, well-maintained, and equipped with showers, changing rooms, restrooms, and lifeguards. The shoreline is lined with otherworldly salt crystal formations, and mineral-rich black mud is available right at the water's edge — slather it on, let it dry in the desert sun for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off in the sea. Your skin will feel incredibly smooth. Hotels, restaurants, and shops line the road behind the beach, making it the most convenient base in the Dead Sea area.

Tips: Wear water shoes (the salt crystals underfoot are sharp), don't shave the day before (the salt stings), limit your float to 20 minutes, and keep the water away from your eyes and mouth. Fresh water showers are available right on the beach.

Ein Gedi is a spectacular desert oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea — a lush green canyon carved into the Judean Desert cliffs, fed by year-round springs. It's one of Israel's most beautiful nature reserves and a striking contrast to the surrounding barren landscape.

There are two main trails. Nahal David is the easier and more popular route (1-2 hours round trip), leading to David's Waterfall — a stunning cascade into a natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation. It's an easy-to-moderate hike suitable for families. Along the way you'll likely spot Nubian ibex (large desert goats with impressive curved horns) grazing fearlessly close to the trail, plus hyraxes (small furry mammals that look like oversized guinea pigs) and a wide variety of birds.

For a longer, quieter adventure, the Nahal Arugot trail (3-4 hours round trip) leads to the Hidden Waterfall through a dramatic canyon with pools and rocky terrain. It sees far fewer visitors than Nahal David and rewards with a real sense of wilderness. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person — the desert heat is relentless even in the shade of the canyon.

The reserve also connects to the Ein Gedi Botanical Garden, home to over 900 plant species from five continents in a stunning kibbutz desert setting (₪25 entry, adjacent to the reserve). More adventurous hikers can explore the upper Ein Gedi spring, the 5,000-year-old Chalcolithic Temple ruins, and the Dry Canyon trail.

Qumran is where one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century took place. In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon a cave containing ancient scrolls — the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of nearly 1,000 manuscripts dating back over 2,000 years, including the oldest known copies of Hebrew Bible texts.

The site includes the excavated ruins of a community settlement (widely believed to be Essene), a visitor center with an excellent short film about the scrolls' discovery, and a walking trail with clear viewpoints of the famous caves in the cliffs above where the scrolls were hidden. The original scrolls are now housed at the Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem — but standing at the actual caves where they were hidden for two millennia is a powerful experience. Located just 15 minutes north of Ein Gedi, it's an easy add-on to any Dead Sea itinerary.