Traveling to the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea (or Salt Sea in Hebrew), is famed as the lowest point on Earth (1,412ft below sea level) and situated in southern Israel surrounded by the Negev Desert. The Dead Sea water is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean, so it’s easy to float! The water is rich in minerals that have therapeutic health, and wellness properties.

On the water’s edge are a string of beaches and the Ein Bokek resort area where luxury waterfront hotels face a sandy beach. For other accommodation options try the Ein Gedi Youth Hostel or SPNI Field School. There are eateries in Ein Bokek, plus the Bedouin tent restaurant Taj Mahal, and home-style Moroccan food at Biankini Beach.

Traveling to the Dead Sea can be challenging because it is in a remote, isolated location. Take a day tour to the Dead Sea; catch a shuttle bus; rent a car, or take the bus. You can visit at any time of the year, although the summer is scorching hot. Choose from the free beaches or paid beaches with more facilities. Things to do in the Dead Sea include spending time on the beach and having spa treatments at the water-front spa resorts where they use Dead Sea products. Nearby attractions include Masada, Ein Gedi, and Jericho.


4 Ways Get from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a unique and extraordinary place, so it’s not surprising that it’s one of Israel’s most popular tourist spots. The lowest point on earth, its waters are so salty that no living thing can survive in them…and the experience of floating in its waters, unable physically to put your legs down on its bottom, whilst you gaze over at Jordan or stare at the astonishing salt formations is indescribable.The Dead Sea sits in the Judean desert, about half an hour’s drive from the ancient fortress of Masada and a 45-minute drive from Jerusalem. Essentially it’s a landlocked salt lake that is shared between Israel and Jordan (who own its western and eastern shores respectively). With a warm climate, a range of beaches and a number of top-end hotels (complete with spas and local mud treatments) it’s a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway or simply just a few hours of relaxation.So how do you get to the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv? The good news is you’ve got plenty of options because Israel might be a small country but it’s extremely modern with excellent infrastructure. This means that whether you opt for public transport, car rental, private transfer or an organized day trip, you’re not going to have too many problems journeying south, for an outing you'll never forget.The highway along the coast of the Dead Sea1. Public TransportThere is excellent public transport in Israel - both in the form of trains and buses - that run from early in the morning until late at night. It’s modern, efficient, cheap and fast so this can be a cost-effective way to travel around.The best way to get from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea by public transport is with Egged bus number 421. It departs from the Sabidor (‘Tel Aviv 2000 Terminal’) station in the north of the city, on the Namir Road, which intersects with Arlozorov Street.The 421 bus leaves both at 9 am and 12 noon, Sunday to Thursday, and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s a direct route, with air-con on the buses, and will cost you around 75 NIS (approx $20) for a one-way ticket. You can pay the driver in cash, when you get on, or buy tickets online beforehand from Egged, or load up a Rav Kav card with credit (which is easy to purchase).Buses return along the route at various times in the afternoon and if by any chance you miss the direct bus back, you can return to Tel Aviv via Jerusalem (which involves an easy change). The 486 and 444 will drop you directly at the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and from there there are two different buses to Tel Aviv - the 405 and 480 - which leave every 15 minutes to Tel Aviv’s two main bus stations.Egged bus is picking up passengers on the way to the Dead Sea2. Organised Day TripIf you’re traveling to Israel independently, you might haveTel Avivor Jerusalem as a base but are keen to see a bit more of the country. If you don’t want to rent a car (for whatever reason) and want to get out and out, then booking an organized tour is the way to go.With anorganized day tour to the Dead Sea, you’ll be picked up from your hotel (or a pre-arranged pick-up point in central Tel Aviv) early in the morning and be driven there along with other travelers. You’ll have the services of a qualified and licensed guide, who speaks excellent English (therefore circumventing any language issues) and knows the area well and transport will be with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.Not only will you have a guide to answer all your questions and be on hand to deal with unforeseen circumstances, but you’ll also meet other tourists visiting Israel, which is something quite appealing for many solo travelers. Many of these day trips to the Dead Sea also incorporate a visit to Masada, which is an added bonus! For those who don’t want the hassle of public transport but aren’t looking to splash out on a private transfer/tour, this is definitely an excellent option.A group of tourists on a guided tour of Masada and the Dead Sea3. Car RentalRenting a car in Israel is surprisingly easy and affordable and there are lots of car rental agencies in Tel Aviv with which you can hire a vehicle, giving you plenty of freedom to plan your own journey. Hertz, Eldan, and Shlomo Sixt are among the providers, and all you will need is your international driver’s license and a credit card.From Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea, take the Ayalon Highway south and look out for Highway 1 which will take you to Jerusalem. Continue on Highway 1 until you reach Highway 90 - this road will take you directly to the Dead Sea and you can then choose the beach you like the look of. With a car, it’s also easy to make a visit to the nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. (beautiful waterfalls, wonderful hiking trails) or the wow-factor Masada fortress (about half an hour’s drive from the Dead Sea).Car rental lot in Tel Aviv4. Private TransferThis is by far and away the most convenient way to travel since once you’ve booked and paid for your transfer, everything will be taken care of. You’ll be picked up either at your hotel or your private accommodation and driven directly to the Dead Sea, in a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle, with an English-speaking driver.You will be able to spend as much time as you want in the area before being driven back to Tel Aviv and, of course, if you’d like to see other spots in the area whilst you’re there, you can discuss this with your driver. This is definitely not a cheap option but it is the most stress-free. Enquire with your hotel concierge or with us here at Bein Harim for approximate prices.Of course, you can also take a private tour of the Dead Sea with a company such as ours, where you’ll have not just a driver but the services of your own personal guide for the day.Last WordsThe Dead Sea offers an unparalleled experience that blends natural wonder, historical significance, and modern convenience. Whether you choose the efficiency of public transport, the sociability of an organized day trip, the flexibility of renting a car, or the luxury of a private transfer, your journey from Tel Aviv to this unique destination will be straightforward and memorable.So, pack your swimsuit, prepare to float effortlessly in the buoyant waters, and get ready to explore one of the most extraordinary places on earth. The Dead Sea is waiting, promising an adventure filled with relaxation and awe.
By Sarah Mann

5 of the Dead Sea’s Top Hotels and Spas

Situated 1,400 feet below sea level, which makes it the lowest point on earth you can travel to whilst remaining out in the open, the Dead Sea (or the ‘Salt Sea’) as it's often known is a truly magical destination. Set a short drive from Jerusalem, in the Judean desert and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this is not just a place of enormous tranquility but one that ‘feels’ different. That’s because it actually is - the saline in the sea means that visitors are actually breathing in healthy mineral-rich air.Breathe in the Mineral-Rich AirTruly, spending time at the Dead Sea lets you experience a whole new atmosphere. With a unique body of water in which you can float, to your heart’s content, proven healing qualities that reside in the air, and the attractions of the ancient fortress of Masada and lush oasis of Ein Gedi on your doorstep, it’s no wonder this is perhaps Israel’s top tourist attraction. It’s also a mecca for those with skin complaints (eczema, psoriasis) looking for a relaxation tour and it's often commented that the sulfur baths work magic on anyone feeling run-down.Luxurious, Elegant, and Designed for PamperingSo where to stay? Well, the area has all kinds of accommodation but in this article, we’ll be focusing on the higher end of the market - five of the top hotels (each with their own spa) that offer you comfort, style, and sophistication, with all the amenities you’d expect, and a few extra touches too. The Dead Sea’s perfect for a spa break, a romantic getaway, or just a couple of days away from the daily grind. All of these hotels are located in the Ein Bokekpart of the Dead Sea, and all very close to the shore. Attractions such as Masada and Ein Gedi are close by, for anyone who wants to join one of numerous Dead Sea tours. And because the Dead Sea is just 45 minutes drive from Jerusalem and 2 hours from Tel Aviv, you don’t have to think twice before heading down there.Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.Photo credit: © ShutterstockHere are some of our recommendations, for a break that will exceed your expectations, in terms of accommodation, cuisine, spa facilities, and breathtaking scenery.1.Milos Hotel Dead Sea - Ein BokekThis luxury hotel, owned by the Herbert Samuel group, offers five-star private beachfront accommodation all the while drawing on the colors and textures of Greece. All rooms have rainfall showers and Nespresso machines and the deluxe offering comes with your own private pool.Milos has a pool with a gazebo (perfect for afternoon cocktails), a gym, a gaming room for younger guests, and a spa that offers a Turkish hammam, dry sauna, dead seawater pool, and sulfur bath.The main restaurant is built in stone in the style of a Greek taverna, the stone having been shipped in from Saloniki. It boasts an excellent chef who, according to reviews, visits each table at dinner. Guests have rated Milos highly on Tripadvisor, and commented on the professional, courteous staff. Guests on Booking.com have rated it at 9.2 for a couples getaway. Milos also offers occasional special offers which are published each afternoon, at 2 pm, for same-day check-in, so for a last-minute break, you can’t do better.Details: Milos Hotel, Ein Bokek, tel: 08 668 8100Milos Hotel Dead Sea, Ein Bokek. Photo: Herbert Samuel Hotels2.Herods Dead Sea – The Premium Collection by FattalHerods is an award-winning hotel that offers guests a rejuvenating and luxurious experience at the shores of the Dead Sea. With its own private beach, luxury rooms and suites, royal spa facilities, and innovative cuisine, it is the perfect place for anyone looking to be pampered. Herods ‘Vitalis’ spa is considered to be the jewel in the crown of this hotel, boasting a variety of heated and health-centered pools (seawater, sweet water, and sulfur), a Turkish bathhouse, solarium, and an array of mud pack, facial and cosmetic treatments. Extra touches include magic shows, free bicycle hire, a ‘fun area’ for kids, and a ‘Welcome Baby’ service. The hotel offers two restaurants, the ‘Rothschild’ bar (with excellent homemade desserts) and a Health Bar which serves natural and fresh shakes. Rooms are tastefully designed and the Executive range comes with a sunbathing balcony and free international calls. Reviews on Booking.com rate Herods as ‘Exceptional’ and ‘Superb’ and comment that breakfast and dinner went beyond expectations. Details: Hamei Zohar, Neve Zohar Tel: 03 511-0000Herods Dead Sea Hotel. Photo: Herods Hotels3.Daniel Dead Sea HotelSet in the heart of the Dead Sea’s Ein Bokek area, The Daniel hotel boasts 320 luxury rooms, 12 of which are lavishly decorated suites. Wifi is free throughout and all rooms come with LCD TVs and black-out curtains. Some offer sea views whilst others overlook the Edom Mountains. As you would expect from a luxury hotel, The Daniel has its own private beach and indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a fitness center with a gym and workout rooms. There are children’s activities available and entertainment in the lobby most evenings. Guests arriving by car have access to free parking.The Daniel offers a range of spa treatments, including massages, a steam room, and wellness treatments, There is a tennis court available for those who wish to practice their strokes! Guests reviewing the hotel on Booking.com are particularly happy with the buffet breakfast, which they say has an excellent variety of items. For special prices at the Daniel, take a look at the Trivago website which offers excellent prices.Details: Ein Bokek, Dead Sea Tel: 08 668-9999Daniel Dead Sea Hotel. Photo via ichotels.co.il4. Leonardo Club Hotel Dead Sea - All InclusiveThe Leonardo Club hotel is located on a private beach in Ein Bokek and offers guests a wonderful location with breathtaking views of both the Dead Sea and the surrounding mountains. It boasts 368 beautiful designed rooms, set in two wings, with the deluxe option offering guests a balcony with sea views. There is miniature golf on site, a games room and also free bicycle rental. The Leonardo is the only hotel in the Dead Sea which boasts its own water park, with three amazing slides, ideal for family fun. The fact that it is all inclusive means delicious cuisine and drinks (soft and certain alcoholic) are available 24/7. Guests on Tripadvisor rate the food as tasty and plentiful, with one commenting “GREAT food; hats off to the cook.” Le Spa at the Leonardo offers guests facilities including a heated seawater pool, a sulfur pool, and a modern sauna, as well as a wide variety of high-quality health and rejuvenation treatments.Detials: Ein Bokek, Hamei Zohar 08 668-9444Leonardo Club Hotel Dead Sea. Photo vialeonardo-hotels.com5.Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & SpaNestled at the foot of the mountains that surround it and just moments from the shore of the Dead Sea, the Isrotel offers its guests an experience of complete tranquility where, as they put it, ‘pampering and relaxation always come first.” Given a rating of five stars by the Ministry of Tourism, each newly-renovated room (which is bigger than your average hotel room) has a balcony and is stylishly designed.Isrotel’s spa, ‘Esprit’ offers a wide range of rejuvenation treatments including massages, mud packs, and seaweed masks. Also on offer are a sulfur pool, massage rooms, sauna, steam bath, and a private sun deck. The hotel’s ‘Ranch’ restaurant is an American-style affair, with a wide range of meats on offer - a carnivorous paradise. Guests can also ‘chill out’ at the poolside, where kids light bites are served, as well as shakes and cocktails. Reviews on Booking.com describe the hotel as ‘Superb’ and ‘Excellent’ and comment on how efficient the booking and check-in process is. One noted that on a particularly hot day, staff was handing out free ice cream and cold drinks to guests.Details: Ein Bokek, Dead Sea Tel: 08 688-966Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & Spa. Image: Isrotel hotelsPractical Travel InformationThere are several ways to reach the Dead Sea: rental car, bus, taxi, and private transfer.Rental car: Renting a car in Israel is pretty simple and not incredibly expensive. Try Hertz, Eldan, or Avis, who are all located at Ben Gurion Airport, as well as in the major cities. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s permit!Bus: Buses run regularly to the Dead Sea from all parts of the country - Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the south (Eilat, indirectly. There is no direct route from Eilat to the Dead Sea - you will have to change buses in Beer Sheva)From Jerusalem: The number 486 travels from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station (platform 5) direct to the Dead Sea.From Tel Aviv: the 421 travels from the Central Bus Station direct to the Dead Sea. It is advisable, and more often than not, necessary to book a ticket for these buses in advance. This can be done by calling Egged on *2800 or 03-694 8888. It is also possible to book tickets directly through their website. Please note: there is no public transport in Israel over Shabbat which means that from Friday afternoon to Saturday night, it is not possible to travel by Egged.Taxi: A taxi from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea should take about 45 minutes and cost in the region of 350-400 NIS. A taxi from Tel Aviv will take between 90 minutes to 2 hours and cost around 700 NIS.Private transfer: A private transfer from the airport or your hotel to the Dead Sea is another option, and is quick and convenient. Your Israeli tour operator will be glad to advise you in this regard. Get packing!Rejuvenating Dead Sea mud. Photo credit: © Shutterstock
By Sarah Mann

A Little History About the Dead Sea

Less than an hour’s drive from Jerusalem and surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Judean desert, lies the Dead Sea (‘Yam ha Melach’ in Hebrew). Landlocked between Israel and Jordan, it has the lowest elevation (423 metres below seal level) on earth and is an extraordinary natural wonder due to the high saline (salt) levels it contains. The result of this salty water? Not only is it impossible to dive there (and it’s deep), it’s impossible even to swim! However, with its warm, arid temperatures and endless blue skies, it's also one of Israels’ most popular attractions, not just for tourists but for its citizens, who flock there to relax, hike, or indulge in ‘therapeutic treatments’ such as sulphur baths and mud packs, or simply soak up the sun’s rays, which are excellent for skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis.The Dead Sea.Photo credit: © ShutterstockWhy is the Dead Sea Unique?Apart from the fact that its salt content is so high, and that it’s situated at the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is unique because it’s actually full of life. Not life as we’d consider it - no fish or animal can survive there - but life in the form of minerals that aid and heal the body. The evidence is indisputable - in fact, both King Herod and Cleopatra visited the area to indulge in its healing properties. Today, it is still recommended by doctors worldwide as an excellent destination for the treatment of skin ailments, arthritis, and high blood pressure. And because of its desert location, there is very little rainfall, making it a popular year-round attraction. Whether you’re looking for a stone massage, an aromatic salt exfoliation body scrub, or a rejuvenating mud scalp treatment, you’ll be able to find it here.Mineral-rich Dead Seamud mask. Photo credit: © ShutterstockGeology of the Dead SeaAbout 2 million years ago, the land between the Sedom Lagoon (which connected to the Mediterranean through the Jezreel Valley) rose incredibly high, leading to the creation of this landlocked lake. As tectonic plates shifted, the floor of the valley shifted accordingly; at the same time, the arid desert climate led to the lake evaporating. As the years passed, the lake shrank and about 7,000 years ago, this resulted in what we know today.More recently, water from the Jordan River flowed into the Dead Sea but today, with water diverted from the Galilee, its only source of water is from flash floods and sulfur springs. Since water is continually evaporating (due to the desert climate) this means that the Dead Sea is actually shrinking, leaving behind crusty salt crystals which end up ‘snowing down’ up to 10cm worth on the seafloor each year. No wonder it’s impossible to swim here - the water concentration is so dense that your body automatically becomes lighter, leaving you floating to the surface!Amazingly though, at the same time, the Dead Sea still helps support a complex ecosystem. How? Freshwater springs and oases along the shore are home to many indigenous species of fish, plants, and mammals - including ibex and leopards. There are also over 300 species of birds in the area, including eagles, kestrels, and honey buzzards (all of which pass over, on their migration from Europe to Africa).A salt flat on the shores of the Dead Sea.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Dead Sea in Ancient TimesThere are many references in the Bible to the Dead Sea, with it called by other names, including the ‘Salt Sea’, the ‘Stinking Sea’, and the ‘Eastern Sea’. Historically, it has been regarded as more of a territorial boundary than a ‘destination’ - nevertheless, many important biblical settlements, including Ein Gedi, Qumran, and the ancient fortress of Masada were positioned there.Archaeologists also believe that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (referred to in Genesis as two notoriously sinful cities, and subsequently destroyed by God) happened in this area. The famous Old Testament story of Lot’s wife - who disobeyed God’s command not to look back and was then turned into a pillar of salt - is also believed to have taken place here. Fun fact: strange formations of salt, which resemble pillars, can be seen in the south-eastern corner of the sea, and have been nicknamed ‘Lot’s Wife’ by tour guides!TheQumran Caves near the Dead Sea.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Qumran Caves and the Dead Sea ScrollsQumran, nearby, is also home to the spot at which an astonishing discovery was made in 1949, when a shepherd boy (looking for a lost member of his flock) wandered into a cave and stumbled upon what, today, is named the Dead Sea Scrolls. Approximately 2,000 years old, and dating back to 3 BCE, these documents (made of animal skin, papyrus, and even forged copper) give us extraordinary and valuable insights into the Essenes, a community who had fled Jerusalem for this remote area, so as to continue with its unique way of life.Today, the Dead Sea Scrolls are a highlight of any visit to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Housed in an astonishing building named ‘The Shrine of the Book’ visitors enter this stunning white dome (an architectural masterpiece, designed to represent the lid of the jars in which the scrolls were found) to view these ancient Biblical manuscripts (also known as the Aleppo Codex). For any history lover, a private tour of the museum is highly recommended.The Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Dead Sea Today - Shrinkage and SinkholesToday, there’s no point in pretending that isn’t a crisis on the horizon - the Dead Sea has a fraction of what it used to gain from its original water flow from the Jordan River. On top of that, the tiny amounts that remain are being diverted for other purposes - industry, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. To maintain its current size, it would need an infusion of 150 billion gallons of water annually and it receives about 10% of that. Time-lapse photography by Noam Bedein shows the alarming and dramatic changes that have occurred even in the last few years, as this landlocked lake literally dries up.And as if this were not problematic enough, there’s another problem with which to contend - sinkholes. As the Dead Sea shrinks, the freshwater aquifers along its perimeter recede; the water diffuses into salt deposits beneath the surface then slowly dissolves until the earth suddenly collapses (usually with no advance warning). In the last 15 years, over 1,000 sinkholes have arisen, swallowing up date palms, parts of the road, and even some buildings. More than one beach has even had to close, as a result. Scientists even fear that if things continue, the nearby springs that feed oases in the Judean desert will die too, leaving a vibrant ecosystem at great risk.A gazebo on the Dead seashore.Photo credit: © ShutterstockSocial Activism and Environmental ProjectsLuckily, it’s not all bad news. As more and more scientists and environmentalists speak out, highlighting the threat posed to the area, an increasing number of social activism projects are being set up, to counter this dangerous trend, Friends of the Earth Middle East, for instance, is part of a coalition of 21 environmental groups which have developed proposals to encourage individuals to conserve household water use. Moreover, the Dead Sea-Red Sea project is planning on opening a desalination facility in the area and, using advanced technology, aims to provide clean drinking water for millions of people in the region. Scientists are also trying to persuade local farmers in the area to plant different kinds of crops from those that exist now - olives, dates, and certain flowers, for instance, don’t require fresh water. And perhaps the most well-known venture is the Dead Sea Revival Project, which aims to become a leading NGO for environmental education and activism. Producing films, multimedia presentations, and photographic exhibitions, they aim to raise awareness not just amongst tourists and Israeli citizens but on a global level. Their fascinating ‘Virtual Museum’ allows you to tour the Dead Sea from your electronic device, and see for yourself the beauty of the place, as well as get involved in projects and enter competitions, all designed to highlight awareness of the challenges faced in preserving the area. Ibexes in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.Photo credit: © ShutterstockSites and Activities in the Surrounding AreaFor any visitor to Israel, a day trip to the Dead Sea may well be one of the great highlights. But it’s not just the salty water itself that will leave people speechless, but also a large number of additional sites to explore and activities to join, all in the immediate area. For those, not a fan floating in salty water, or slathering themselves in black mud, a simple stroll along the promenade (from which Jordan is clearly visible) is highly recommended. All along are different beaches, with kiosks, cafes, showers, and sun loungers for rent. At some, it’s also possible to pop into hotels and enjoy their spa treatments. For the more adventurous, why not join a jeep safari? These four-hour adventures will take you inland, across rugged terrain, and let you see the beauty of the Judean desert up close and personal. These tours usually pass Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and also the ancient Murbaat caves. You’ll have the chance to experience some local Bedouin hospitality along the way, in the form of hot tea inside a large tent.A jeep safari in the Judean desert.Photo credit: © ShutterstockFor those who crave an adrenaline rush, there’s the possibility of rappelling down cliff faces in Wadi Qumran or skydiving off the face of the magnificent Masada fortress. If you’re looking for outdoor activity, but something not too extreme, then the hiking opportunities in the area are endless - Metsuke Dragot, David’s Waterfall, Einot Tzukim, Dodim’s Cave, and the Ein Gedi hot springs are all incredibly beautiful. The trails range in difficulty but there are 10 classed as ‘moderate’ which most people can manage. (Look out for the picnic areas, if you need a rest, and stop to look at the mountain goats on the slopes!)Another possibility, especially if you want someone else to do the hard work, is to take an organized Masada and Dead Sea tour, or combineMasada at sunrise, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea? Or, if you want a little culture thrown in, mix Jerusalem with a trip to the Dead Sea? For nature and history lovers, it might be worth taking a private guide to explore Qumran and Ein Gedi, who will know the best spots for you to spy ibex, eagles, and rock badgers. Or if you’re simply in the mood to kick back, then book the Dead Sea Relaxation Tour - it will revive every pore in your body!Qasr al Yahud, the baptismal site on the Jordan River.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Dead Sea is also very close to Jericho and the Jordan River, which give you the opportunity of visiting not just this small but ancient town but also the ancient baptismal site of Qasr al Yahud, where John baptized Jesus and where pilgrims still visit today, to dip themselves in the water. Sitting there, in the desert, by the Jordan, you truly feel you are in the wilderness. (Fun fact: historically, Christian pilgrims who traveled here from Jerusalem would be transported on camels - the journey took some days!)The fact is that the Dead Sea and its surrounding environment have something for everyone - and especially with a guided group touror a private excursion, with all the logistics dealt with for you, you’ll have time to take it all in. With its breathtaking hilltop fortress of Masada, a must-see for any tourist in the region, delicate ecosystem, and unique history, it’s the perfect destination for first-time and returning visitors. All you need to do is pack a broad-brimmed hat, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen and arm yourself with a bottle of water. Then start exploring - we don’t think you’ll ever forget what you see!Camel riding near the Dead Sea.Photo credit: © Shutterstock
By Sarah Mann

Health Benefits of the Dead Sea

Many want to visit the Dead Sea as it is an iconic site and one of the most amazing wonders of the world. People want to be able to say they’ve been to the “lowest point on Earth”. But another, and arguably more important reason to visit the Dead Sea is that it can be good for your health. For thousands of years the Dead Sea environment has attracted visitors who come to enjoy its health promoting properties.Dead Sea SunAt approximately 417 meters below sea level the harmful solar rays have further to travel and thus are filtered on their way through the air, by air molecules, water vapor and aerosols (minerals). This leaves only the useful and beneficial rays which reach the Dead Sea. The region has pleasant weather with sunny days almost the entire year.AirThe air in the Dead Sea environment has a high oxygen density of 15% above the average levels. The air is also dry, virtually allergen free and there is little humidity so that those with repertory problems find it easier to breath. The air at the Dead Sea is specifically healthy for those with asthma. The high concentration of bromine and magnesium in the air relaxes and relieves tension.WaterThe highly saline water of the Dead Sea has a unique composition of minerals and therapeutic salts. The water is 32% salt as compare to the salt level in ocean water of 3%. When you swim in the sea your skin is stimulated and nourished easing joint ailments, relaxing the nerves and stimulating the circulation system. The saline density prohibits the body from sinking so that you can relax (mentally and physically) while floating on the water.Dead Sea MudPeople floating in mineral rich Dead Sea water The mud which forms the sea bed and the banks of the sea, contains the same rich mineral mix found in the water so that this handy natural skin “mask” can be smoothed over the skin to allow the minerals to be directly absorbed. The mud stimulates blood circulation and can help those with rheumatism. The sea and mud contain sulfur, magnesium, calcium, chloride, sodium, bromide, potassium and other trace elements. In all there are 21 essential minerals and 12 are unique to the Dead Sea.A combination of the air, filtered solar rays, mineral rich water and mud can be beneficial to those suffering from skin diseases, specifically psoriasis, arthritis and dermatitis. The Dead Sea benefits not only your health but your looks as the mud and water cleanses and softens your skin. You’ll find that after a visit your skin will feel and look rejuvenated. The benefits don’t have to end when you leave the Dead Sea as Dead Sea products are sold around the world and at the Dead Sea itself. At the Dead Sea you can even buy bags of the black mud to take home with you!Some tour options to The Dead Sea >>
By Petal Mashraki
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