Is it worth going to the Dead Sea? Holidays at the Dead Sea in Israel: a guide with prices Dead Sea when is the best time to go

The Dead Sea needs no introduction; its healing magic is well known to the world, and the influx of tourists continues unabated all year round. The healing power of water, mud and air saturated with salt vapors cures any ailment and it is difficult to name a disease that a swim in the local water would not cure. The needs of tourists are served by cozy resort villages and dozens of hotels located on the shores, which is why it is not always easy for unlucky guests to decide where to stay. We will try to understand this issue by considering accommodation options.

Israeli resorts

Resorts near the salt lake are known not only for their medicinal potential, but also for their high prices. Counting on a budget holiday on the coast is, to say the least, naive.

The famous body of water washes the shores of two countries at once, so travelers are offered a choice of and. Each state has its own specifics: , with its developed tourist infrastructure and multiculturalism, and Jordan, with Muslim traditions and a pronounced oriental flavor. What to choose is a matter of personal preference.

Israeli resorts near the Dead Sea:

• Ein Bokek.
• Ein Gedi.
• Neve Zohar.
• Kibbutz Kalia.
• Metzok Dragot.
• Arad.
• Jerusalem.

Ein Bokek

The main Israeli health resort, offering guests all the delights of holiday life. Year-round warmth and sunny weather 330 days a year are supported by hotel comfort and excellent healing capabilities. There are plenty of places to stay at the Dead Sea, however, you will have to pay a considerable sum for the pleasure of living here. The average bill for a room is 20 thousand rubles per night for two, which is not within everyone’s budget.

The resort infrastructure consists of one and a half dozen upscale hotels, several health and spa centers, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and shops. You shouldn’t count on an active nightlife - people come here to recover, rejuvenate, gain strength, energy and beauty; due to the lack of demand, there are no nightclubs with parties.

But here you can get rid of skin diseases and simply tidy up tired skin, heal from respiratory diseases, cure diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological and urological diseases. Beautiful ladies are offered a variety of rejuvenating, toning and other programs.

The resort itself is compact and you can get around it in less than an hour. Prices in stores are high, so it’s better to go to the mainland for shopping.

In general, it’s ideal for a few days’ relaxation, but fans of an active life will find it boring here. For swimmers there are public and private hotel beaches equipped to a high standard.

Hotels: Crowne Plaza, Royal Hotel Dead Sea, Hodhamidbar, Lot Spa, Isrotel Ganim, Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, Prima Spa Club, Oasis Dead Sea, David Dead Sea Resort & Spa, HI - Massada Hostel, Herods Dead Sea, Orchid Dead Sea , Leonardo Inn, Royal Dead Sea.

Ein Gedi

A nice resort area that has grown and benefited from tourism. The prices are not so pretentious, so it is suitable as a place where you can stay at the Dead Sea without breaking the bank. It is focused on a relaxing and healthy holiday, so you shouldn’t expect outstanding entertainment or large-scale events from it. Its main advantage is that Ein Gedi is located next to the reserve of the same name, where you can go on an excursion.

But the village itself is located quite far from the sea - several kilometers, but don’t let this bother tourists - a transfer is organized from the hotels to the beaches. The beaches are quite well-kept, sandy as everywhere else; in addition to private hotels, there is a public section of the coast.

The set for tourists is classic: SPA, massage, swimming pools, bars and restaurants, shops. For serious treatment you will have to go to Ein Bokek, but simple beauty treatments can be done here.

Hotels: Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel, Sehatty Resort, Ein Gedi Camp Lodge, HI - Massada Hostel, Rimonim Royal Dead Sea.

Neve Zohar

A small resort settlement that grew up three kilometers south of Ein Bokek. There are few hotels; there are several guest houses with moderate prices by local standards, but rooms need to be booked well in advance of the trip. For everyone else who hasn’t thought about where to stay in the Dead Sea in advance, hotel complexes with health centers, spas, swimming pools and other elements are offered. One hotel operates on an all-inclusive system.

The infrastructure of the village itself is very modest, but the hotel sector is organized in such a way that everything you need is on the hotel premises, for additional funds, of course. In addition to the public beach, there are several hotel areas.

Hotels: Zimmer Dora, Beatrice Hospitality, Nadia Hosting Dead Sea, Beatrice Guest House, Rose Dead Sea, Aloni, Gil's Guest Rooms, Leonardo Plaza Hotel, Leonardo Club Hotel, Dalia Zimmer, Desert Inn Apartment.

Kibbutz Kalia

A picturesque village in the northern part of the coast, surrounded by date palm plantations. It is located in an oasis, although tourists are attracted not so much by its beauty and ancient history as by the opportunity to relax by a salty pond for little money.

There is a campsite on Kalia beach where you can stay in a tent, which will cost many times less than a hotel room, especially since the weather here is always equally warm and welcoming to pilgrims.

The resort surroundings include bars and shops, as well as a modern spa center, but apart from leisure on the beach and wallowing in the healing mud, there is not much to do; the main entertainment for tourists is excursions around the surrounding area. Nearby is an archaeological site where excavations are still ongoing and where the legendary Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Excursions are organized here, as well as to the desert, where you can ride ATVs. You should definitely go to the Masada fortress or join rural tourism.

Hotels: Kalia Kibbutz Hotel.

Metzok Dragot

Metzok Dragot cannot be called a resort, even with a stretch; rather, it is a place where you can stay relatively inexpensively for a day or two if resort hotels are beyond your means.

Entrance to the local beach is paid, but here you can smear yourself with healing mud and soak up the sun in a calm environment. There is practically no infrastructure; the only entertainment for tourists is the local cosmetics factory, where you can go on a tour and buy healing creams, ointments and masks.

Of the establishments where to stay at the Dead Sea, only the Metzoke Dragot Hostel is represented, but the room price is only 2,250 rubles per night.

Arad

It is impossible to ignore this city, even if it is as much as 25 kilometers away from the sea. Just half an hour by bus - and you are on the beach, surrounded by the coveted salty waves. Tourists who do not want to overpay hoteliers for a vacation settle here, especially since the infrastructure and living conditions are many times more diverse, and the choice of accommodation is huge.

Here you can stay not only in a hotel or hostel, but also in guest houses, apartments and comfortable apartments, or you can rent an entire house. There are good transport connections to the Dead Sea, buses run regularly throughout the day. SPA centers and medical clinics are also present, prices are noticeably lower for literally everything, from shops to treatment and restaurants.

Let’s not forget about its fame as the most environmentally friendly city, not only in Israel, but also in the world, which is important for those who suffer from diseases of the respiratory system.

Hotels: Metzoke Dragot Hostel, Masada Holiday, Villa Hahagala, Inbar Hotel, Shimon Street Apartment, Tamar's House, Rom HaTayelet, Mivtsa Lot 39 Apartments, Desert Pearl Holiday Home, Dead Sea Sun Guest House, LeSaNel - Guest House.

Jerusalem

Although it is located as much as 35 kilometers from our goal, many tourists choose it as a place to stay at the Dead Sea. Here you can live cheaper and at the same time combine a therapeutic holiday with a rich excursion program.

There is no need to talk about the tourist advantages of the city - there are hundreds of iconic attractions here, and the choice of accommodation is also colossal. Regular public transport services are organized to the Dead Sea; if you wish, you can rent a car and get there on your own, without relying on the will of carriers. Travel time will be about half an hour.

Hotels: A Little House In Rechavia, The Post Hostel, Royal View, Shani Hotel, New Imperial Hotel, Paamonim Hotel, Agripas Boutique Hotel, Eldan Hotel, Herbert Samuel Hotel, Eyal Hotel by Smart Hotels, Jerusalem Tower Hotel.

Where to Stay at the Dead Sea in Jordan

Despite the fact that the Dead Sea stretches along tens of kilometers of Jordanian land, there is only one resort here - the city of Sweimeh. It is located 45 kilometers from the capital of the country, where you can always visit for excursion purposes.

Swaymekh owns a well-equipped public beach, as well as private beaches at hotels. Both are equipped with sun loungers, showers and other amenities.

As in Israel, there are medical centers and spa complexes. In the Jordanian part of the Dead Sea, you can heal with mineral water, healing mud, oxygen programs and rejuvenating courses of procedures using natural materials and modern technology are also actively used.

Hotels are not cheap, but they compensate for the high cost with high quality services and exquisite interiors; everything you need, including restaurants, bars and shops, is located on the hotel premises.

Hotels: Jordan Valley Marriott, Movenpick, Mujib Chalets, Dead Sea Spa Hotel, Holiday Inn Resort, Ramada Resort, Lagoon, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Russian Pilgrim Residence.

The attractive and mysterious Dead Sea in Israel is famous for the fact that it is impossible to drown in it. The country itself is the cradle of one of the world's largest religions. And tickets to this wonderful place have become cheaper due to the introduction of visa-free travel.

If these reasons are not enough to interest you in a trip to those parts, get acquainted with seven that are no less significant and quickly go to BiletyPlus.ru to book the best air tickets and the most comfortable hotel rooms.

Nature and climate

The period from May to September is the ideal time to visit Israel. A country with a typical Mediterranean climate can offer its guests a warm and very clean sea, excellent weather and enchanting natural views.

There is a certain charm to the ethereal desert landscape of this country and it is worth seeing at least once in your life.

But the coastal areas do not suffer from the monotony of the desert: over the past 50 years, several million trees have been planted in the country and almost a hundred nature reserves and natural parks have been opened.

Healing springs

Thermal mineral pools and therapeutic muds, located in abundance on the shores of the Dead Sea, attract tourists from all over the world. Millions of people go to this place every year to solve health problems. Visiting these resorts has a particularly good effect on people with diseases of the skin, respiratory tract and joints.

Another advantage of the Dead Sea is safe tanning. The coastal area, protected from the sun by a thick layer of air masses, gives an ideal tan without the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The best sanatoriums in the world

Israel is famous for its medical care. It has one of the highest life expectancies, the highest number of health workers per capita and the lowest infant mortality rate. The state strictly controls even private clinics and insurance companies, and the right to medical services for all residents of the country is prescribed by law.

However, visitors here are taken care of just as well: resorts, sanatoriums, clinics and specialized hospitals located on the Dead Sea receive thousands of Russians every year.

Visa-free regime

Recently, our compatriots can travel to Israel for up to 90 days without a visa. True, you will have to collect some documents to present at customs control.

A tourist must have a passport valid for six months, a printout of return air tickets, a travel agency voucher or confirmation of a hotel reservation, and a health insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip. In some cases, the control service may be interested in whether you have the necessary funds. In this situation, you can simply present a bank card (without certificates or printouts of the balance).

Children entering Israel accompanied by one parent require a notarized exit permit from the other. If the child travels accompanied by third parties, then such a document must be signed by both parents. In addition, you need to have your child’s passport and birth certificate with you.

By the way, when traveling to Israel, a stamp is not placed in your passport. In return, the tourist is given a border crossing coupon, which must be kept until the end of the trip and presented when leaving the country.

Quality shopping

Shopping tours to Israel are not very common, but in vain. You can buy quality items from world brands here cheaper than in Europe. This is due to the absence of VAT in resort stores. Therefore, even if you come here for treatment, you should go to Eilat or Tel Aviv and devote the day to shopping.

Excursions to historical sites

When you get tired of enjoying the tranquility of the resorts, you can go to large cities and get acquainted with the sights known throughout the world for two thousand years.

Nazareth, Haifa, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and dozens of places, visiting which is the dream of any Christian, will be very close to you. Tours to the Holy Land depart daily from all parts of Israel and are in great demand.

Ideal conditions for swimming

The Dead Sea is the perfect solution for those who want to soak in the surf but don't know how to swim. Where else to study and overcome fears, if not in a place where nature itself has created ideal conditions for this! It’s easy to meet tourists bobbing on the waves with a book here, and after a couple of days it ceases to amaze. Therefore, if you or your child do not know how to swim, choose a summer holiday at the Dead Sea - you will not regret it.

A trip to the Dead Sea is suitable for both adults and children, because here everyone can find a vacation to their taste. In addition, such a vacation will bring many benefits to your health, and thanks to attractive offers from BiletyPlus.ru, it will not hit your wallet.

On the eve of your long-awaited vacation, do you look through tourist brochures again and again? Are you tormented by questions related to choosing a future vacation destination? You don't know which resort to choose? Why not choose a holiday at the Dead Sea? You definitely won't be disappointed. In addition, this is a great opportunity not only to get acquainted with the sights of the region, but also to improve your own health.

Features of the Dead Sea

Aristotle was the first to mention this unique reservoir. Even in ancient times, this place was considered one of the most popular resorts. The thermal springs located nearby were visited by King Herod himself. The famous Cleopatra used mud and minerals for rejuvenation; the Roman nobility brought water and salts to their homeland. And in 1967, the first treatment centers appeared here, which still exist successfully.

What is the Dead Sea made of?

The water in this lake, which has no source, cannot be called water in the literal sense of the word. It is rather a strong salt solution, the concentration of which reaches 42%. To prepare such a liquid at home, you need to pour about 3 bags of salt into the bath and stir it well. But even then it will be impossible to replicate the unique composition of the Dead Sea. It contains:

This composition, combined with a healing climate and healing mud, makes this place a desirable resort for tourists all over the world.

Benefits of paradise

What are the advantages of a holiday at the Dead Sea?

In search of life at the Dead Sea

What diseases can be cured at the resorts of this unique body of water? You can come here to be healed of the most common ailments.

Choosing a time to travel

When does the Dead Sea season start? Rejoice: in this blessed corner it lasts all year round. However, do not forget that in the summer months it is too hot here. Therefore, it is better to go to overseas countries in spring or autumn.

There are seasons for the treatment of certain diseases. For example:

• For skin diseases, the season lasts from March to November. However, it is better to refrain from treating eczema and neurodermatitis in July and August.
• Those suffering from diseases of the joints and spine can come to the Dead Sea throughout the year.
• It is better to treat inflammation of the respiratory tract from early April to mid-November.

Israel: holidays at the Dead Sea

This country is often called the promised land.

Russians love to spend their holidays in these parts. Favorable climate, no language barrier, inexpensive travel packages and, of course, the Dead Sea.

The following beaches are the most popular among tourists:

1. Neve Midbar. It is located very close to Jerusalem, on the northern coast. The design of the resort in an unusual reed style is noteworthy. There is a lot of healing mud right under your feet.
2. Ein Gedi. The beach provides an opportunity not only to lie on the shore and swim in salt water. Nearby there is a unique nature reserve where you can admire a beautiful waterfall, observe the local fauna, and admire the unusual flora.
3. Mineral. This beach is distinguished by its pool with mineral water saturated with sulfur, as well as a surprisingly smooth and clean coating of medicinal salt and small pebbles. Great for holidays with children.

Jordan: holiday features

Don't want to go to Israel? There is another country that hospitably welcomes tourists. Her name is Jordan. Holidays on the Dead Sea in this region promise to be eventful and comfortable.

Most often, travelers choose resorts such as:

1. Amman. This capital city is located closest to the Dead Sea coast. Here you can see the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, visit the archaeological or folklore museum.
2. Petra. Due to the unique shade of the rocks, it is called the pink city. It is carved into the mountain, so it has its own special atmosphere. The city is 280 km away from the Dead Sea.
3. Aqaba. One of the most popular resorts, but it is located on the Red Sea. In order to get to the Dead Sea, you have to cover 385 km.

You see how many interesting things the Dead Sea can give you: relaxation and treatment, exciting travel and pleasant memories. This means there is no need to postpone your trip. You need to quickly go to meet the sun, sea and amazingly clean air, which, despite its concentration, is not contraindicated even for allergy sufferers.

The first question that arises when preparing a trip to the Dead Sea is which city is better to choose: Ein Bokek or Neve Zohar? We preferred Neve Zohar, located three kilometers away, to the Ein Bokek hotel complex. These two hotel complexes are located very close to each other and you can easily walk from one to the other along the embankment.

The hotel was chosen on the service Booking.com Particular attention here should be paid to super offers, the discount of which sometimes reaches 70%. There are also 4-5 star hotels in Neve Zohar, such as Leonardo Privilege Dead Sea and Herods Dead Sea, but we chose one of the Zimmers. And I must say we didn’t regret it.

Zimmers in Israel are something like a cottage with a separate entrance and veranda. We immediately liked Zimmer. A large veranda, on the veranda there is a table, chairs, barbecue and even a sink with warm water supply and a work area. In general, all conditions have been created for cooking in the fresh air. The main thing is not to forget to bring this very food with you, otherwise in Ein Bokek the prices for food and water are, to put it mildly, steep.

The inside of the Zimmer is clean and very cozy, there is a double bed, a wardrobe for things and clothes, a dressing table and a coffee table, a flat-screen TV and wifi. The kitchenette is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, sink, cabinets and utensils. The bathroom has a bath, shower, toilet and everything you need... Well, what else do people need who have decided to relax for a couple of days without extra costs?

I must say that we were very lucky with the price; August was the hottest month in Israel and the discounts on accommodation were quite decent. As a result, two days of accommodation in the Zimmer cost $120.

In August it is certainly hot at the Dead Sea. We were passing through and tried to swim in the sea for about three or four days. The sensations must be said to be supernatural. It feels like you are walking into a heavy oily liquid that is hotter than air. And this despite the fact that the air temperature here at this time of year rarely falls below + 45.

As you know, the coast is the lowest piece of land on Earth and is located at more than 400 m below sea level. In this regard, the atmospheric pressure in this area is noticeably increased, and the oxygen content in the air is 15% higher than in any other point on the globe. The air here is unusually clean, a kind of natural pressure chamber, saturated with bromine vapor.

At the same time, you can sunbathe at the Dead Sea as much as you like, but you still won’t get burned. And all thanks to an additional 400 meter layer of air, saturated with water vapor and minerals, creating a protective filter barrier against harmful ultraviolet rays.

But we decided that we would go to the sea early from 7 to 10 in the morning, while it was not so hot. And in the evening from 6 to 8 o'clock. During the night and in the evening the water manages to cool down a little and no longer seems so hot.

The public beach in Nove Zohar is located next to the Herods Dead Sea Hotel. From Zimmer to the beach it takes about five minutes by car.

The beach, I must say, is quite good. It’s clean, there are lifeguards, a toilet and a changing room. But the most important thing is that there is salt there and the shore is not covered with sand like on most other beaches. You walk in and see under your feet that the bottom actually consists of salt!!! This has been a rarity for Dead Sea beaches lately.

If you really look at it this way, the Dead Sea is not the saltiest lake on planet Earth. However, it is the mineral composition of the Dead Sea that is considered the most unique and has a healing effect on the human body.

Dead Sea minerals are capable of restoring health and youth to people and have the highest therapeutic effect in the world. Water and mud are especially effective in treating skin diseases, including practically untreatable ones such as psoriasis.

Three kilometers from Neve Zohar is the resort of Ein Bokek, a city with a developed tourist infrastructure. There are more than a dozen hotels, hospitals, SPA salons, shopping centers, and entertainment venues there. In the shopping centers of Ein Bokek, prices for Dead Sea cosmetics are much lower than in other places. And here you can buy Jerusalem candles inexpensively.

The Dead Sea has a unique climate. Every year, about 50 mm of precipitation falls here and there are about 330 sunny days. There is always low humidity and dry air saturated with oxygen.

At the Dead Sea, the beach season lasts all year round. The weather is suitable for treatment in March-May and September-November.

Treatment and recovery at the resort

Air, water and mud - everything is cured at the Dead Sea.

Clean air, due to the very high atmospheric pressure in the depression in which the Dead Sea is located, contains more oxygen than on the plain. It contains no plant pollen, but a high concentration of salts.

The water of this sea is half saturated with minerals that are not found anywhere else in the seas and oceans. The coast also has thermal springs with mineral water and healing mud.

People come to Israel to treat asthma, psoriasis and other dermatological diseases, arthritis, cardiovascular, and respiratory tract diseases. Chronic fatigue syndrome and drug addiction are also treatable at the Dead Sea resorts. Healing water, rich in minerals, and mud are also excellent for cosmetic procedures.

Excursions to the Dead Sea

• In the city of Arad (25 km distance from the Dead Sea) you can see a 3D model of the Judean Desert.
• The botanical garden of Kibbutz Ein Gedi contains flora from five continents.
• The Einot Tsukim oasis is the lowest reserve in the world with unique flora and fauna. The remains of an estate from the Second Temple era are preserved here.
• In the vicinity of the Dead Sea and in the Judean Desert, you can observe the life of birds - migratory (autumn and spring) and local.
• Flour Cave is not really a cave, but a 30-meter underground passage created by erosion: soft limestone turned into powder similar to flour. Bring a flashlight or lighter to illuminate the dark parts of the cave.
• The salt pillar of Lot's Wife is a block almost 30 meters high, which resembles a human figure and many others.

Beaches

The sandy beaches of the Dead Sea are located in the area of ​​​​the resorts of Ein Bokek and Neve Zohar. They are well equipped: there are parking lots, changing cabins, fresh showers and swimming pools. Most beaches are public. Few hotels can boast of their own beaches.

In other areas of the Dead Sea there is a rocky shore, not suitable for a beach holiday.

The water in the Dead Sea is about 10 times saltier than the Mediterranean Sea and is very rich in minerals. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor before swimming. You should not enter the Dead Sea if you have wounds or cuts on your body. And under no circumstances should you swallow sea water.

Leisure

Rock climbing is popular at the Dead Sea. You can go hiking or cycling, ride camels, or go on a jeep tour.

Shopping in Israel

The main gift from the Dead Sea is healing mud (about 15 shekels per package) and cosmetics with minerals and mud from the Dead Sea.

How to get around the resort

The Dead Sea resorts are connected by intercity buses.

Welcome to rest and treatment in Israel at the Dead Sea!