Page 9 - Discover Israel Magazine - UKA Edition 2023

Ein Gedi. Photo: Shutterstock

overnight accommodation in all forms, from hotel resort, boasting 15 hotels (more hotels
four-star overnight accommodations to high- currently being built), wide open beaches,
class B&Bs, and camping sites. cafes, and the Dead Sea Mall for great
shopping. Annually, the Dead Sea marathon
Ein Gedi, meaning the ‘spring of the kid,’ takes place here with runners from across
isa nature reserve at the center of the lake, the globe competing in several races ranging
offering desert nature, flora, and fauna, and from 5km to 50km! At the southern end of the
a Botanical Garden (unique of its kind). The region in Neot HaKikar and Ein Tamar, you will
famous David’s Fall Nature Reserve is one find desert agriculture at its best, alongside
of the most popular hikes in Israel where nature walks, and B&Bs.
you are rewarded with a refreshing waterfall
at the end. The history behind this reserve As mentioned before, the cosmetic industry
is biblical and is of interest to everyone. The is a major industry of the Dead Sea. Over
ancient synagogue with its beautiful mosaic the years, companies have popped up
floor should not be missed, just before the throughout the country with products made
10-minute onward journey to Masada. from Dead Sea minerals, sold globally.
Cleopatra believed in the minerals and so why
Reigning high above the salty water, almost shouldn’t we? Creams, black mud masks,
as if protecting it from harm, the famous bath salts, salt soaps, and a lot more can be
Roman fortress depicting the mass suicide of found in a variety of retail outlets along the
the Jewish people trapped at the peak of the Dead Sea shores, including one factory shop
mountain is a fascinating historical site. There where you can view the production line.
lies the ruins of Herod’s castle, storerooms,
cisterns, and a lot more. The region boasts several annual events
including the Tamar Music Festival, cycling,
Continuing the journey southwards, the next and running races, to name a few. Thousands
point of call is Ein Bokek, the Dead Sea of visitors come to take part or spectate,
lapping up the unique
atmosphere that is the
lowest place on earth.
Bathing in Dead Sea mud. Photo: Itamar Grinberg, Imot Flickr
Visitors in this region come
from far and wide, with
many reasons for their
Photo: Itamar Grinberg, Imot Flickr
stay. Some pop in for a
dip and a float in the Dead
Sea before continuing their
jarred, tubed, and packeted in every shape journey. Others stay for a
and form, placed on shelves across the night or two to enjoy the
world, and have become a major contestant warm temperatures and
in the cosmetic product retail industry. relaxing atmosphere. For
those seeking skincare and/
Along the shores of the Dead Sea lie several or rheumatic treatments,
communities that are dedicated to its this is the place. The Dead
preservation, and resorts for holidaymakers Sea region has it all, and
that provide the employment, income, and the Tamar Regional Council
traffic for those same communities. Beaches is just waiting to hear how
at the northern end of the lake provide rustic much you enjoyed your visit.

DISCOVER ISRAEL 9