While floating in the Dead Sea, I couldn’t resist getting the classic newspaper photo. Although oftentimes when we visit a new place, it may resemble somewhere we’ve already been, the Dead Sea is unique in its own way. Did you know that it’s not actually a sea, but a lake? It’s also the lowest point on dry earth with its banks reaching 400m below sea level. This destination is famous for its mineral-rich mud and extremely saline water, making it a popular spot for health and wellness resorts. However, I must manage your expectations as it was not exactly what I envisioned. Yes, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Israel and deserves a spot on your bucket list, but the landscape is quite stark and the beaches are not noteworthy. Additionally, due to its high salt content, swimming in the water can be painful, particularly if it gets into any cuts or your eyes. But as long as you move slowly, wear water shoes, and keep your head above water at all times, you’ll be able to enjoy this unique experience.
Our primary objective during our trip to Israel was to capture the beauty of the Dead Sea Tree – a captivating sight that we simply couldn’t miss. To make sure we didn’t miss out on anything, we set up base in ein Bokek. While the town doesn’t have much to offer, save for some towering hotels, a McDonald’s, and a mall, it had all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. Most importantly, it was conveniently located near the Dead Sea Tree, which made our goal easy to achieve. If you’re looking to experience the Dead Sea for yourself and take those iconic floating pictures, you can access the water from practically any point in town – it all looks the same!
The unique salt formations found in the Dead Sea are a sight to behold, especially the famous tree that grows on a small salt island. Our main goal during our visit was to locate and capture photos of this renowned Dead Sea Tree. Surprisingly, it wasn’t difficult to find as my companion, Quin, spotted it from the highway upon our arrival in town.
However, does the existence of the Dead Sea Tree prove that there is life in the Dead Sea after all? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. The tree is not a natural occurrence but was deliberately planted on the salt island by a local resident who appropriately named it ‘Dead Tree in the Sea of Life.’ This person still visits the island daily to care for the tree, which explains the mystery behind its existence.
Instructions for Getting to the Dead Sea Tree
If you’re looking to visit the Dead Sea Tree, it’s located approximately 100 yards away from the shore. Specifically, you can find it off the public beach situated to the right of Herods Dead Sea Hotel in Ein Bokek. Interestingly enough, Google Maps has actually labeled the tree as “Dead Tree Salt Island.”
To get there, the simplest way is to park your vehicle at the segregated beach and proceed towards the pier or boardwalk. Walk as far out as possible until you reach the end of the pier. Here comes the tricky part! It’s time to swim to the tree!
While floating in the Dead Sea is relatively straightforward, swimming there can be quite deceiving. So, proceed with caution.
Exploring the Red Canyon in the Eilat Mountains of Israel is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. Although it may not be as famous as Utah’s slot canyons, it is equally beautiful. With several color-coded trails of varying length and difficulty, there is something for everyone. On our visit, we chose the shortest and most direct trail due to the scorching heat. However, we were still able to witness the highlight of the area – the stunning slot canyon.
For logistics, getting to Red Canyon is easy with just a 20-minute drive from Eilat’s center. Once you arrive, there is a large parking area and a park employee who can provide you with a map and answer any questions. Since the area can get very hot, it is essential to bring plenty of water and start early. Also, be mindful of the weather as flash floods are a real hazard in the area.
Another hidden gem worth exploring in Israel is the Wadi Arugot in Ein Gedi, home to hidden waterfalls. This natural wonder offers a beautiful hike with breathtaking views of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea. The trail can be challenging, but the reward of discovering the hidden falls makes it all worth it. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery!
My top pick for a hike in Israel was Wadi Arugot, located in the ein gedi Nature Reserve. This trail was recommended to us as a less crowded alternative to the popular Wadi david hike, and I’m thrilled we took that advice. The pools, streams, and waterfalls at Wadi Arugot were absolutely stunning. The hike takes you through a picturesque canyon which ends with a beautiful upper oasis. There are two paths to choose from – the blue (lower) trail and the red (upper) trail. Although they only diverge at certain points, the blue trail is slightly longer and will lead you to a hidden waterfall, where you can enjoy a few streams and pools before merging back with the red trail. The water obstacles are especially refreshing on hot days, which is practically every day in Israel. Regardless of which trail you take, make sure to continue past the waterfall to the upper pool – it’s the perfect ending to a fantastic hike.
Logistical information for visiting Ein Gedi National Park: The Wadi Arugot trailhead has facilities, maps, park rangers, and a fee station as it is located within the national park. The trail has its own parking lot which is a five-minute drive from the main Ein Gedi parking lot at Wadi David. If you park at Wadi David, be prepared to walk an additional 20 minutes. The trail is relatively easy, but the heat can make it more challenging. It’s recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the hot weather. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and enough water for the hike.
Moving on to Old City Jerusalem:
Captured in this photograph is an alley located near Lion’s Gate Street in the Old City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem holds a significant place in history as one of the oldest cities in the world and an important religious center for three major faiths: Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. The city is truly one-of-a-kind, and there are numerous blog posts that provide information about the Old City and its landmarks like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Dome of Rock. However, my personal favorite way to explore the Old City was by wandering aimlessly through the streets and markets to experience the diverse cultures. Surprisingly, I ended up seeing all the significant landmarks without even realizing it.
The Old City is divided into four quarters – Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim – each with its own gated entrance and security measures. While it is possible to explore the city on your own, hiring a guide would be beneficial to learn more about the various historical sites. The Mount of Olives viewpoint in Jerusalem is another breathtaking location worth visiting.
The viewpoint at Mount of Olives is an incredibly popular spot in Jerusalem, offering breathtaking views of the city and its iconic gold dome. With a large cemetery in the foreground, this western-facing viewpoint is best visited just before sunset for optimal lighting. Logistics-wise, the viewpoint is located across the street from the seven Arches hotel and can be accessed by driving, walking, or taking a taxi. Although it’s a well-known spot, the elevated position allows for plenty of space for other visitors without impacting the view. In addition to Mount of Olives, another must-see attraction in Israel is the RAsh hANIkRA caves.
Rash Hanikra in Israel is a stunning natural attraction with white cliffs, caves, and turquoise Mediterranean waters. However, the crowds can be overwhelming, resembling Disneyland with long queues and screaming kids. We visited on a sunny Saturday afternoon, so it might be less crowded on weekdays or during rainy weather. It’s located on Israel’s northern Mediterranean coastline, near the border with Lebanon, and has ample parking. From there, you ride a bus to the top of the cable car and then wait in line to purchase tickets for it. The cable car is known to be the steepest in the world, with adult tickets costing around $13 US. Once you reach the caves, you can choose to either take the cable car down or walk from the bus stop. Achziv Beach, another beautiful location in Israel, is also worth a visit.
Israel boasts a plethora of picturesque beaches that are worth exploring. One of the noteworthy places to visit is Rash hanikra caves, which has the added bonus of being close to Achiziv Beach. Situated just south of Rash hanikra, the Achziv National park is a sprawling coastal reserve stretching for miles along the Mediterranean. The highlight of this park is the Achziv Beach, which is considered one of Israel’s finest beaches outside of Tel Aviv. It is replete with various facilities such as lifeguards, a café, yurts, and restrooms with showers. Additionally, nearby national park campgrounds provide an opportunity to stay overnight. Apart from beaches, another must-visit site is BANIAS WATERFALL, located in the Golan Heights.
The Banias Waterfall in Israel offers a short but diverse loop trail. The hike begins on a hot, dry path and quickly leads to a cool, lush forest before arriving at a deck with a picturesque view of the waterfall. The shimmering blue water flows downstream and eventually joins the Jordan River. Parking is easy, but an entrance fee of around $8us for the Banias Nature Reserve is required.
Although I didn’t get to visit all the recommended destinations during my trip to Israel, there were a few that stood out. Many people suggested hiking the Snake Path in Masada for sunrise, which requires a 4am wake-up call to beat the cable car crowds. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat is famous for its world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities, providing an easy way to experience the underwater world in Israel. While I’m not much of a city person, Tel Aviv was highly recommended for its unique combination of beach town, food, and history. Despite not being able to see everything, I look forward to returning to Israel one day to explore more.
The salt islands are situated near the coast of Ein Bokek, Israel.
