From lush oases and historical settlements to unique geographical features and some truly stunning sights, there’s more to The Dead Sea than the sea itself. Of course, The Dead Sea is undeniably the crown jewel of tourism in eastern Israel. Nobody can dispute that. But for visitors planning a trip to the region, there’s so much more to be enjoyed.

Ein Gedi

One of the region’s most awe-inspiring destinations is Ein Gedi. Located on the sea’s western shore, Ein Gedi serves up a trifecta of delights. First up is the spa resort. Located close to the shores of the giant salt-water lake, the resort offers a range of treatments, including mud baths, designed to pass the healing properties of the water on to the recipient. Like many of the resorts that have sprung up on the shoreline, this one is frequented by tourists either staying in nearby hotels or day-tripping.

Ein Gedi is also home to a beautiful nature reserve. An oasis – which has formed from river springs in the region – features lush vegetation, waterfalls and wildlife unique to the area. Any visitor is sure to enjoy their time here. Finally, the local kibbutz offers a number of attractions, including botanical gardens and resident art galleries. Friendly inhabitants make a visit special.

Qumran

North of the nature reserve and spa, Qumran – located close to the northeast corner of the Sea – is home to a series of cliff-face caves in which the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Believed to be the oldest surviving manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea scrolls are of huge historical and religious significance. It shouldn’t come as a surprise then to learn that a wide range of pilgrims and tourists head to Qumran to see the caves which acted as a hiding place for the scrolls.

Visitors to the region are invited to watch a documentary detailing the scrolls’ history, before visiting the caves themselves. Those agile enough can even scale the cliff face and see directly into the caves in which a Bedouin shepherd rediscovered the Dead Sea scrolls in 1947.

Further Places of Interest

The Dead Sea region is home to a number of other popular tourist destinations. These include Mt. Sodom, a huge 12km ridge of salt; St. George’s Monastery, which is built into a cliff face; the Baptism Site at Qasr Al-Yahud, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus; and the Inn of the Good Samaritan, which today serves as a mosaic museum. Visitors may also like to take a detour to the likes of Jericho, Bethlehem, Masada, the Einot Tsukim reserve, and the Mar Saba Monastery.