Overview

The seaside resort town of Ein Bokek is situated between the majestic mountains of the Judean desert and teh turquoise waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. The area has some of the nicest beaches in the country where the famous healing mud can be found and the healing salts of the Dead Sea, both are known to treat many ailments with their naturally occurring minerals and compounds. The seaside town offers spectacular views of the Dead Sea coast, interesting archeological sites such as the ruins of Metzad Bokek, luxurious hotels, and spas as well as dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

The shoreline is filled with ultramodern hotels surrounded by swaying palm trees and evaporation pools and according to the Bible it was along these shores where the Lord rained fire and brimstone on the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt. Here at the lowest point on Earth in the Dead Sea waters, visitors can float, but not sink in the warm salty water, the second saltiest major body of water in the world.

There are 11 hotels, Spa salons, three shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and bars in Ein Bokek. The Dead Sea is naturally endorheic with no outlet stream and the Jordan River is its only major source. The northern portion of the Dead Sea receives scarcely 4 inches of rain per year and the southern section barely receives 2 inches. The waters are 70-90% used for human purposes and as its name suggests, no living things can survive in these waters due to the high salt content. The unique minerals from the sea offer world-renowned therapeutic treatments for a number of skin ailments as well as Arthritis and respiratory conditions, the area attracts millions of tourists each year.

Things to see and do

Most visitors come to Ein Bokek to visit the famous Dea Sea, the salt in the water and the mud on the seafloor are said to improve health issues including a variety of ailments like arthritis, skin conditions, and respiratory issues.

Visit a number of Spa’s in the Ein Bokek area, most of the hotels here have spas on-site as well as other locations found in the seaside town. The Lot Spa Hotel is a very exclusive spa and hotel where visitors can go for therapeutic treatments such as massages, body and scalp treatments, mud masks, and more. The hotel and spa are the ideal locations for a day trip with specialty clinics offering treatment packages for chronic diseases like psoriasis, rheumatism, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, asthmas, and other skin conditions.

Due to the high salt content of the Dead Sea visitors come here to float with ease in the salty waters, it’s almost impossible to sink! Many visitors want to have their picture taken in the waters, floating while reading a newspaper. The world famous mud along the shores of the famous Dead Sea contains many minerals and has medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Visitors coat their bodies in the rich dark mud and wash off in the salty waters, there are pieces of salt scattered along the beach, and visitors go in search of large pieces to take home as souvenirs.

Visit the Qumran Caves, where one of the greatest religious discoveries of modern time is located. In 1947 a Bedouin shepherd came across a cache of parchment and papyrus documents the date back to the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, these are known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest surviving manuscripts of the Bible including all the books of the Old Testament together with Apocrypha and various other writings that describe the life of Jesus.

Take a day trip to Funtasy Island or Fantasy Island, located at the Leonardo Club Hotel, which features 7DMAX cinemas, that have set the world standards for movie viewing. There are a wide variety of movies featured here for all ages, with a multi-sensor cinema featuring high-tech effects which enhance the movie experience. There are smells, smoke, rain, wind, lights, and other sensations with moving chairs that go in sync with the actions of the films. There is a large laser tag area with state-of-the-art laser guns and gear.

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is located in the Judean Desert 20 miles from Ein Bokek. This is one of the most interesting places on earth and includes the valleys of two freshwater springs (David and Arugot) which are full-flowing throughout the year. There is lush greenery here along with salt caves, waterfalls, and the ruins of ancient buildings.

Hike by the beautiful and tranquil Bokek River whose water source comes from the rainfall collected in the Judean mountains. The water penetrates the cracks of the limestone and flows down the mountain in a perennial spring. Lush verdant Tamarisk shrub flora and thick reed foliage with shade and flowing water down the rocks.

Shopping

There are shops in Ein Bokek where travelers can purchase the famous Dead Sea mud and the world-famous Ahava Dead Sea Products. The Ahava Factory is located at Kibbutz Shalem which is located directly across Route 90 from Mineral Beach. Local gift shops sell cultural artifacts and handicrafts as well as unique souvenirs.

The Ein Bokek Mall is situated in the heart of the popular hotel zone, a great location to purchase Dea Sea beauty products as well as other shops selling beach supplies, shoes, clothing, and more. A new larger mall; Kanyon Yam HaMelach is located next door. The Dead Sea Mall is also located in Ein Bokek on the seafront spread over two stories with high fashion, designer stores, footwear, cosmetics, cafes, and restaurants to explore. The mall features an amazing private beach offering a wide range of activities including Segway, Razor trikes, a bar, sun loungers, and umbrellas. There are dining, leisure, and entertainment options available until 11 pm.

Food and Nightlife

There are several restaurant options located in the town of Ein Bokek many are located at the two shopping malls with fast food options, several Falafel bars. The majority of restaurants are located at the resort hotels serving up delicious local cuisine. The Taj Mahal restaurant is one of the few free-standing dining options along the hotel strip of Ein Bokek, a unique establishment with bedouin vibes and an exotically decorated interior. There are low tables with pillows to sit on the floor which is the traditional way to eat in Israel. Authentic Israel and Arabic cuisine are served here including a mixed grill with vegetables, salads, and assorted grilled meats including chicken and beef accompanied by hummus and pita bread.

The Ranch House is located at Isrotel Hotel and offers diners a unique American dining experience with meats, salads, side dishes, and desserts on the menu. Herods Restaurant is located on the Ein Bokek boardwalk serving up a variety of tasty dishes including fresh grilled fish, meats, skewers, salads, and sandwiches. There is a popular Moroccan restaurant on Biankini beach serving up chicken, beef, and fish dishes.

Many evenings in Ein Bokek will be spent at your hotel or resort enjoying a meal and some drinks. After a busy day of activities and adventures, many will just want to rest and relax. However, if you do feel like a night out there are a few options to choose from including bars and restaurants where drinks and live entertainment can be enjoyed. The bar at the Binakini restaurant the Moroccan-style restaurant turns into a fun-filled dance bar at night with karaoke nights, dance parties, live music, and belly dancing shows. Muza Pub is located in Arad which is around 30 minutes away offering a traditional pub experience with soccer scarves of Israeli and International teams covering the ceiling. They regularly play soccer games and broadcast live games on huge TVs. There are over 30 types of whiskey available and 7 draft beers as well as food.

Beaches

There are many great beaches in the Ein Bokek and Dead Sea region and a total of 62 miles of coastline in Israel with some of the best beaches on the sandy Mediterranean coast.

Ein Bokek’s beach runs the entire length of the popular resort town, a clean broad beach and one of the best in the Dead Sea area. There is a nice promenade, lifeguards on duty, shade shelters, open-air showers, gym equipment, changing rooms, bathrooms, and nighttime lighting. There are many hotels with beach chairs and other amenities for the beach.

Mineral Beach is located at the Dead Sea and features a pool of “Dead Sea Mud” that you can soak in, a natural jacuzzi made from sulfur pools, and a freshwater pool. It is a unique location and one of the best beaches in the country, there are health treatments, a cafe, and showers here.

Kibbutz Kalia is the northernmost beach in the Dead Sea area boasting great facilities including a bar, a restaurant, a gift shop, a pool, changing rooms, and towel rentals. The sea here has natural mud and spectacular 360-degree views of the desert.

Biankini Beach is located just south of Kalia, a Moroccan-style oasis and popular holiday resort with a great beach, a traditional Moroccan restaurant, and great accommodations. This beach can get very busy during the Israel holiday season.

Neve Midbar Beach is located in the northern Megillot Region on the same road as Biankiki Beach. It is the least commercialized of the three northernmost beaches at the Dead sea with a great beach area, verdant lawns, barbeque areas, a bar, and a gift shop.

Hamei Zohar Beach is one of the coolest and most bizarre, sensations on Earth with access to the seashore with a separate swimming area for men and women.

The international beach is a great beach with sun chairs, and umbrellas for rent as well as bags to collect the famous mud. There is a restaurant and cafe as well as hot showers.

Segregated Beach is full equipped with lifeguards and first aid services, a great beach with showers and washrooms. Located between the Leonardo Club and Herod’s hotels.

Music and Festivals

The -424 Dead Sea Rave is a massive EDM festival that takes place once a year in Masada in the fall. There are both Israeli and International DJs along with other electronic music artists that flock here annually and over 20,000 party goers. There is 12 hours of music played from dusk till dawn in a huge complex boasting a total multimedia experience complete with unique lighting and fireworks.

There are other monumental music festivals and concerts held in the Dead Sea Area including famous operas held at the Masada natural amphitheater and the Tamar Festival held every year in Sukkot (a Jewish holiday usually in September of October) in various locations in the Dead Sea area lasting for four days featuring Israeli acts from evening till sunrise. A truly unique atmosphere and festival.