#25 Famous landmarks in Israel
Table of Contents
“#25 Famous landmarks in Israel”
Israel is also a country known for its history, culture, religious background, and all the monuments and ruins that come with it. There are significant religious landmarks ( Jewish, Christian, Muslim), but also Roman ruins, templar fortresses, defensive walls, ancient cities…
The diversity of things to do and see in Israel is astonishing for such a small country. For this reason, we decided to invite a few other bloggers to pitch in their favorite landmark in Israel and make this post as complete as possible.
Without further ado let’s explore the 25 most famous Israeli Landmarks!
Famous landmarks in Jerusalem
#1 The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
By Stéphanie from Bey Of Travel
When traveling through Israel, a visit to The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem cannot be missed. It will take you less than an hour to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by train.
Jerusalem is known as the most religious city in the world. Christians, Jews, and Muslims are all living together in the old city. While wandering through the narrow, magical streets of the city, the golden dome of the Dome of the Rock will immediately catch your eye.
The rock over which the shrine was built is sacred to both Muslims and Jews. Although it is not a mosque, it is the first major Muslim monument for public worship. It has been built in the late 7th century by Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan.
Verses from the Quran are inscribed on all the walls inside the building. On this sacred ground, Abraham wanted to sacrifice his son, and Mohammed went to heaven. This landmark in Israel is definitely a must-see for those interested in religion and history. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and be deterred by the army standing at the heavily guarded building.
#2 City Walls Of Jerusalem
By Karen Warren from WorldWideWriter
The ancient walls surrounding the old city of Jerusalem are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the city and its role in three major world religions. The walls (or ramparts) are also an important part of Jerusalem’s history. What you see today was built by Ottoman rulers in the 16th century, replacing earlier Jewish and Roman fortifications. The intention in each case was to keep out unwelcome intruders – wild animals as well as human attackers.
The Jerusalem Ramparts are a solid stone structure with eight gates and several watchtowers. Tourists can pass through seven of the gates, but the eighth is permanently bricked up. This is the Golden Gate, which has religious significance for each of Jerusalem’s religions.
The best way to explore the city walls is via the Jerusalem Ramparts Walk. This is in two sections (a small part of the wall is inaccessible and can only be viewed from the outside).
Each part of the walk starts at the Jaffa Gate and takes you on top of the walls. The Ramparts Walk gives you a different perspective on the old city and tends to be less crowded than the city itself.
#3 The Western Wall, Jerusalem
By Lindsey from Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel
The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the most significant historic sites for the Jewish faith. It is one of the last remaining walls that surround the Temple Mount and is the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem.
King Herod built the Western Wall in 20 BC during the expansion of the Second Temple. The Romans destroyed this temple in 70 AD, but the wall survived.
Thousands of people make the pilgrimage to the Western Wall each year to pray. Some people also write their prayers on small pieces of paper and put them in the stone’s cracks.
While the Western Wall is a religious site, you do not need to be religious to appreciate its significance. It is free for all people to enter and open all year long. Please note: no photos are allowed during Shabbat, which is Saturdays. Also, when visiting, men and women should dress modestly.
The Western Wall is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. Many hotels in Jerusalem are within walking distance from The Western Wall. It is also possible to take a day trip from Tel Aviv to the Western Wall.
#4 Mahane Yehuda Market
By Ben Holbrook from Driftwoodjournals.com
Mahane Yehuda Market, or “The Shuk” as it’s affectionately known, dates back to Ottoman times and is Jerusalem’s largest and most colorful market. Open every day (other than Saturdays) from 8 am, its warren of 250+ stalls positively throngs with locals stocking up on Israeli delicacies and uber-fresh produce. Feast your eyes on mounds of perfect pastries and freshly-baked bread, and scoop your way through overflowing bags of herbs and nuts and tahini so tangy you won’t be able to resist.
The proud stallholders readily offer samples, and your shekels will most certainly go a long way. Pick up some baklava to enjoy as you wander, or pull up a stool at one of the little market restaurants for a hearty breakfast or lunch. Azura serves a blend of Tunisian, Kurdish, Iraqi, and Sephardic dishes, and you’d be remiss not to try their famous kubbeh soup or weighty magadra (meatballs). Be sure to pop by after dark to see the aisles morph into makeshift restaurants that echo the sounds of happy diners and live music. In fact, you could easily spend an entire day and night here and still want more!
#5 Church of the Holy Sepulchre
By Derek and Mike from Robe Trotting
One of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the entire Holy Land is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Because reaching the church requires navigating turn after turn in a maze of ancient city streets, this incredible landmark of Israel is best visited with a knowledgeable tour guide or group. The site is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and can be reached from Tel Aviv in just under an hour, depending on traffic. Many visitors book a Jerusalem tour from Tel Aviv or other cities in Israel, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is always a part of the experience.
Part of the location’s importance is due to two sites within. The first is near the entrance atop an ornate staircase. It ascends the ancient hill of Golgotha, on which Jesus Christ was crucified. For visitors following the stations of the cross, or Via Dolorosa, this is the final station of the experience.
The second area of significance is the tomb where Christ’s body was laid buried. For believers of Christian teachings, it’s the site from which Jesus Christ was resurrected. It attracts long lines of religious pilgrims and faith tourists.
#6 City of David
The city of David is an archaeological site where it is thought to be the original settlement of Bronze and Iron Age Jerusalem. The site is speculated to be the birthplace of Jerusalém, and it contains archaeological findings from the Solomon’s Temple period until the Ottoman period.
The archeological exploration of the City of David began in the 19th century and continues to this day. On the archaeological site, you are able to visit the Royal Acropolis – remnants of homes from the Biblical Period; Gihon Spring, and the two Pools of Siloam – ancient pools where the Gihon Spring flows into the city of David; Siloam Tunnel- underground water system. The entrance tickets cost 65 NIS for adults.
The coolest part of the archeological site is the Siloam Tunnel, as you can walk through it, where water flows from the Gihon Spring into the Pool of Siloam, 533 meters later. The site is scorching hot, so we advise you to visit when the sun is low.
#7 Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives is a mountain hill overlooking Jerusalem’s old city. These mountains that once used to be covered with olive trees have an important religious significance for Jews and Christians.
There are several biblical references to Mount of Olives as it used to be the place where Jesus used to preach. It is also the site where it is believed Jesus ascended to heaven after being resurrected. On the other hand, the southern ridge of the Mount is used as a cemetery for the Jews for over 3,000 years, being the oldest continually used cemetery in the world.
Along the mountain, there are several important churches, Augusta Victoria Hospital, Chapel of the Ascension, Church of the Pater Noster, Church of Dominus Flevit, Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene, Church of all Nations, Tomb of the Virgin Mary, plus other important monuments.
Even if you aren’t religious a visit to the Mount of Olives is well worth it, from the peak of the mount you have breathtaking views of Jerusalem’s old city.
Humanmade and Historical Landmarks in Israel
#8 Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv
Jaffa (or Yafo) is the oldest part of Tel-Aviv, located in the southern part of the Tel Aviv-Yafo metropolis. Jaffa Port is said to be the oldest port in the world, with archeological evidence and documents pointing to being used for about 7000 years now, predating Jewish, Christians, Muslims, and even Egyptians. Biblically, It is also set to be the port where Jonah (from the Jonah and the whale story) sailed away from.
Jaffa Port was neglected for a long part of the 20th century, but it was renovated recently, becoming a small fishing harbor, a yacht harbor, and a major tourist destination. Today it is a great place to be, offering various things to do from bookstores to theaters and delicious food, including some amazing fresh fish and seafood restaurants.
Jaffa Port is very easy to reach from Tel Aviv’s wonderful beaches; you only need to walk south along the boardwalk till reaching the Port. The views are breathtaking, and we suggest going in the late afternoon to enjoy the lovely sunsets.
#9 Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv
By Rachel Shulman from East To West
Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) is possibly the largest and most well-known landmark in Tel Aviv, Israel. No visitor can come to Tel Aviv without visiting the Shuk. Shuk HaCarmel was created in the early 1920s and has evolved extensively while keeping its natural local roots (and awnings and booths). It is one of the most important historical landmarks concerning Tel Aviv’s city development.
This is the market where you can find everything from all of the typical tourist souvenirs to find locals in their everyday life shopping for their produce, organic goods, eating falafel, and drinking within. It by far has the lowest prices and best produce since it comes straight from the farms. There are also a ton of home goods, clothing booths, and more stores. Anything you can think of can be found in the Shuk and it sees thousands of visitors daily.
The Shuk is very non-luxurious, and you really get to see quintessential Israelis in their habitat here – negotiating, yelling at each other, and of course, drinking together. The Shuk is located right in the center of Tel Aviv, making it highly accessible to all as well as free to enter. You can enter the Shuk at the crossroads of Allenby, Sheinkin, and King George streets.
#10 The Walls of Akko
Located in northern Israel, only a few km north of Haifa, Akko (or Acre) is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited human settlements. The initial walls were built in the 10th century and were expanded, wrecked, fortified, attacked, refortified several times by Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans, and Mamluks. Today, the old town of Akko is encircled by its walls – a sea wall to the west, south, and southeast, and by ramparts.
The current walls and the dry moat on the north side were built mainly between 1750 and 1840 by Zahir al-Umar by Jazzar Pasha and survived Napoleon’s siege. The final walls are double, massive walls equipped with broad, powerful watchtowers. Furthermore, they had heavy cannons to enhance the city’s protection.
While traveling to Akre, it’s possible and advisable to walk along the city walls (both land and sea) to see their mighty defensive power and guarantees wonderful views of the old town, the port, and surroundings.
#11 Hospitaller fortress of Akko
Akko has been a significant town for a long time, but it’s major glory days were during the crusades, when it was the most important pilgrim port and it even became the capital of the crusader kingdom, after the loss of Jerusalem. During these times, the Hospitallers were are a military and monastic order who cared for the sick and to maintained the safety of the pilgrims to the holy sites.
Together with the walls, the hospitaller fortress is the most iconic landmark in Akko. It’s a huge building that served as the headquarters of the mighty hospitallers. Restored in recent years, this monumental fortress has three floors surrounding a central courtyard with 1200 m2. Besides the courtyard, some of the most impressive rooms include the Knights’ Hall and the Dining Hall, considered great examples of Gothic architecture of the medieval crusader period.
Visiting this fortress takes you back in time, and it’s a pleasant way of learning about the crusaders’ period. The old city of Acre is a UNESCO heritage site since 2001, which includes both the Hospitallers fortress and the city walls.
#12 The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa
By Adi Ben Ezer from Adiseesworld
The stunning Baha’i Gardens, located in Israel’s northern city of Haifa, are a definite must-see; whether you are visiting Haifa or just passing through the city on your way to the north of the country.
Circa 95 kilometers, (or one and a quarter hours’ drive) north of Tel Aviv, they stretch from the Lower City to the summit of Mount Carmel, providing a beautiful panoramic view of the region.
This impressive UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its’ distinctive design, is the most sacred site to Baha’i people around the world. It is where the administrative affairs of the religion take place, with hundreds of thousands of people usually visiting it a year.
It includes magnificent carefully pruned symmetrical gardens and 19 terraces along the mountain slopes. In the gardens, you will also not be able to miss the (real) gold-domed Shrine of the Bab and tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed.
The buildings are built in a Neoclassical style. They aim to provide all who visit them with a sense of peace and harmony – values the Baha’is hope to promote throughout the world. Work on the gardens began by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba in 1987. The garden terraces were officially opened to the public in 2001.
#13 Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth
The Basilica of Annunciation or the Church of Annunciation is the catholic church built in Nazareth, in northern Israel. It’s about 1h30 minutes from Tel Aviv and 45 minutes from Haifa. According to Catholic tradition, the church was built in the house where Angel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary and announced that she would bear God’s Son, Jesus. Thus the name, Church of Annunciation.
There have been several churches built and destroyed on the same site. The Byzantines built the initial church, and it was supposedly commissioned by Emperor Constantine I. The second church was built over the ruins of the Byzantine church during the Crusades. For centuries a small chapter was built, rebuilt, expanded by Franciscans. Finally, in 1954 the old church was completely demolished to allow the construction of today’s basilica, designed by architect Giovanni Muzio.
This Basilica is massive and impressive, with churches. The lower church contains the Grotto of the annunciation, believed to be Mary’s original childhood home, while the upper church is the parish church for Nazareth’s Catholic community. The cupola with a lantern symbolizes the light of the world. Around the upper church walls and in the exterior are colorful and beautiful Virgin Mary illustrations with diverse materials (mostly mosaics and ceramic tiles). Various countries presented these representations, and it’s fascinating to see the different ways Virgin Mary is perceived in each country.
#14 Caesarea
By Miriam from Miry Giramondo
Caesarea is a small town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is easily accessible from Tel Aviv and Haifa. Not far from the center there is an important and extensive archaeological park very interesting to visit which is called Caesarea Marittima National Park. This is one of Israel’s most important and impressive archaeological sites.
The history of the origins of Caesarea goes back even to 2000 years ago when Herod the Great built a large port that could hold about 300 ships around, which soon developed a lively town. The center remained administered by the Roman Empire first and then by the Byzantine Empire, but was destroyed and abandoned in the 13th century.
Today inside the park you can see the Roman ruins, the Hippodrome (where the spectators would come to see the gladiators), the Reef Palace, the Bath Complex, the mosaic floors, and the most beautiful work in front of the sea: the Herodian Amphitheatre. It was a 10,000-seat hippodrome where slaves and prisoners battled wild animals and chariots careened around a U-shaped track, you can climb to the top and have a beautiful view. The ancient city ruins are surrounded by beautiful beaches.
Within the park, there are several bars and restaurants. The entrance to the site costs 39 NIS and is open daily from 8-16.
#15 Masada
By Bella from Passport & Pixel
Situated high on a rocky mountaintop close to the Dead Sea, Masada is an incredible ancient stone fortress that towers 1,300 feet (400 meters) above the surrounding plain.
Meaning “strong foundation or support” in Hebrew, the ruins at Masada were once part of the ancient kingdom of Israel. The castle complex was built in 30 BCE by King Herod of Judea (of the Biblical killing babies fame). In the first century AD, the Romans occupied the region and destroyed Jerusalem. In response, a group of Jewish rebels occupied Masada to defend themselves against the invaders. This led to the famous siege of Masada: in the year 72, a legion of 8,000 Romans attacked the castle, surrounding it and building a siege ramp so they could get inside. When the 960 defenders realized they were about to be overcome, almost all of them took their own lives rather than submit to Roman rule.
Today Masada is a UNESCO world heritage site and widely considered one of Israel’s greatest archaeological treasures. You can get to Masada by bus or car or on a guided tour from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. A popular way to see it is to go in time to see the sunrise over the Moab Mountains and the Dead Sea. Access to the top is either by cable car, or you can walk up the Snake Path, a steep ascent that takes about 60-90 minutes and is best completed early in the morning before it gets too hot.
#16 The ancient Nabatean and Roman city of Shivta
Shivta by Corinne Vail of Reflections Enroute
One of the most surprisingly interesting sites in Israel is the ancient Nabatean and Roman city of Shivta. Located directly on the incense trade route between Yemen and China, the city provided a much-needed stopover for the caravans. The most sought-after products were the spices of Frankincense and Myrrh. Harnessing the little water in the arid Negev Desert, Shivta became an oasis where merchants stopped, rested, ate, fed their animals, and prepared for the next leg of their journey. The city was built over 2,000 years ago and remains largely intact since it was never conquered and destroyed.
Today the National Parks System is the caretaker of the city. There are plenty of buildings to visit as well as the deepwater cistern. Some things to see are the oil presses, noble’s houses, Byzantine churches, a mosque, and even the town pools. As you walk the streets, it’s easy to imagine the ancient people plying their wares. If you are not on tour, the best way to get to Shivta is to rent a car and drive. It takes about two hours from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem on the Yitzhak Rabin Highway and Route 40.
#17 Nimrod’s Fortress
Ashley Jansen of Jetset Jansen
Nimrod’s Fortress is where you’ll find the ruins of Israel’s largest medieval castle. It was named after Nimrod, who was a warrior from biblical times. The structure dates all the way back to the Middle Ages and was built on top of a hill overlooking the Golan Heights. This landmark is a little harder to get to, as it’s located in the very north of Israel, near the Lebanon border.
It was strategically built in the 13thcentury to have a view of the road and the surrounding area. The castle was originally a smaller structure and was built quickly because of the potential threats of the crusader army. Eventually, it was renovated and expanded upon.
There are many points of interest to explore while here. The castle ruins consist of several towers, archways, and rooms. Near the Southwest Tower is where you’ll find a large reservoir. You can also explore the ‘Beautiful Tower,’ which is a round room with a stone ceiling. Nimrod’s Fortress is also where you can find the largest inscription found in Israel.
It’s a great place to explore and learn more about the history of the area. But perhaps the best part of the fortress is the forested hills and the valley’s view below.
Natural Landmarks in Israel
#18 Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is clearly one of the most famous natural landmarks in Israel and the world. The Dead sea is a landlocked salt sea that borders Jordan to the east, the West Bank (in the north), and Israel to the west (in the South). The main tributary to the dead sea is the Jordan River, which comes from the north.
Besides the obvious beauty and historical and religious importance, the Dead Sea is famous for its high salinity levels and being below sea level. Unfortunately, the lake is receding as the surface area of the lake is about 600km2, while it was more than 1000km2 in 1930.
The surface and shores of the dead sea are at 430.5 meters below sea level making it the lowest altitude globaly on land. It is quite a feeling to start descending to the lake and seeing all the signs indicating you are 100, 200 300, 400 meters below sea level. Looking at top of mountaing and thinking that those places are way below sea level.
Finally, the dead sea is also one of the world’s saltiest water bodies, with a salinity of 34% or almost 10 times saltier than the ocean. This characteristic makes swimming almost impossible, as you cannot avoid floating. The images of people reading a newspaper or magazine while on the water are also hugely famous. These extreme salinity levels also make life barely impossible in the lake, which explains why there aren’t animals or plants in the lake. Thus, its name.
#19 Eilat coral reef
The Eilat coral reef is located in the red sea, at the southern tip of Israel. It is the only coral reef in Israel and the northernmost coral reef in the world. Despite being a tiny reef, with only about 1.2 kilometers and thus very fragile, it contains a diversity of habitats, together creating a complex and diverse ecosystem. The good news is that it’s been growing after the marine reserve has been created in recent years.
The Gulf of Eilat’s reefs offers an opportunity to explore the wonderful and colorful world of sea corals, tropical fish, and other sea creatures. It’s very easy to go to the beach and snorkel or dive directly from there, which is why it became such a popular destination lately. You don’t even need to have snorkeling equipment as they rent it.
At the southernmost point of the reserve, very close to the border with Egipt, you can find the Coral World Underwater Observatory, the largest public aquarium in the Middle East, which allows you to observe the marine life without getting wet. It’s pretty cool!
#20 Red Canyon
The Red Canyon is one of Israel’s most beautiful natural landmarks. It is a gorge of red sandstone rock created by water that only exists after heavy rain. As rain in the desert is extremely rare so the canyon is almost always assessable.
The canyon’s name comes from the fact that its color intensifies when the sunlight hits the reddish rock, irradiating an intense red color. The best part of the canyon, besides its vibrant colors, is walking inside the narrow canyon. There are 2 trails, the green trail, a short 2 km circular family-friendly trail, and the black trail that is 9 km long and more challenging.
The green trail is enjoyable to do, and we recommend it. It has metal bars, ladders, and footholds on the rocks that help you climb or descend the canyon. It is quite magical. But it can easily be done, even with children.
The Red Canyon is close to Eilat, 20 km North of Eilat, near the border with Egypt – it is very easy to reach from there.
#21 Timna Park
By Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery
The Timna Park can be found in Israel’s South, only 25 km North of Eilat, the country’s southernmost city. To get there from Eilat, you can drive or take a local tour. It is possible to use a public bus to get closer, but you’ll still need to walk for about an hour.
The park belongs to Eilat’s top natural parks and encloses a large valley with rich deposits of copper. It is, in fact, the first copper-mining site in the world – Egyptians mined copper here already in 5,000 BC. You can learn about the beginnings of copper processing in a fascinating video and observe the remnants of smelting furnaces on-site.
The Timna Park looks like out of this world – you easily feel like you’ve landed on Mars. The reddish rock creates amazing formations. Don’t miss the famous mushroom rock and the majestic Solomon’s Pillars. It’s incredible what water and erosion can create.
Apart from simply walking around and admiring the otherworldly landscape, you can also visit a man made oasis, where there are a few more things to do – e.g. go on a paddle boat on the small lake or create your own little artwork with colored sand in a small bottle (included in the ticket price).
While the Timna Park is not a UNESCO site yet, it is currently on the organization’s Tentative List.
#22 Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
By Or from My Path in the World
If there’s one natural landmark in Israel you definitely can’t miss, it’s the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. It is Israel’s biggest oasis, making a fantastic spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and admiring some of the country’s most scenic views. Since it’s located near the Dead Sea (not too far from Jerusalem), the most convenient way to get to the reserve is by car, and luckily, the parking is free.
There are several hiking trails in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, including Wadi David and Wadi Arugot, which can be adjusted to your preferred difficulty level and the distance you want to cover.
Though the reserve is open all year round, the best time to visit Ein Gedi is spring. It’s when the weather is pleasant enough to hike, daylight hours are getting longer, all the streams and waterfalls are flowing, the unique rocky cliffs look particularly impressive, and there’s a good chance you’ll see some animals like rock hyrax and ibex (a species of a wild mountain goat).
You can also visit the Ein Gedi Antiquities National Park right next to the reserve, which houses an ancient synagogue from the 6th century with an impressive mosaic floor. The entrance fee to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, including the synagogue, is 28 NIS.
#23 Mount Arbel
By Claudia Tavani from My Adventures Across The World
Located in Galilee’s region, in Arbel National Park, Mount Arbel is one of the most famous mountains in Israel, known for the sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee you can get from the top. It’s a lesser-visited place, so you can be sure to have it to yourself when going.
On the other hand, for incredible views of Mount Arbel, make sure to visit Moshav Arbel, a small village where you will find the ruins of one of the oldest synagogues in Israel.
The fee to visit Arbel National Park is 22 Israeli Shekels – around $7 USD.
You can get to Mount Arbel comfortably by car – there is lots of parking on the site. But if you are feeling intrepid, you may want to walk the entire length of the Jesus Trail, a long-distance hike that can be covered in no less than four days and that follows the footsteps of Jesus across Galilee, going from Nazareth all the way to Tiberias and the villages around the Sea of Galilee.
#24 The Sea of Galilee
By Daphna Bar from a tiny trip
The Sea of Galilee called the Kinneret in Hebrew, is a freshwater lake in northern Israel. The most famous village by the Sea of Galilee is Capernaum (Kfar Nahum). This is where Jesus went to live after leaving Nazareth and where he performed many of his miracles, including walking on water.
At the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, where the water flows into the Jordan River, is the place Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Now called “Yardenit,” it is set up with ramps and stairs going into the water so you can easily enter the water yourself. The entrance is free of charge.
The largest city near the Sea of Galilee is Tiberias, where you can visit natural hot springs and experience spa treatments. You can also rent bicycles or go hiking on the Kinneret Trail.
Located roughly 210 meters below sea level, the Sea of Galilee area can get very hot in the summer. It is no surprise that many people enjoy bathing in the Kinneret. There are many access points to the shoreline, some regulated with water sport and boat rentals, and others completely quiet and serene. Whenever you come to visit, though, the Sea of Galilee is definitely one of the best day trips in Israel!
#25 Ramon Crater
By Moshe Huberman from The Top Ten Traveler
The craters of south Israel are a unique landscape that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, making them one of the most interesting places to visit in Israel. While meteors or volcanic eruptions created other craters around the world, the craters of Israel were created by rivers carving the soft rock of the desert for millions of years.
There are three craters in the Negev desert and the largest of them is Ramon Crater (Machtesh in Hebrew). It is 40 km long, 2-10 km wide, and 500 meters deep and is shaped like an elongated heart, going from east to west. The closest big city to Ramon Crater is Be’er Sheva (85 km to the north), while Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are about 2.5 hours away by car.
The entrance to the crater is through the visitor center in the nearby town of Mitzpe Ramon, on the northern edge of the crater. The views from here are astounding, and you can learn about the history of the area and how the crater was created.
Inside the crater, there are several trails to explore, and you can also visit the colored sands site. If you are lucky, you might see endangered vultures flying above or spot other animals like Ibex, Gazelles, wolves, and foxes. For those who want to spend the night under the desert sky, there’s a camping site in place. Alternatively, you can find other accommodation options in Mitzpe Ramon.
The desert views and colors are magnificent, and when combined with a unique geological phenomenon, the experience is definitely one to remember!
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