The best things to do in southern Israel can take you from diving in the crystal waters of Eilat’s world-famous beaches to hiking the craggy hills of the famous fortress of Masada. The south of Israel makes up 50% of this tiny country’s landmass, and the light scattering of cities means that it’s a haven for those that wish to experience the rugged nature and unspoiled landscapes.
Mitzpe Ramon
Mitzpe Ramon is a city perched above the breathtaking crater known as Makhtesh Ramon, over 220 million years old. As the largest national park in Israel, it offers stark vistas, a variety of fantastic hiking trails, and a glimpse at desert wildlife, including hyenas, leopards, and Ibex. The Mount Ardot loop is about 6.9 km, takes 2-3 hours to complete, and is moderately difficult. The trek is worth it for the awe-inspiring views across the crater and its Martian landscapes.
The Ceremonial Mount Hike is a multi-day trek that covers 47 km out and back, a moderate hike that promises unparalleled views of the local wildlife, the perfect way to complement stargazing in this stunning wilderness. If you’re looking to learn a bit more about Israel, check out the Ilan Ramon Museum and Memorial, which covers the life of astronaut Ilan Ramon and the natural history of the crater itself. The crater itself is magnificent, and the area shouldn’t be missed by nature lovers. Start planning your trek through this wilderness today and join one of our fantastic Negev Tours.
Masada
Masada stands out as a famous landmark where a group of Jewish zealots resisted against invading Roman conquerors, choosing to commit suicide rather than be subjected to slavery. Herod’s construction of this palatial fortress has withstood the test of time, and the views from the top offer a bird’s-eye view of the shimmering Dead Sea and the captivating Moab Mountains. If you want to check out the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, and Masada, consider this 7 Day Highlights of Israel Tour, which will take you from the north to the south of the country and feature immersive guides throughout.
Our Masada Sunrise Hiking Tour, available from June 2026, offers an unforgettable and magical experience. The ruins themselves offer the chance to explore luxurious Roman-style baths, vibrant frescoes, and a chance to peer at the remains of the Roman camp still visible at the foot of the mountain. Overall, the fortress is a haunting reminder of the power of human ingenuity and strength. Go and see for yourself; we promise you won’t leave disappointed.
If your knees or fellow travelers aren’t up for the task, consider joining our 13 Day Slow-Paced Israel Tour, where you’ll get to experience not only Masada at a slower pace but the rest of Israel, too. Have a look at our other South Israel Tours to explore more options.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest oceans, and the lowest point on Earth, with the deepest parts measuring at 430 meters below sea level. The waters and mud are renowned for their healing powers that come from the unique mineral makeup of the waters, with a number of seaside spas offering the chance to pamper yourself in a totally unique way. While there are public beaches, we recommend paying to access a private beach for the best possible experience.
Also, there are several incredible hotels in Kibbutz Kalia, which operate on the northernmost edge, with a family-friendly atmosphere, while Neve Midbar, a few kilometers south, appeals to a younger crowd. Either way, you’ll have the chance to snap some great photos of yourself floating in the buoyant waters. On the northwest shore lies Qumran, the site where an Essene sect built a community in the 2nd century BCE and authored the Dead Sea Scrolls. If you’re looking to bask in the mud or dive into history, book your shuttle to the Dead Sea today.
Ein Gedi
Ein Gedi is a lush oasis at the edge of the Dead Sea, and the largest in the Judean Desert: definitely one of the best things to do in the South of Israel, which is why we offer an incredible Masada, Dead Sea, and Ein Gedi Tour that combines the beauty of the Dead Sea with the lush greenery of the reserve, and the starkness of Masada.
Our favorite family-friendly hike is the Nahal David trail, a 1.5 km loop, but the most popular hike is the Nahal Arugot, a 4 km loop that gives hikers the chance to dip their feet in the babbling brooks along the way. Eager to explore beyond the trails and gardens? Tel Goren offers a window into the past. These crumbling ruins are the remains of a citadel protecting an ancient settlement from nomadic raiding parties. If you’re looking to spend a few days exploring the cool blue springs, pools, and waterfalls of Ein Gedi, there are a large number of hotels and hostels to meet the needs of any traveler.
Eilat
Eilat is Israel’s version of Las Vegas, complete with luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and an array of outdoor activities, from swimming with dolphins to hiking Timna Park and world-famous scuba diving to snorkeling. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve offers all levels of diving, while the surrounding shallows are perfect for a quick snorkel. The Dolphin Reef offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with these lovable aquatic mammals, although it should be noted that the welfare of the dolphins is foremost, and food incentives are not used to force interactions. Another stunning nature spot just north of Eilat that we highly recommend checking out is the breathtaking Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve.
Also, since Eilat is a free trade area, take the chance to explore Mall HaYam: one of the largest malls in the country. It’s also a hub for tourism across the border to Jordan, and Petra offers visitors a stunning array of ancient monuments and marvels that are well-deserving of the title “Seventh Wonder of the World”. Eilat always makes our list of the best things to do in southern Israel because it has something for everyone.
Discover the Best of Southern Israel
Wherever you choose to travel in Southern Israel, you’re bound to have an extraordinary experience. During your vacation, be sure to explore all of this region’s iconic sites through our Israel day tours. Additionally, prepare for your trip by checking out our Israel travel resources, featuring everything you need to know about traveling to Israel now.
If you’re seeking a multi-city, immersive adventure, our Israel Package Tours are ideal. This way, you’ll explore every part of Israel, from the old city in Jerusalem to the exciting city of Tel Aviv. We handle all your inclusive transfers, professional guides, stunning hotels, and thrilling activities, ensuring a seamless escape from start to finish. All that’s left is for you to simply relax and soak in all that Israel has to offer.
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