Nestled beneath a dramatic bluff on the southern shores of the Dead Sea, Ein Bokek is a popular holiday resort village in Israel’s east. It’s a major hub for therapeutic treatments and is on the doorstep of the UNESCO-listed ruins of Masada and Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
A highlight of visiting the Dead Sea is floating in its turquoise waters, which are so salty that it’s almost impossible to sink. The mud along the shore is mineral-rich and believed to have therapeutic benefits, with many of the hotels featuring on-site spas offering massages and body treatments.
A short drive north of Ein Bokek is Masada National Park, which encompasses an ancient fortress that was once home to King Herod. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes a Roman-style bathhouse with mosaic floors and a terraced palace, as well as the Masada Museum housing archaeological finds.
Getting there
Ein Bokek is 1.5 hours’ drive from Jerusalem or around two hours from Tel Aviv, with regular buses connecting both cities to the Dead Sea coast. Taxis are readily available for getting around the area while the village of Ein Bokek is compact enough to explore on foot.