The Dead Sea - One of Israel’s Greatest Treasures
No trip to Israel is complete without a trip to the lowest spot on Earth, the Dead Sea. Tourists and Israelis alike love spending a day or weekend enjoying the gorgeous views, the medicinal power of the Dead Sea water and mud, the relaxing atmosphere and so much more.
Everyone knows about the Dead Sea, but not everyone knows about the Israeli secrets that lie behind the area, what Israelis like to do and where they like to go.
But first, let’s learn a bit about what makes the Dead Sea so special.
What’s the deal with the Dead Sea?
Despite its name, the Dead Sea is actually a salt lake, located between Israel and Jordan. Known as the lowest place on Earth, it is located at 430 meters/1,412 feet below sea level. With 34.2% salinity, the Dead Sea gets its name from the fact that seemingly nothing can survive in it. But, swimming in it is fun as you feel that you are floating due to the high amounts of salt.
The Sea of Salt (the Dead Sea) is mentioned in the Bible together with the names the Sea of the Aravah and the Eastern Sea. The body of water sits on the Jordan Rift Valley and the Jordan River is the only major water source that flows directly into the Dead Sea. There are various theories about how the Dead Sea formed and why it is so low.
The area has a rich history, dating back to the biblical period to the time of King David. The Dead Sea was once even an important trade route with ports in Ein Gedi and near Masada. Jews settled in the area in caves throughout history including the Essenes of Qumran who left the Dead Sea Scrolls. In the late 1940s and early 1950s the Dead Sea scrolls which date back to 150 BCE – 70 CE were found near the Dead Sea in an amazing discovery.
Want to experience the Dead Sea straight from your home?
Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
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What is so special about the Dead Sea?
One of the most famous things about the Dead Sea is its medicinal properties. While it’s fun to float in the sea, it’s also great for your skin and your health! The area has become a hot spot for various types of health research as well as treatment centers for various reasons. These include the high mineral content of the water, the lack of allergens in the air including pollen, reduced UV component of solar radiation in the area, and the higher atmospheric pressure due to the depth of the area.
People with various diseases come to the Dead Sea for natural therapies due to the unique climatic features, sun’s radiation, the salty water, and more.
Which products does Israel make from the Dead Sea?
Dead Sea products can be found throughout Israel and the world and are one of the most famous symbols of the area.
Whether it’s using salt in the kitchen, rubbing mud over your body or using one of the unique skin care products, there are a wide range of Israeli brands today that bring the properties of the Dead Sea throughout the country and world.
If you’re ever been to the Dead Sea, you know that the mud filled with minerals is one of the most popular activities before “jumping in”. It leaves your skin feeling amazing, restored and fabulous.
Our Dead Sea Israelibox is filled with a wide variety of my favorite Dead Sea products ranging from garlic salt to mud soap and the most amazing face mask you’ve ever tried by the famous Israeli brand Sabon Michal. Wow.
While floating in the Dead Sea and enjoying all it has to offer is amazing, you can experience many of the health benefits straight from your home with these products.
What do Israelis like to do at the Dead Sea?
There’s so much to do in the Dead Sea area besides floating in the water. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in the area:
- Nahal David – A must see for Israelis that come to hike in the area, Nahal David was named after King David and is located in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. The area feels magical with streams and waterfalls that flow throughout the year (a rarity in Israel!). Perfect for families, Nahal David is a great way to see the beauty of the area while keeping cool in the water!
- Camping – Camping by the Dead Sea is a popular activity among Israelis of all ages (you probably know by now how much we love camping). With various campsites in the area including Ein Gedi, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views, cool evenings and the chance to do some great hiking in the area during the day.
- Ein Bokek hotel spas – Ein Bokek is where most of the Dead Sea hotels are located and a trip to the area wouldn’t be complete without taking a minute to relax and treat yourself to a Dead Sea treatment at one of the amazing spas!
- Gallery Minus 430 – The “lowest gallery in the world” is one of my favorite places to visit when I’m near the Dead Sea. Originally a Jordanian military base, the building was abandoned years ago and today has become a non-conventional gallery filled with murals on the walls of the buildings. The gallery is located on Kayla Beach, the northernmost beach of the Dead Sea and features work from Israeli and international artists.
- Swimming in the Dead Sea Israeli style – If you want to be like the locals, head out for a swim in the middle of the night or early hours before sunrise. The water is amazing, it’s less hot, less busy and beautiful.
The Dead Sea – A must visit for anyone in Israel
The Dead Sea has so much to offer and is a must see and visit for anyone in Israel. From the positive effects of the salts and muds to the phenomenal views, great outdoor activities and so much more, it’s a great place to spend a few nights on any trip to Israel.
Planning your trip to the Dead Sea? Check out a few of my other favorite areas in the country for your perfect trip:
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Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
IsraeliBox is a subscription box that brings Israel closer to you than ever.
I started Israelibox to give you the chance to experience Israel like Israelis do.
Join me in supporting Israel in a unique way while enjoying the great products our small businesses have to offer.
Want to experience the Dead Sea straight from your home?
Experience the flavors of the foods that the Dead Sea is famous for, give your skin a special treat with Dead Sea mud and more.
Get your Dead Sea box today!
