The Dead Sea, Israel: A Beginner's Guide

The Dead Sea is so named because, as we mentioned here, its salinity makes it a harsh environment in which animals really find it impossible to survive. The name “the Dead Sea” was actually adopted by various European languages.

Historically,  Mosaics from the Byzantine era describe some of the first tales of the Dead Sea, including how they spotted fish swimming toward the Dead Sea from the Jordan River and rushing to turn back and flee toward the north to the fresh water sources. In the Bible, the Dead Sea is known as the “Eastern Sea” or the “Sea of the Arava”. The ancient Greeks and Romans called it “Mare Asphaltitus” which means “Clay Sea”, due to the patches of clay and asphalt floating on its surface.

The Dead Sea is a remnant of the ancient “Lake Lisan”, the body of water which once extended from the north of the Sea of Galilee to Hazeva in the Arava. It is the lowest point on the surface of the earth at approximately 417 meters below sea level. The water’s salinity is ten times that of the Mediterranean Sea with a concentration of 340 grams per liter. This makes swimming difficult but floating natural and effortless. The air in the Dead Sea region is rich in oxygen but low in pollens and other allergens. Air temperature is high even in the winter. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays are naturally filtered, making it possible to sunbathe without burning, which is instrumental in treating various skin diseases. The waters along the coast contain black mud deposits and are rich in minerals which is ideal for health and beauty treatments.

The Dead Sea region’s historical sites, which include Massada, Qumran, Jericho, Ein Gedi, the Roman fortresses and the monasteries in the Judea Desert, are among the most renowned in the world.  Nature reserves, combined with the scenic diversity of the area, allow for beautiful scenes of arid deserts and oases alongside pools and waterfalls that are full of diverse flora and fauna. Check out our map of the Dead Sea to get an idea of what you can see and do in the area.

A great many resources are these days dedicated to the tourist industry in the Dead Sea region with the development of infrastructures, facilities and services. This region offers 4, 000 hotel rooms of various standards, kibbutz resort villages, and other accommodation facilities. There are many exciting and unique activities for people visiting the Dead Sea region to enjoy including desert tours – on foot, in special vehicles or even on camel – Bedouin accommodation, rock climbing and repelling, and archeological and agricultural tours.