Southern District: Nature, World Heritage and History

The Southern District can be explored through its varied landscapes and historic sites: In the Negev Highlands, Avdat lies on the ancient Incense Route; Ein Gedi is known for its springs and waterfalls; and Masada preserves traces of antiquity. Besor Park combines an oasis landscape with recreational facilities, while Ashkelon adds early architectural history and dune flora to the mix.

The Incense Route and Antiquity

Avdat National Park lies in the Negev Highlands along the route of the ancient Incense Route and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the wider destination of Israel, the UNESCO-listed Incense Route property includes the Nabataean cities of Haluza, Mamshit, Avdat and Shivta, as well as associated forts and cultural landscapes in the Negev Desert. This places the individual site within the broader context of settlements and cultural landscape.

Masada offers a different historical perspective: It is a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 AD. Masada also preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces and intact Roman siege works, which rank among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. While Avdat is associated with the Incense Route, Masada brings the conflict-ridden history of antiquity into focus.

Oases, Water and Crater Landscapes

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls and flowing streams, as well as ibexes and rock hyraxes. A hiking trail follows the year-round Nahal Arugot stream to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Trail conditions can change after floods; check them before your visit.

At the Ramon Crater, the visitor center connects the life story of Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its distinctive natural phenomena. Ramon Crater is part of the Zin Cliffs and Negev Highlands nature reserves. The visitor center thus brings together a personal life story and the natural environment of the crater.

Parks and a Variety of Activities

Besor Park (Eshkol) is located at Ein Besor spring on the river’s eastern bank. The oasis features extensive lawns, picnic facilities and children’s playgrounds. There are also marked cycling trails and a disc golf course. Nature and outdoor activity are among the different things the park offers.

The Canaanite Gate in Ashkelon was built from mud bricks and kurkar bricks, dates back to 1850 BC and is considered the oldest vaulted gate in the world. In the southern part of Ashkelon National Park, the sand dune landscape is designated as a nature reserve for its distinctive flora and fauna. Tel Be’er Sheva offers a view of modern Beersheba—another perspective on the places and landscapes of the Southern District.

Planning Your Visit and Finding Hotels

For Masada National Park and the visitor center at Ramon Crater, registering in advance through the visitor coordination system secures a place for your chosen visit date. Check the latest registration information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Beersheba, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ein Bokek, Dimona, Ein Tamar, Mitzpe Ramon, Arad, Hatzeva, Amatzia, Mashabei Sadeh, Sede Boker, Midreshet Ben Gurion, Be’er Sheva, Kiryat Malakhi, Merhav Am, Zuqim, Ein Gedi, Giv’ot Bar, Mishmar HaNegev, Meitar, Elifaz, Revivim, Kokhav Michael, Be’er Ora, Maslul, Sapir, Idan, Kfar Menahem, Eilat.

View the broader travel overview: Israel.