Negev Desert Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mamshit National Park showing a ruin and heritage elements
Masada National Park showing heritage elements, views and desert views
Mamshit National Park showing a gorge or canyon, landscape views and desert views
Mamshit National Park featuring building ruins and heritage elements
Masada National Park featuring desert views and building ruins

Embark on a trip through this vast expanse of rock desert where ancient cultures, highly significant archaeological sites and abounding natural beauty await.

The Negev Desert forms half of Israel and is, for the most part, a barren swathe of rocky desert land. Look a little closer however and you will discover an enticing region filled with life and beauty. In its heart sits the gargantuan geological phenomenon, the Ramon Crater. The small town of Mitzpe Ramon is the gateway to the desert pursuits on offer: hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, jeep tours and even desert archery.

The city of Beersheba marks the beginning of the Negev Desert. Visit the city’s market, wander through the cobbled lanes of the Turkish town (Old City), or visit Abraham’s Well archaeological site.

Visit Kibbutz Sde Boker for a slice of Israeli history. This was where the country’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, lived and died. See his house and go to his burial site where there are staggering views across the Zin Valley.

The Nabatean Incense Route once wove its way through the Negev Desert from the capital in Petra (present-day Jordan). Cities appeared along the route which catered to the often mile-long camel caravans. Visit the impressive remains of these once prosperous cities at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Avdat, Haluza, Shivta and Mamshit.

The Negev Desert surprises in many different ways. Hiking opportunities abound, but there are many other ways to appreciate its beauty too. Visit one of the welcoming, family-run wineries, set off on a camel trek or enjoy some Bedouin hospitality and food in a traditional tent. Be sure not to miss out on visiting Ein Avdat National Park, where wildlife and waterfalls await.

The best way to visit the Negev Desert is by car, as public transportation is limited. This is a remote and sparsely populated region, but easy to navigate as there are few roads. Get swept up in the beauty, solitude and unique atmosphere of the vast stretches of sand.

Beresheet by Isrotel exclusive

Beresheet by Isrotel exclusive

Derech Beresheet 1, Ramat Negev
The price is AU$893 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$893
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Ramat Negev. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (553 reviews)
"excellent"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Beresheet by Isrotel exclusive
Dan Eilat

Dan Eilat

North Beach Area, Eilat
The price is AU$431 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$431
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Eilat. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mifrats Beach and Harbor Bridge are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (567 reviews)
"Right at the beach! Perfect!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Dan Eilat
Play Eilat

Play Eilat

Tarshish St 12, North Shore, Eilat
The price is AU$239 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$239
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Eilat. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (366 reviews)
"The only two good points about the hotel is the location and price. Air-conditioning also was very good. But i didn't like the rooms and the food. It's not that bad, but in every hotel of 4 stars I was before it was much better. My family last day even didn't agree to come eat breakfast with me there. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Play Eilat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Riviera by Isrotel Collection

Riviera by Isrotel Collection

North Beach 2, Eilat
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Eilat. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Harbor Bridge and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (503 reviews)
Satisfied guest
"Very convenient and enjoyable stay"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Riviera by Isrotel Collection
Esterin Royal Park Apartments Eilat

Esterin Royal Park Apartments Eilat

1 Kampen St, Eilat
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Eilat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Eilat Marina and Ice Mall are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
Nice location close to downtown beach 15 minutes
"The place wasn’t so clean and need some upgrades bathroom with hair in the toilet wasn’t any hands soap the bed sheets and towels was with stain were clean although the pillows was smelly have to put clean towels on it to sleep the patios door doesn’t look"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

Esterin Royal Park Apartments Eilat
City Apartments Eilat

City Apartments Eilat

Tzofit Street 6, Eilat
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Eilat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Musical Fountain Eilat ...
7.4/10 Good! (84 reviews)
Not again
"It was not so clean, air condition not quiet, no soap in the toilet, not so clean, only 2 glasses in the kitchen, no any spoon The walls are not clean, We did not like it"

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

City Apartments Eilat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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