South District

Israel's largest district, taking in the Negev Desert, the Dead Sea, Masada and Eilat on the Red Sea.

The South District covers more than half of Israel's territory and is dominated by the Negev Desert. Main sights include the World Heritage fortress of Masada, the resort area on the southwestern shore of the Dead Sea, the spectacular Ramon Crater, Sde Boker, where Ben-Gurion's home is located, and Eilat on the Red Sea at the southern tip, where you can dive to see coral reefs. Beersheba is the district's main city. The best season runs from autumn and winter through early spring, as summers are scorching. Eilat has Ramon Airport, and you can also travel by bus or car from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Please check security advisories before you travel.

Destinations

• Mitzpe Ramon
• Dead Sea (Israel) & Masada
• Eilat
• Jerusalem

Itineraries

• Dead Sea to Red Sea Negev Road Trip – Drive through the Judean and Negev Deserts, passing through Ramon Crater to reach Eilat on the Red Sea.
• Israel and Jordan: Tel Aviv to Amman – Cross from the Mediterranean through the Holy City and the Red Sea, then explore Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman.
• Israel Coast, Galilee, and Dead Sea Loop – Head north along the coast from Tel Aviv, pass through the Sea of Galilee, head south to the Dead Sea, and finish in Je…
• Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Masada – Spend two days exploring the Old and New Cities of Jerusalem, and two days floating in the Dead Sea and climbing Masada.
• Holy Land Christian Pilgrimage – Follow the Gospels through major holy sites from Jerusalem and Bethlehem to Galilee.