Negev

crater

The Negev => is a large desert that covers the entire southern half of Israel. The least populated area in Israel, it is a home to (among others) the nomadic desert people known as the Bedouin.

Understand

The Negev is also the poorest and most under-developed region in Israel, but is best place in the country to view silent desert scenery. In middle of the Negev lies Machtesh Ramon - the largest erosional crater on earth.

Cities

Arad — lively modern town on the edge of the Negev
Beer Sheva (Beersheba) — the Biblical City Of Abraham and de facto capital of the Negev
Eilat — the southern-most Israeli city, located on the Red Sea coast, a major centre for domestic and international tourism
Mitzpe Ramon — a small town overlooking the Machtesh Ramon

Other destinations

Avdat - the largest ancient Nabataean city in the Negev, now a National Park
Ein Avdat - a spectacular desert gorge, accessed by trails - preserved as a National Park
Machtesh Ramon - the largest erosional crater on earth
Mamshit Ruins- Another Nabatean ruin, this is more accessible and well ordained then Avdat, also a National Park
Mizpe Boker- large Kibbutz north of Mizpe Ramon on Route 40, has several attractions, and also the "Field School of the Negev", which is a hostel and a tourist information center, thyey'll advise you about trails and torus in the area.
Yotvata- a large open Natural Reserve north of Eilat and a Qibbutz with the same name.

Get in and around

By train

Trains connect Tel Aviv to Dimona, but no further.

By car

Three main highways cross the Negev from north to south:

The eastern Jordan Valley route (Route <90>), from Jerusalem past the Dead Sea to Eilat
The central route (Route <40>), through Beer Sheva and Mitzpe Ramon, merging with the eastern route near Yotvata
The western route (Route <10>), running along the Egyptian border from Gaza to Eilat, built primarily for military purposes and the least used of the three

The two-lane highways are generally in good shape. The distance across the Negev from Tel Aviv to Eilat is around 360 kilometers, covered by Egged express bus in 5 hours.

Stay safe

Nearly all of the Negev is an extremely arid desert that sees rainfall at most a few times a year. While winters can be pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 20°C, summers can be fierce with temperatures commonly over 40°C. Bring a large amount of water and register your plans at the nearest police station before going offroad for your won safety, as flash floods are likely to happen if rain doese fall, and some parts of the Negev serve as the IDF's main training area.