Author: hotspringsatlas_ri6ivu

Israel and Palestine

 

Israel and Palestine are known for many things but stunning nature is not usually one of them. However Israel has gone to incredible lengths to preseve natural areas in the country, and that doesn’t stop with the natural hot springs. 

The springs in Israel are mostly well developed resorts, but in Palestine at the Dead Sea there is an incredible spring you can float in, just make sure to bring water to wash off the salty residue. 

Roman Hot Springs in Tiberias
 
Hader Gader Resort 

Hader Gader in the North of Israel right underneath the Sea of Galiee is not only a hot spring, it has historical significance as well. During Roman times, it was recorded as being a well known recreational site for soldiers who were on vacation. Flash forward to today and it is still one of the most popular hot springs in Israel. On the premise you will find not only hot springs but also many manmade pools and two restaurants to enjoy. You can stay at the hotel, an onsite campground, or just enjoy a day pass to the spa. More information about opening times and prices can be found here. 

Hamat Tiberias National Park 

Hamat Tiberias National Park in the north of the country along the Sea of Galiee has snaking hiking trails, the ruins of a Turkish hamam, and a synagogue with perfectly preserved historical mosaics. There are many spring pools, which have supposed health benefits since their water is high in many minerals. 

The underground water is super heated so the park has steam vents to cool down the water to a perfect temperture for a good soak. The facilites at the park are primitive so make sure you come prepared with everything you need, find more information about pricing and operating times here. 

Dead Sea Hot Springs 

Located in Palestine on the Dead Sea, these hot springs are an undeveloped road side attraction. From the parking lot it’s about a 15 minute walk down a steep rocky road to the springs. There are about 10 rocky pools which have been dug out by people and are of varying tempertures. The springs, just like the Dead Sea, have a high salt content so you cant sink in them! After a good soak you can  cool off you with a jump in the Dead Sea. Since this isn’t a developed site make sure to pack out all of your trash and your own water to wash off the salty residue from the water. 

Sweeping view of the Hot Springs at the Dead Sea    

Check out other Hot Springs in the Middle East here 

 

 

Egypt Hot Springs

Egypt is most famous for the Nile River, and about 90% of the countires population lives along the river. However the Nile isnt the only vital water source in Egypt. Several oasis in the middle of the desert form important agriculture centers, in addtion to being ultimate dreamy vacation spots. 

 

Siwa Hot Springs

Fresh water springs can be found everywhere in Siwa, it claims to be the land of 300  springs, 700,000 Palm trees, and 30,000 Olive trees.  No wonder many are drawn into the beauty of the area.

The most famous spring in Siwa is called Cleopatra Spring and legend says that Pharoah Cleopatra once stopped here to wash. Since then local girls have been coming for a bath in the lead-up to their weddings, hoping to become as alluring as the famous queen. The springs are so beautiful you will feel like you 

 

Transport to Siwa:

Siwa is not a major tourist destination and can be hard to get to, the cheapest way to reach Siwa from Cairo is by taking the daily bus from Turgomen station in downtown Cairo. The bus leaves at 11:30 PM and arrives in Siwa in the early morning. For other mode of transportation, check out the informative Siwa tourism website.

Bahariya Hot Springs

Bahariya is the most accessible Oasis from Cairo, and is home to the Black Desert, White Desert, and Crystal mountain.  The Oasis hot spring are a great way to help relax after an adventure filled trip. If you want to stay in town the International Hot Springs Hotel has been in business for many years and has about two dozen rooms, and hot springs on the premises. If you are just intrested in a soak there are numberous pools that the water is pumped into before irraggting fields and they provide excellent swimming. 

 

Transport to Bahariya:

Baharyia is a 5 hour bus ride away from Cairo, however is not a major tourist destination. The cheapest way to reach Siwa from Cairo is by taking the daily bus from Turgomen station in downtown Cairo. The bus leaves at 11:30 PM and arrives in Siwa in the early morning. There are also many companies offering tours of the Black and White deserts, who also offer stops at the hot springs. 

 

Find out about more hot springs in the Middle East here

Jordan 

Hot Springs in Jordan have been popular since Roman times, when dignitaries and travelers would stop to have a soak. Now a days the Jordanian tourism economy is booming and there are developed resorts that still serve the same purpose of relaxation for tired travelers.

For an incredibly relaxing experience there is Ma’in Hot Springs which is a luxury resort between Amman, and the UNESCO world Heritage site Petra, or travel to Al Himman located in the mountains on the border of Golan Heights. Read below for recommendations on Hot Springs in Jordan:

 

Sign to the Dead Sea in Jordan

 

Ma’in Hot Springs Resort

Ma’in Hot Springs Resort is located 264 meters below sea level near the Dead Sea, and just an hours drive from Amman. The hot springs are located in a steep canyon that feels like a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. The main waterfall at the resort comes out of the earth at a scorching 65 C and is cooled as it falls. The resort has six pools that range in temperature between 30 – 37 C. You can visit the hot springs via a day pass or stay overnight at the resort.  It’s an advantage to at the hotel though,  the pools open  at 6:00 am to hotel guests, and 9:00 am to visitors. Visit the hotels website via this Link. 

Hamamat Burbita

Hammamat Burbita forms part of a complex of natural hot spring pools that offer tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. This complex is located in Khirbet Tannor, 13 kilometers from the King’s Highway. The area boasts a large number of hot springs due to its volcanic landscape. Hammamat Burbita is popular with locals and a small number of well-researched tourists. Visitors can take a taxi to the springs from the nearby town of Karak. Entrance is 5JD (7.05 USD) and it is open from 8 am until 8 pm, except during Ramadan.

Link

Ain Zarqa

This hot spring lies directly at the Dead Sea in the Madaba region, downhill from Ma’in Hot Springs Resort.  While these hot springs are located next to the Dead Sea they are not saline like many other adjacent springs. This means that you can wash off the salt after a soak in the Dead Sea (trust me you will want to wash off the salt!). The springs are very easy to access which is indicated on the main road and there is no entrance fee, however the water is a balmy 43-45°C.  Unfortunately the easy access and lack of entrance fee means there are a lot of people there and that there is a lot of littering close to the river and the spring, just prepare your expectations before you head there. 

 

Al Himman 

Al Himma hot springs JordanLocated in the very North of Jordan in the village of Samara. These hot springs are  looking up at the Golan Heights area in Israel. Ihe Al-Himma therapeutic hot springs are historic springs that were frequented by the ancient Romans. Today is is now a beautiful resort there with two bathing facilities, a unisex public bath where all can visit at any time; and a privately run complex with separate timetables for men and women.

 

For more Middle Eastern Hot Springs click here