Dead Sea's 'Land of Monasteries' Opens for Rare Weekend Tour

The "Land of Monasteries" area in the northern Dead Sea, a historically rich but rarely accessible region, is opening to the public for a special 48-hour event this weekend, October 23-24, 2026. This opening coincides with the annual Dead Sea March, which was postponed from March due to the war. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore the area, known for its ancient Christian monasteries and the remnants of the old Beit Ha'arava settlement.

The Megilot Dead Sea Regional Council, home to approximately 3,000 residents, is actively working to develop tourism alongside its existing agriculture and settlements. The council, which separated from the Tamar Regional Council in 1993, faces significant challenges but is pursuing ambitious plans. These include hotel construction, with regulations allowing up to three-story buildings, and the development of around ten hotels in the Kallia and Minus 430 areas. A major project, "Dead Sea Gateway," is planned at the Lido junction within a year, aiming to offer visitors experiences like walking around sinkholes and floating in the Dead Sea.

Beyond tourism, the region is a vital agricultural hub, particularly for dates, peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Local farmers are known for supplying produce to the market earlier than other parts of the country. The area also boasts unique culinary offerings, with businesses like Cafe 430- at the Lido junction incorporating local produce. Shimshon Chen, who opened Cafe 430- in 2025, recalls the Dead Sea reaching his location in 1974 and has been involved in tourism and fishing for years.

Despite the Dead Sea's receding waterline, estimated to drop 1.2 to 1.5 meters annually due to evaporation, unique water activities are available. Companies like Noffei Melach have offered boat tours since 2014, exploring salt chimneys, underwater sinkholes, and large salt crystals. Kayak tours are also available, providing a more personal experience on the calm waters. The "Land of Monasteries" itself is steeped in history, with monasteries dating back to the 1930s. The area was heavily mined after 1968 to prevent infiltrations, with around 3,000 mines laid. Mine-clearing operations have been ongoing, with the Romanian Monastery, the last to be cleared, finished in 2019. Access is now coordinated with the army, allowing visitors to appreciate the exteriors of these historic churches.

Various tourism ventures are flourishing, including the Dead Sea Tourism Complex near Avnat, offering bike rentals, jeep tours, kayaking, a restaurant, and accommodation. "Mi Casa" restaurant is a popular stop, known for its homemade pizzas and burgers, and unique ice cream flavors. "Boza" ice cream, a franchise from northern Israel, has opened a branch at the Lido junction, offering creative flavors inspired by local tastes. "The Last Chance," a family-run establishment since 1994, blends Tunisian heritage with local ingredients, notably dates, in its cuisine, hosting events and offering unique dishes like date carpaccio.

The northern Dead Sea is portrayed as a region in transition, balancing its complex history and changing landscape with a growing tourism sector. The Dead Sea March and the opening of the "Land of Monasteries" represent an opportunity to experience this evolving area before major development plans are fully realized.