Mitzpe Ramon travel guide
Mitzpe Ramon Tourism | Mitzpe Ramon Guide
You're Going to Love Mitzpe Ramon
Established in the 1950s as a military outpost, Mitzpe Ramon has evolved into an ecotourism destination with spectacular landscapes.
Often described as Israel's Grand Canyon, Mitzpe Ramon is home to the largest protected reserve in the country, offering numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, rappelling, and horseback riding.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Mitzpe Ramon
1. Ramon Crater
Ramon Crater is Mitzpe Ramon's main attraction. 1,641 feet deep, 25 miles long and 6 miles wide, the crater exhibits geological formations unseen in the rest of the world.
2. Albert Promenade
The Albert Promenade features environmental sculptures leading to the Ramon Crater. A bird balcony provides the best vantage point of the crater, allowing bird watchers to photograph the native species from above.
3. Spice Route Quarter
The Spice Route Quarter includes shops, bars, restaurants, and art galleries, including Faran, an organic soap and cosmetics factory outlet, and the Avital wood works shop.
4. Deep Desert Israel
The Deep Desert of Israel provides activities in the Negev desert such as camping trips, 4x4 Jeep tours, rappelling, and outdoor yoga classes.
5. Tasting Menu
Groups can enjoy a tasting menu at InnSense Bistro and Suites, sampling dishes such as focaccia, slow-cooked beef stew, vegan cottage pie, and espresso mousse.
What to do in Mitzpe Ramon
1. 1,600 Feet Down
The Ramon Crater, better known as "Makhtesh Ramon", is a geological formation in Israel's Negev desert. With a depth of 1,640 feet at its lowest point, this is truly one of the natural wonders of the world. And, contrary to popular folklore, the crater has nothing to do with an impact on Earth's surface. Rather, it results from a volcanic eruption. At 24 miles in diameter, this crater's deepest point sustains all manner of wildlife. Right in the middle of the desert runs the Saharonim Spring, a remnant of the fact that the Negev was once covered with water. Stop at the Ramon visitors' center to view the crater, but if you want to get up close and personal with its magnitude, take a local Jeep tour.
2. A Buzzing Hive Of Culture
Back in town, the Spice Route Quarter is a little collection of boutique and vintage stores, bakeries and restaurants, guest houses with welcoming and knowledgeable hosts, and a jazz club. Eclectic is the word best used to describe this little niche within the niche that is Mitzpe Ramon. It's the old, industrial quarter that has been gentrified, although some of its traces still remain. Take, for example, the old Faran cosmetics factory.
3. Back To The Desert
The Tzin Valley makes all who venture there feel as though they've entered a different era. Here, wild camels herded by equally wild Bedouin herders roam the land. Amazing desert vistas, hot springs that run 32 feet deep and secluded desert oases await those who dare to Make the trek. Head out with a local guide and view the evocative red architecture of the oases and experience their hospitality. This is a day trip you'll want to extend.
4. For The Adventurous Spirit
So you've seen the desert. But not all of it and certainly not like this: the Negev Highland Trail is worth its weight in gold for all of the 6 to 7 days it will take you to hike its length. You don't need to be in the finest physical shape as the climbs are not particularly steep and it's easy to either set up camp in the desert or stop by the friendly towns and interact with locals who will happily provide some food and shelter. However, the season during which you hike does matter. If you come in the spring, the temperatures are pleasant, even during the day, and the intermittent rain means you'll get to see the desert in full bloom.
5. Heavy Petting
Whether you have kids or you're just a group of adults who haven't grown up yet, the Alpaca Farm is definitely worth a visit. Spend the afternoon interacting with, feeding, and petting these silly but sweet creatures. It's enough to take all your stress away.
1. 1,600 Feet Down
The Ramon Crater, better known as "Makhtesh Ramon", is a geological formation in Israel's Negev desert. With a depth of 1,640 feet at its lowest point, this is truly one of the natural wonders of the world. And, contrary to popular folklore, the crater has nothing to do with an impact on Earth's surface. Rather, it results from a volcanic eruption. At 24 miles in diameter, this crater's deepest point sustains all manner of wildlife. Right in the middle of the desert runs the Saharonim Spring, a remnant of the fact that the Negev was once covered with water. Stop at the Ramon visitors' center to view the crater, but if you want to get up close and personal with its magnitude, take a local Jeep tour.
2. A Buzzing Hive Of Culture
Back in town, the Spice Route Quarter is a little collection of boutique and vintage stores, bakeries and restaurants, guest houses with welcoming and knowledgeable hosts, and a jazz club. Eclectic is the word best used to describe this little niche within the niche that is Mitzpe Ramon. It's the old, industrial quarter that has been gentrified, although some of its traces still remain. Take, for example, the old Faran cosmetics factory.
3. Back To The Desert
The Tzin Valley makes all who venture there feel as though they've entered a different era. Here, wild camels herded by equally wild Bedouin herders roam the land. Amazing desert vistas, hot springs that run 32 feet deep and secluded desert oases await those who dare to Make the trek. Head out with a local guide and view the evocative red architecture of the oases and experience their hospitality. This is a day trip you'll want to extend.
4. For The Adventurous Spirit
So you've seen the desert. But not all of it and certainly not like this: the Negev Highland Trail is worth its weight in gold for all of the 6 to 7 days it will take you to hike its length. You don't need to be in the finest physical shape as the climbs are not particularly steep and it's easy to either set up camp in the desert or stop by the friendly towns and interact with locals who will happily provide some food and shelter. However, the season during which you hike does matter. If you come in the spring, the temperatures are pleasant, even during the day, and the intermittent rain means you'll get to see the desert in full bloom.
5. Heavy Petting
Whether you have kids or you're just a group of adults who haven't grown up yet, the Alpaca Farm is definitely worth a visit. Spend the afternoon interacting with, feeding, and petting these silly but sweet creatures. It's enough to take all your stress away.
Where to Eat in Mitzpe Ramon
Hadasaar specializes in organic dishes, including gazpacho, baked bread layered with local cheese, and tahini cookies. Entrees average ₪69. Hahavit features sandwiches, barbecue, pizza, and pasta dishes. Entrees start at ₪48.
When to visit Mitzpe Ramon
Mitzpe Ramon is 2,950 feet above sea level and very cold in the winter. The best time to visit is from May to September.
How to Get to Mitzpe Ramon
Plane
The closest international airport to Mitzpe Ramon is Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Buses and trains leave from Tel Aviv and take approximately 3.5 hours with an hour transfer. Fares average ₪54 to ₪112.
Train
Trains take 2.5 hours to Mitzpe Ramon from Tel Aviv's HaHagana Station. Train fares are ₪43.
Car
Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon is 2.25 hours via Yitzhak Rabin Highway/Route 6 and Route 40. Car rentals are approximately ₪61 per day.
Bus
Buses from Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon average ₪112 and take nearly 3.5 hours with an hour transfer.
Airlines serving Mitzpe Ramon
Where to stay in Mitzpe Ramon
Mount Karkom - Har Karkom, a mountain in the Negev desert, contains more than 300 archaeological sites, including 120 altars, temples, and tombs, dating back 5,000 years.
Popular Neighborhoods in Mitzpe Ramon
Negev Vineyards - the Negev Desert Wine Route specializes in red wines made from zinfandel and carignan grapes, and offers tastings at various wineries along Route 40, between Beer Sheva and Mitzpe Ramon.
Avdat - Avdat, an archaeological site in the Negev desert, is a national park with breathtaking Nabataean ruins and is renowned as the filming location of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Where to stay in popular areas of Mitzpe Ramon
Most booked hotels in Mitzpe Ramon
How to Get Around Mitzpe Ramon
Public Transportation
Metropoline Public Transportation offers daily routes throughout Mitzpe Ramon. Fares are ₪37.50 for a day pass.
Taxi
Taxis in Mitzpe Ramon are somewhat limited. Fares start at ₪25 with ₪6.28 per additional mile.
Car
Car rentals start at ₪29 per day in Mitzpe Ramon.
The Cost of Living in Mitzpe Ramon
Shopping Streets
The Spice Route Quarter on the northern edge of town features small boutiques, and Faran on Har Ardon retails natural cosmetics.
Groceries and Other
Lasha Bakery specializes in baked goods. Shufersal Sheli sells organic products and take out meals. Mitzpe Ramon is a relatively expensive city with a gallon of milk averaging ₪20.76 and a loaf of bread ₪5.44.