Arad Travel

Arad is used as a convenient base to visit nearby archaeological and historical sites in the vicinity including the Dead Sea Area, Masada, the Judean Desert and the Negev Mountains.

Arad was established in 1962 by a group of young Israelis, mainly ex-kibbutzniks and ex-moshavniks who were looking for an environment free of urban overcrowding and pollution. The founding ceremony was attended by then Prime Minster David Ben Gurion.

The towns growth has closely followed a well designed city plan and reflects the broad spectrum of Israeli society.

Arad is known for its clean, dry air and serves as a major attraction for people suffering from asthma, allergies and respiratory problems.   The town authorities are determined to protect the environment and a team of experts have the power of veto over every kind of vegetation planted in Arad.

The WUJC ARAD INSTITUTE which runs a study program for Jewish College Graduates from all around the world is based in Arad.

Arad is known for its annual Music Festival held during the summer.  The festival is a great opportunity for new artists to become known, but also attracts Israel's best musicians and bands.

The Eshet Lot Artists' Quarter is a section of the town's industrial center.  According to its creators, it combines creativity and artistry in the heart of the industrial zone.   The artists are all inhabitants of Arad.

On the outskirts of Arad there is a large white monument call Mitzpe Mo'av which offers a view of the Judean Desert.  Nearby there is a hikers trail, called Sculptural Walk.  There are many hiking tours into the desert available from Arad and for those looking for a desert experience – take a full day hike from Arad to Masada and the Dead Sea.

The Israel Nature and National Parks Visitors Center is located in downtown Arad.  The center introduces visitors to the geology and history of the Judean Desert.  The audiovisual program uses water and a 3-D model of the Judean Desert to demonstrate why it is so prone to flooding.  The center offers information on hiking trails, events and areas of interest in the Judean Desert.

What to see around Arad

There are two roads from Arad to Masada. The one leading northeast along Rehov Moab winds down hilly terrain for 22 km. However, the ascent to Masada is on foot, up the Roman ramp, and since there is no through road to the Dead Sea, visitors must return all the way back to Arad.  If you want to take the cable car up to Masada or continue to Ein Gedi and points north, take the other road going eastwards down to the Dead Sea.

The first route is normally used by visitors wanting to climb Masada the easy way. It takes about 15 minutes over the western Roman ramp to the summit, as opposed to the 60-minute walk up the eastern face on the Snake Path.

Kfar Hanokdim is situated between Arad and Masada.  Its a green oasis with shaded areas created by palm leaves and biblically inspired gardens. Camel and donkey hikes can be arranged and the guides help you get the feel of the desert pace.   The village has a very authentic feel with traditional warm Bedouin hospitality.

Tel Arad can be found on the outskirts of Arad and has both a lower and upper city.  The lower city was inhabited only during the early Canaanite period.  At the time, the 250 acre Canaanite settlement with its 1200 meter long wall was one of the largest cities in Israel.  The squares, public buildings and residences, temples and open areas were all planned down to the last detail.  The streets were designed so that the rainwater would run into a reservoir, dug in the lowest section of the city.  The upper city is called "The Hill of Fortresses" and was initially settled during the Israelite period, which began in 1200 BCE.  Over the years, a number of fortresses were built here, each on the ruins of the previous one.  In the fortress courtyard, archaeologists found an Israelite temple with a sanctuary and a small room which serv