Thanks to the unique natural phenomena of the Great Rift Valley, which stretches from Lebanon to Mozambique and borders almost the entire land of Israel to the east, Israel has several amazing hot springs, which are great to visit, especially in the wintertime. As all Israel hot springs are spread right next to the Jordan Rift Valley, from the Golan Heights to the Arava region, you can find a multitude of hot springs, from luxurious Roman baths to wild and quiet springs. Here are some of the best of them.
Best natural Israel hot springs
Ein Jones
The history of the large concrete pool known as Ein Jones began with the Great Rift Valley, which created cracks and passages in the earth’s crust that allowed the emergence of hot water enriched with good minerals such as sulfur and magnesium, from a depth of about two thousand meters.
The pool is located near the Jordanian-Israeli border, on the route of the Yarmouk River, and borders the site of the Hamat Gedar baths. In the past, it was part of a luxurious Turkish hammam complex, which was also used by Syrian officers in the Golan Heights.
Orvim reservoir
Imagine yourself sitting in a hot water jacuzzi in the middle of nature, surrounded by large rocks, in front of the stunning views of the Golan Heights. You can enjoy all of these and more at Orvim Reservoir, located not far from West Junction in the Golan Heights.
Drilling by the water authorities near Kibbutz Shamir revealed an underground hydrothermal vent at a temperature between 35 and 42 degrees Celsius/95-107 Fahrenheit. However, it is important to know that the hot water pours from a large pipe directly into a large pool, but the pipe does not constantly flow hot water.
Ein Kedem
Not many people know that, but on the coastline of the Dead Sea, near the mouth of Nahal Kedem, there are several hot springs rich in minerals, known as the Ein Kedem springs.
Each pool in Ein Kedem has a different water temperature, ranging from lukewarm to very hot in the region of 42-45 degrees Celsius/107-113 Fahrenheit, so be careful before immersing your whole body in the water. And if you were wondering – this is salt water, so it is recommended to come here with a bottle of fresh water to wash your body after bathing in Ein Kedem.
Ein Plotit
In the southern part of the Dead Sea, you will find a small and cute spring, that flows straight into a small turquoise pool and is relatively hidden, courtesy of several palm trees that shade it. The water here is not very hot, but it is just a tad warmer than lukewarm, which still makes it a very nice pool to bathe in. Ein Plotit is also called the “Fountain of Love”, thanks to the romantic scene it offers for couples.
Best hot spring pools in Israel
Hamat Gader
The old and regulated bathing site, which is probably the most luxurious hot spring on the list, is perfect for a classic hot spring dip, both during the day and in the evening. The hot springs that have flowed here for ages were also frequented by the Romans, so you can close your eyes here and picture the Roman soldiers who enjoyed the same waters 2,000 years ago.
It is a special pleasure to dip In Hamat Gader hot springs in wintertime, enjoying the temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius/104 Fahrenheit, when it is raining outside. As befits a bathing site, you will find here changing rooms, sitting areas, lawns, children’s playgrounds, restaurants, spa treatments, diverse accommodation options, and even a small zoo, famous for its crocodiles.
Hamat Tiberias National Park
Hamat Tiberias National Park, located right near the Sea of Galilee, is best known for its magnificent remains of an ancient synagogue, where you will find magnificent mosaics at a high level of preservation. But while most visitors come here to see the synagogue, the park also features 17 Thermo mineral springs on site, which flow to numerous small wading pools, that make for an epic dip on a cold winter day.
Ein Gedi Baths
If you just want to disconnect from the world, travel south to the lowest place in the world, where in the quiet of the desert you can just forget about time with a dip in natural sulfur pools and Dead Sea water of Ein Gedi Baths, located near Kbbutz Ein Gedi. The thermo-mineral springs come from the depths of the Judean desert and flow into six pools at a temperature of 38-40 degrees Celsius/100-104 Fahrenheit.
More on the site – an organized beach, a swimming pool, black mud treatments, a restaurant, a barbeque area, and an organized caravan park. Entrance is paid.
Incense & Spice Route Inn Hot Springs
To the west of Moshav Tzofar in the Arava Region, on the ancient Perfume Road overlooking the Gilead Mountains and the primordial desert landscapes, you will find the charming Incense & Spice Route Inn. Besides lodging, food, and a living area, there are two charming thermal water pools here that reach a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius/82 Fahrenheit.
The thermal water springs are natural and spring up due to underground movement, which resulted in the eruption of the water trapped in the ground 50,000 years ago. The small pool is shaded and is mainly suitable for couples or a small group, while the large pool is more exposed to the sun, and is great for star gazing at night.
