Sights David fled to this oasis to escape the wrath of King Saul (I Samuel 23:29). Ein Gedi is also mentioned in the Song of Songs. During the second Jewish revolt, Simon Bar-Kokhba sought refuge here-his hiding place, the Letter Cave, can be visited about 6km southwest of the main settlement.

But the Ein Gedi nature reserve (tel. 58 42 85 or 58 45 17) is the main reason to visit this area. The climbs are not especially difficult, and there are well placed bars to hold onto in the occasional steep area. Lighten your load with the lockers at the gift shop (NIS2). Dead Sea temperatures, however, can make even inhaling strenuous, so only hike very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Always bring at least two bottles of water (you can fill up at the faucets just outside the gate).