Top 10 Things to do in Ramat Negev, Southern District

Shivta National Park showcases the impressive remains of a Byzantine city that existed in the heart of a desert area with no natural water sources whatsoever. The splendid churches, streets, and homes are astonishing even today.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

A cultivated desert garden where the graves of the former Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and his wife Paula sit at the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the magnificent landscape of the Zin Canyon and the Avdat highlands. The paths leading to the graves pass through a cultivated garden with indigenous plant life that thrives in the arid climate and saline conditions of the desert. Ben Gurion’s hut on Kibbutz Sde Boker has been preserved as it was on the day that he died, and it is open to visitors who wish to learn more about him. The national park has a picnic area, gift shop, hiking and camping equipment, an information center and cafeteria. The park is accessible to people with disabilities and is open throughout the day.

Hannah and Eyal Izrael are the founders of Carmey Avdat - one of the farms established on the Wine Route in the Negev near Sde Boker in the heart of the Negev Highlands. The farm is located on the remains of a 1500-year old agricultural settlement on the path of the ancient Spice Route.An Alternative Idea in Israel LodgingOur concept of Israel lodging and the design and style of our guest cabins were inspired by our travels in the deserts of the Negev, the Sinai, Maroco, Jorden and Australia. Guests at Carmey Avdat enjoy a unique, relaxing experience while lodging in Israel. Our six luxurious secluded cabins are situated against a backdrop of a breathtaking desert landscape. Our Lodging Inspired by NatureLodging in Israel at Carmey Avdat offers guests an opportunity to experience the beauty, tranquility and serenity of the Negev desert. Our cabins are built and designed with the theme of the desert and its panorama in mind. Each of our cabins is uniquely designed with simplicity and elegance, and special features such as cobblestone floors, hewn stone bathtubs, and natural wood reflect the simplicity and tranquility of the desert surroundings.A Serene Pastoral AtmosphereThe guest cabins at Carmey Avdat have no television sets or DVD players commonly found in Israeli lodging accommodations. Instead, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the serene desert surroundings, bathe in the natural rock pools adjacent to each cabin, and wander through the orchards to pick and sample the fruits that are in season.Our farm with Ecology in MindCarmey Avdat Farm has a biological water purification system for recycling gray water from the cabins. The water is used for irrigating the orchards and vineyards. Each cabin is equipped with containers for waste disposal and recycling.Lodging in Israel in one of the Top Ten AccommodationsThe guest lodging accommodations at Carmey Avdat have been rated among the top ten accommodations for Israel lodging. Tours of the farm, the winery, the metal shop, and the surrounding area are available.Guests have a choice of six different cabins designed for families or couples. All cabins have a stereo system, bathroom facilities, and a fully-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, gas range, toaster oven, utensils, and an espresso machine. A bottle of wine, milk, and fruit are provided on the house. The price includes a full breakfast delivered to the cabin.

The first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, is regarded as one of the most important individuals in modern Israeli history. Upon his retirement from politics he moved to a small Kibbutz in the middle of the Negev. This "desert home" is where Ben-Gurion spent the last years of his life, and per his will, was kept in its original condition and made into a museum for the public.

Ramat Negev winery was established by Nira and Alon Zadock since 2000 on the family´s agricultural plot on moshav Kadesh Barnea (Nitsanai sinai ) in Ramat Hanegev. The winery is distinctive in that it is the only boutique winery whose vines are grown in a dry desert region. Ramat Negev winery is a “green” winery and thus, committed to preserve the desert eco-system of the soil-water-air.