Israel is a country known for many things but one of the highlights that the country offers is its natural hot springs. If you don’t know what they are, here’s what happens: the hot spring is a spring produced by the emergence of geothermal-heated groundwater rising from the Earth’s crust. There are geothermal hot springs in many locations all over the world. While some of these springs contain water that is a safe temperature for bathing, others are so hot that immersion can result in injury or death. None of the springs on our list are dangerous, but if you have a medical condition, make sure you check that you are allowed to visit before you make the trip. Here’s a list of some of the best locations around Israel for these naturally warm and healing springs.
Hamat Gader
Hader Gader is not only a hot spring, it has historical significance as well. During Roman times, it was recorded as being a well known recreational site for soldiers who were on vacation. As it is today, Hamat Gader is still one of the most popular hot springs in Israel. You will find not only hot springs – you can frolic in the many other (man-made) pools and two restaurants on the premises as well.
Hamat Gader Resort | © Avishai Teicher/WikiCommons
Hamei Yoav
Hamei Yoav is a spa and hot springs located not far from the city of Ashkelon in the south of Israel. How the locals found the hot springs was really cool. Originally, they were digging for crude oil, but what popped out of the ground instead was hot water! You will find many different hot springs that have helped people heal from aches and pains and if you’d like, you can go and enjoy the spa as well.
The Hamei Yoav Hot springs | © Haimtovim.co.il
Hamei Ga’ash
Located in the center of Israel, not far from Herzliya, are the Ga’ash hot springs and spa. Located right outside the Ga’ash Kibbutz, the local community has turned this natural blessing into a haven of luxury. You will find pools of all sorts, mineral pools, saltwater pools and a specialty pool with water jets that will massage your muscles and relax your body in awesome fashion.
Ga’ash Hot Springs | © Dani Fields
Hamei Tiveria
When traveling to the city of Tiberias from the south and before you reach all the hotels on the beaches of the beautiful Kinneret sea, you will run into the Tiberias hot springs, or in Hebrew: Hamei Tiveria. Not only do they offer hot springs, but you can book events there, eat at the restaurant, luxuriate in the mineral pools and of course; spa treatments. The advantage of these springs is the location. Being so close to the historic city of Tiberias, you can not only enjoy the hot springs but take a tour and adventure the city. Or cross the street and take a dip in the nice cool waters of the Kinneret!
The Tiberias Hot Springs Mineral Pool | © Reuttt/WikiCommons
The Dead Sea Hot Springs
For the last resort, how could we not mention the amazing hot springs at the Dead Sea? Located not far from the infamous Ein Gedi Waterfalls, the springs of Ein Gedi are the perfect desert getaway. You can receive spa treatments at the facility but the peace and quiet are really what takes this location over the edge (and don’t forget the mud too!) Being located on the shores of the Dead Sea isn’t bad either.
