Health Resorts      back

 

 

In addition to Israel's long beaches on four seas ‑ the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea ‑ there are well‑known health resorts in the north and in the center of the country.

 

 

TIBERIAS HOT SPRINGS

(Map: Northern Sheet, N‑6)

 

Both in recent and in ancient times the waters of the Tiberias hot springs have been put to good use. There is evidence that in all periods of antiquity these springs were a source of health to the ailing who visited them.

 

In 1929, Tiberias Hot Springs Co. acquired the rights to run the baths, and exploitation of this natural boon has since restored to Tiberias its importance as a holiday and health resort. Seven physiotherapists who immigrated from Russia are on the staff.

 

 

GENERAL INDICATIONS

 

Rheumatic ailments, diseases of the joints and of the spine, muscles, etc.

 

 

THERAPEUTIC FACTORS

 

Two hundred meters below sea level, the temperature at Tiberias seldom falls below 14°C (57°F), and the average winter temperature is a pleasant 18°C (62°F). The Juvenile springs have a heat of 60°C (140°C), and contain twelve different salts. Piloma (therapeutic mud) is used for mudpack treatment.

 

 

FACILITIES FOR TREATMENT

 

Aerated‑mineral pools, mineral baths and pools, Piloma mudpacks, sauna, gymnastics, physiotherapy, underwater hydrotherapy and massage, inhalation.

 

The premises include a modern clinic with a staff of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. In the reception ha11, which is air‑conditioned, there is a cafe. Visitors relax in the large park and on the beaches.

 

The baths are open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tiberias Hot Springs.

 

 

SPA CENTRE

 

The spa and recreation center opened on the lake in 1978 is comparable with the famous European spas in terms of equipment, design, facilities and comfort.

 

There is an indoor mineral pool at 32°C, an outdoor mineral pool at 34°C; a wing for hydrothermal treatments, physiotherapy and electrotherapy; and a gymnasium.

 

A heated (seasonal) pool was recently added to the center.

 

The new building, which is across the road from the older buildings, is air‑conditioned throughout.

 

Enquiries: Tiberias Hot Springs Co., Tiberias.

 

Hamei Yoav, Kibbutz Sde‑Yoav

Thermal waters pumped from two wells, containing about 39 mg. sulfur per liter and rich in other minerals. See Route No. 10.

 

 

ZEFAT AND THE GALILEE

(Map: Northern Sheet)

 

The cool mountain climate and the pleasant surroundings of the Galilee have always attracted vacationers in the hot summer months. Zefat, Metula and a number of kibbutzim in the region have a regular clientele and facilities to serve them. (Route No. 20)

 

Mitzpe Hayamim Natural Clinic: On Rosh Pinna Zefat Road. Provides nature cure treatments and vegetarian cuisine all year round.

 

 

HAMAT GADER (EL HAMA) HOT SPRINGS

 

Hamat Gader is located in the Yarmuk Valley on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, about 20 kilometers from Tiberias. It is an area rich in vegetation and springs (one of sweet water and four of mineral water).

 

Visitors can bathe in a natural open‑air mineral pool. This is oval‑shaped, about 60 meters x 30 meters in size; the maximum depth is 1.5 meters, but most of it is considerably shallower and therefore ideal for sitting or lying in. There is also a covered pool for bathing during winter.

 

The year‑round water temperature is 42 C. Air temperatures range from 20°C‑25°C in winter to 30°C40°C in summer. Among the many minerals which the water contains are sulphur, chloride, calcium and magnesium. A short dip is therapeutically beneficial and very relaxing.

 

Facilities at the site include: changing rooms, showers and toilets; children's playing and swimming area; landscaped pool and grounds; picnic tables and barbecues in shaded areas (visitors may bring their own tents and other equipment); benches; fresh‑water taps; a lookout onto the Yarmuk River and over into Jordan; an archaeological site with reconstructed Roman baths, which are regarded as the most impressive in the world; an amphitheatre and a 5th‑century synagogue. There is also a crocodile farm (the only one in the Middle East); a buffet for refreshments next to the pool; a first‑aid station; parking facilities and a self‑service restaurant.

 

Access to Hamat Gader is via the Tiberias‑Zemach road, 11 kilometers from the Zemach Junction. The road is clearly signposted, but is very narrow and requires all your attention. There is bus transportation on weekdays from Tiberias to Hamat Gader.

 

 

ARAD AND THE DEAD SEA REGION

(Map: Southern Sheet, J,K,L‑23,24,25)

 

The Dead Sea has been known for generations for the richness of its mineral deposits; but its therapeutic properties have been exploited only in the last few years. The stretch of coast between Neve Zohar and En Boqeq constitutes a spa of international standard. Visitors can avail themselves of the healing properties of the Dead Sea and of the hot springs. For further information contact the Dead Sea Regional Tourist Organization, Dead Sea Post, 86910 (Route No. 22)

 

 

THERAPEUTIC FACTORS

 

The climate of the Dead Sea region is warmer and drier than that of the rest of Israel (with the exception of the Arava and Elat). It is characterized by low rainfall, comfortable temperatures, high atmospheric pressure, low humidity and weak ultraviolet rays.

 

The air of the Dead Sea region, 400 meters below sea level, is the richest in the world in oxygen ‑ with 10 per cent more than at sea level. And the absence of polluting factors (industry, heavy traffic, etc.) and of intensive vegetation makes for some of the cleanest air in the world.

 

The town of Arad, at 620 m. above sea level, overlooks the Dead Sea 1,000 m. below it. Its climate is dry and relatively mild, with temperatures rarely going above 34°C (92°F) in summer. There are two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, which treat disorders of the skin and give it a pleasant tan; and UVB, which produce sunburn and other side‑effects. Because the Dead Sea is 400 meters below sea level, few of the UVB can penetrate while the long wave ultraviolet rays, UVA, have no trouble reaching ground level. This means that people can expose themselves to the sun almost without restriction.

 

Dead Sea Water:

Hyper tonic, containing a concentration of salts that is ten times higher than in ocean or sea water. There is a fundamental difference in the quality of the main ions. It is the saltiest and most mineral‑laden body of water in the world.

 

Zohar Hot Springs and Mazor (Ein Gedi) Hot Springs:

hyperthermal and hyper tonic, classified as radioactive thermal sulphur springs. The water can be heated for special baths, up to 38°C. The high magnesium content is a special property of this water.(Route No. 22)

 

 

GENERAL INDICATIONS

 

ZOHAR and MAZOR HOT SPRINGS (Ein Gedi Hot Springs):

Recovery after surgery, neurological metabolic disorders, traumatic ailments, allergies, bronchial asthma.

Medicinal Mud: rheumatic illnesses, post myelitic and post‑paralytic illnesses.

 

EN BOQEQ:

Skin diseases, especially psoriasis; atopic dermatitis.

 

ARAD:

Its desert location, altitude, dry air and lack of vegetation form a unique combination which is of benefit to sufferers from asthma, allergies and breathing complaints.

 

 

FACILITIES FOR TREATMENT

 

In Hamei Zohar there are private and public baths and pools, massage facilities, a dispensary, change rooms and showers, restrooms, and a buffet.

 

In En Boqeq guests are offered a solarium, change rooms and showers, a buffet, physiotherapy facilities and cosmetic advice. There is also a dermatological clinic.

 

At Mazor Hot Springs, near Kibbutz Ein Gedi, there are three covered pools, therapeutic mud treatment and rest rooms.

 

 

ACCOMMODATION

 

There are several luxury hotels in Arad, Hamei Zohar and En Boqeq, in addition to comfortable guest‑houses along the Dead Sea coast, youth hostels and a camping site. There is a regular bus service from Arad, Tel Aviv, Beer Sheva and Jerusalem to the baths. (See the end of Route No. 22.)