Hiking Ein Avdat is one of my favorite outdoor activities in Israel! Either in the summer or in the winter, exploring this spectacular piece of wilderness will leave a strong impression. So Ein Avdat is a canyon in the Negev Desert; just next to Kibbutz Sde Boker. Did you know that Ein was inhabited by Nabateans and even by Catholic monks.

Furthermore, numerous springs at the southern opening of the canyon empty into deep pools in a series of waterfalls. The water emerges from the rock layers with salt-tolerant plants like Poplar trees and Saltbush growing nearby.

Now you know why hiking in Ein Avdat is my favorite place in Israel for hikes in the wilderness?! Because when you enter Ein Avdat National Park, you immediately feel the magic. Don’t get me wrong, it is not a huge National Park, and the hike is relatively short. But still, I find it so enjoyable. I recommend starting early for two main reasons. First to beat crowds!

Hiking Ein Avdat: Why It’s Worth Coming Early 

This is especially true if it’s high season, and trusts me, the trail is narrow, and it is not fun to get stuck behind someone slow. Second, the heat. Although it is excellent to hike there in the winter, it is still getting hot even in the winter. And well, in the summer, I guess there is no need to explain what it means if you’ll get there in high noon when the sun is over your head.

If you’re already in the area, consider grabbing something in Hotel Beresheet restaurant! It’s about 30 minutes drive from there, and I think it’s worth it, and I certainly earned it. They have two options there. the kosher dairy restaurant with a fantastic view over the Ramon Crater National Park. And another one serves meat, so no dairy, just next to the hotel pool. Both are for sure worth checking out!