Dead Sea
Dead Sea has a historical and spiritual legacy of its own. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities:
Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Zoar (Bela). Today its eastern shore is sparsely populated and serenely quiet.
With much of the landscape virtually unchanged since ancient times, this is a favorite spot for a holiday drive. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or dining. Relax in the gently lapping waters and be amazed that you can’t sink! Treat yourself to a soothing massage, or try the well-known healing powers of minerals from the sea’s muddy floor.
The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the warm, soothing, super salty water itself – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. All of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea’s rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water’s healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.
The Dead Sea is the safest place in the world to sunbathe. The vapor that rises from the continuously evaporating surface of the sea, acts as a natural filter for potentially harmful UV-B rays.
If you'd like a more leisurely stay, spend the night at a comfortable hotel that looks across the sea to the western banks. This west-facing view affords visitors to the Dead Sea the unique treat of its spectacular sunsets.
What To See:
Lot’s Sanctuary, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Jordan is located near modern Safi. For decades, guided by the Madaba mosaic map of Palestine which pointed to the existence of such a site, archaeologists have searched for ancient Zoar. Here, Lot and his daughters are believed to have sought refuge in a cave after God destroyed the city of Sodom, according to the book of Genesis.
The cave is on a hill near a tiny spring, overlooking the Dead Sea. A dried pillar of salt nearby is said to be the remains of Lot’s wife, who disobeyed God’s warning not to look back as she fled Sodom.
The Mujib Nature Reserve is located within the spectacular Wadi Mujib gorge, the Biblical Amon Valley, which enters the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level.
The Amman Touristic Beach just south of the hotel and spa resorts is a great place for low budget travelers, it is also an ideal location for beach parties and events.
Shopping:
No trip to the Dead Sea is complete without a visit to one of the many outlets located in the resorts selling world famous Dead Sea products. These are reasonably priced, excellent quality, and make great gifts to take home.
Directions:
Take the Airport Highway till you see the Dead Sea sign. Turn right and follow the signs. Lot’s Cave is around 1.5 hours south of hotels and spa resorts area.
