Masada, meaning a strong foundation, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Judean desert. It over looks the Dead Sea offering breathtaking views and unique perspective into the past.
You can hire a car and get there DIY but for so many places in Israel I would really recommend a tour. There is so much history to learn about and side stories you miss out on not being with a professional. Many team Masada up with the Dead Sea as quite close to each other. Ask your hotel or book online – we booked a private tour which catered for many ages and numbers which I would highly recommend. If you don’t be sure to book at least your entrance ticket.
There’s a whole centre at Masada with toilets, snacks, shop etc so you aren’t just driving to a massive deserted (no pun intended) site. If you are coming in the summer then book early morning – it is in the desert and it gets super hot to walk around in.
When you arrive at the centre you have two choices. A jam packed large cable car (note this is simply to get from A to B rather than its own experience). Or you walk! The walk is about 60-90 minute a bit of a right of passage for many. I opted for the cable car!
And as you ascend you get a glimpse of the the vastness of this site. But wait till you are at the very top, away from the cable car, for those photos. The view just gets better!
Masada was built in the first century BC by King Herod as a palace fortress. He even built a side for sunrise and one for sunset! That’s how you build a palace, best of both worlds!
Later, it became a haven for over 900 Jewish people fleeing the Roman siege of Jerusalem. Though it also is a dark and sad story as they then decided to take their own lives rather than fall into the hands of Roman soldiers.
We were taken round the old bathhouses, the storehouses, and the cisterns which we learnt all about the water supply. Which considering there’s on 3-7 days of rain a year was incredible.
A sunrise and sunset palace barley any rain and whilst no rooftop they did have a terrace so kind of the same thing!
If you are coming to Israel then this is a must – take water and sunscreen and of course a camera and allow 1-2 hours (more if you want to walk up!). This is one of the places that will stay with you forever.