Mitzpe Ramon
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Israel
Did you know?
- Inside the crater, natural water is scarce; carry at least five liters for a full desert day.
- CafeNeto serves coffee, breakfasts, salads, and main courses around ₪56.
- The crater is described as 500 meters deep, 40 kilometers long, and 10 kilometers wide.
See also
Petra
Jordan30.33°N 35.43°E · 800 m
Dana Nature Reserve
Jordan30.68°N 35.62°E
Kerak
Jordan31.18°N 35.70°E · 930 m
Overview
A desert town above Ramon Crater pairs solitude with striking geological views and lodgings from hotels to desert tents. The compact center is easy to cover on foot or by bike, while crater outings need ample water and planning.
Languages: Arabic, Hebrew
Why Go
Mitzpe Ramon draws travelers seeking solitude amid otherworldly desert landscapes. The town perched above Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon) offers 500m-deep views of geological formations unlike anywhere else on Earth. It's a haven for hikers, stargazers, and those wanting to escape Israel's busy cities without sacrificing comfort options ranging from luxury hotels to desert camps.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Mitzpe Ramon has become a lodestone for travelers seeking desert peace away from city bustle. The town offers magnificent views of Ramon Crater alongside various lodgings from luxury hotels to desert tents. Eco-tourism options, new-age activities, and numerous trails for hikers, bike riders, and Jeep drivers make it accessible to different travel styles.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
The Negev Highland where Mitzpe Ramon sits has occasional cool breezes making weather more bearable than central Israel. Summer temperatures reach 30°C but low humidity helps. Winter brings sparse rains that can cause flash floods in streams. Almost every year sees a dusting of snow, a rare attraction for Israel. Inside the crater, weather is typically hotter with no natural water sources except the Saharonim spring.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get In
Mitzpe Ramon lies 190 km south of Tel Aviv, 150 km north of Eilat, and 80 km south of Beer Sheva along Highway 40. The town is accessed primarily by car or long-distance bus, with the journey descending dramatically into the crater. No direct airport exists; nearest airports are in Tel Aviv or Eilat.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get Around
The town is best covered by foot, car, or bike. Crossing the entire town by foot takes no more than 30 minutes. Long-distance buses make a small circuit round the town. Taxis are virtually non-existent. Within the crater, options are on foot, 4×4 vehicle, or by llama from the Alpaca Farm.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See and Do
Ramon Crater is 500m deep, 40 km long, and 10 km at its widest—a geological marvel. The Ilan Ramon Visitor Center (₪29 adults) explains the crater's formation with 3D exhibitions. Bio Ramon showcases desert wildlife. The Albert Promenade offers a "bird balcony" viewpoint. Treks, bicycle trips, and jeep tours reveal strange rock formations and nearly tame ibexes. The area is a candidate for UNESCO Starlight Reserve designation, making it exceptional for meteor shower viewing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Budget options include The Green BackPackers (₪88-100 dorms), Me'ever Hostel (dorms from ₪72), HI Mitzpe Ramon Hostel (dorms from ₪145), and Silent Arrow (dorm tents from ₪90). Desert camps include Khan Be'erot campsite (₪16 permit + tent fees) and Mati and Roni's DeserTent Guest House (₪70). Mid-range options like Hotel Club Ramon (₪380-520 double) and Isrotel Ramon Inn (from ₪1,000/person) offer more comfort.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and Drink
CafeNeto serves the best coffee in town plus breakfasts and salads (main courses around ₪56). HaKhavit offers salads, sandwiches, and pizza (₪35-60). Pangea provides kebabs and grilled meats (₪30-50 meals). The Spice Routes Quarter contains most restaurants. The weekly open-air market on Ben Gurion St offers local products on Friday mornings. Nightlife centers on the Mitzpe Ramon Jazz Club (Tu-Sa 21:00-02:00).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay Safe
No natural water sources exist inside the crater except Be'erot campsite—carry 5+ liters for full desert days. All areas north of the crater are military firing zones requiring coordination or weekend access. South access requires Jewish holidays (Succoth, Passover). Use SPF 30+ sunscreen; fair-skinned visitors can sunburn in minutes. Ibexes appear tame but feeding them is prohibited as they are endangered.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Phone area code is 08 for the entire Negev region. Cellular reception is available throughout town and most places visible from Mitzpe Ramon. Some restaurants and hotels offer free or paid Wi-Fi. Surrounding farms may lack landlines but have cellular reception. Inside the crater and wilderness areas, reception is unreliable or non-existent.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day Trips
Sde Boker (Ben Gurion's tomb and residence) plus nearby World Heritage Site Avdat and Ein Avdat canyon are 45 minutes north. Dead Sea beaches and Ein Gedi nature reserve lie about 90 minutes east. Arad offers access to Masada and the Judean Desert. Eilat and its Red Sea diving are 2 hours south. The Israel National Trail passes through, making multi-day hikes possible.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Northbound via Highway 40 leads to Beer Sheva via Sde Boker and Avdat. Southbound reaches Eilat (Red Sea resorts, Egyptian and Jordanian border crossings). Eastward lies the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Masada, and the Judean Desert. The area connects to the Israel National Trail for hikers continuing through the Negev.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Beresheet
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Breeze Hospitality – Desert Loft
A large space fit for families and large groups.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Derech Eretz Farm and Camping
Set up with 3 large tents for groups. Other fitted tents for couples and families as well as for individuals. Can accommodate over 100 guests. All tents are set up with mats and mattresses. Offers hot water for showers, bathrooms, fully equipped outdoor kitchen and shaded dining area.
Recorded price: ₪80 per night/per guest
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
CafeNeto
A small café not far from the town center, offers a variety of breakfasts, salads and sandwiches, and also the best coffee in town.
Recorded price: ₪13 mid-size latte coffee, c. ₪56 main course
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
HaKatze Restaurant
Various homemade foods.
Recorded price: ₪50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
HaKhavit – Pub & Restaurant
The local pub which also offers a wide variety of foods.
Recorded price: c. ₪50 salads & sandwiches, ₪35 pizza, from ₪60 meats
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Pangea
Offering delicious fare, such as kebabs, grilled chicken, and the ubiquitous entrecote steak. The level of English spoken by the waitstaff is limited, however. As of Dec 2005, their menu was only printed in Hebrew. The place also operates a small clothing store, focusing mainly on the hippie style.
Recorded price: ₪30-50 a meal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Alpaca Farm
The largest of its kind outside of South America, the farm houses llamas and alpacas the visitors can pet and even ride. The farm also offers bed & breakfast rooms, contains a souvenir shop selling alpaca-related products, and conducts paid tours riding alpaca.
Recorded price: Entry and guided tour of the farm: ₪25 for ages 3 and above, ₪20 for students, senior citizen and disabled people (certificate required)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Area code 08. Cellular coverage good in town but unreliable inside crater. Wi-Fi available at many accommodations and restaurants.
Food
Spice Routes Quarter has the best restaurant concentration. Weekly Friday morning open-air market on Ben Gurion St offers local products.
Money
Israeli Shekel (₪) is the local currency. ATMs available in town. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
Packing
Bring hiking boots, sun protection, ample water containers, and layers for desert temperature swings. Warm clothing needed for night stargazing.
Safety
Carry minimum 5 liters water per person for crater hikes. North crater areas are military firing zones. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen frequently. Do not feed ibexes.
Transport
Highway 40 is the main access road. Town fits within 30 minutes walking. Long-distance buses connect to Beer Sheva and Eilat. Car or bike recommended for crater exploration.
Weather
Hot, dry summers (up to 30°C) with low humidity. Winters are mild with occasional rain and rare snow. Ramon Crater is hotter than town with no water sources inside.