Arad (Israel)

Tel Arad, the site of the ancient city of Arad, is located some 10 km west of the modern city centre. Arad is a great centre for hiking and exploring the northeastern part of the Negev desert.

Modern Arad was founded in 1962 by young Israelis, most of them ex-kibbutzniks and ex-moshavniks, who were seeking an environment free of the urban ills of overcrowding, traffic, noise and pollution. Although not noted for its great beauty, the town's growth has closely followed a well-designed master plan. Arad's present population is approximately 28,000 (2003 estimate) and reflects the broad spectrum of Israeli society with a special emphasis on recent immigrants.

Take a bus from Beer Sheva. There are also less frequent buses from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities. Check the schedule for those ahead of time.

There are 5 local bus lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12) that serve all parts of the city. These lines are operated by Metropoline.

Having said that, Arad can easily be explored on foot.

• 🌍 Tel Arad National Park (At the Tel Arad junction on Route 31 (Arad-Shoket junction) turn north on Route 2808 - the park is 2 miles north of the junction.), ☏ +972 7 776-2170, +972 8-9957 690, fax: +972 7 995-5866. Open April-September 8am-5pm, October-March 8am-4pm. The site of the ancient city, well worth a visit from an archaeological point of view. The site consists of two parts, the lower city (from the Bronze Age) and the upper city (an Israelite settlement). ₪14/12/7 adult/student/child&senior. 

• 🌍 Lower City. This city from the Bronze Age was surrounded by a 1200m-long wall with half-round towers. Apparently, it was well planned including streets and houses. 
• 🌍 Upper City. The Israeli upper city bears evidence of a re-settlement 1500 years later during the time of King David and Solomon, around 1150 B.C. Near the citadel an altar was situated and a smaller model version of Jerusalem. Remarkably, on one of the found shards engravings with reference to the house of JHWH (בית יהוה) were visible. The city was conquered during the Babylonian siege of Judea (597-577 B.C.). Later, under Achaemenid Persian rule, this was a place of worship and sacrifice. In the Hellenic and Roman period it was used as citadel, after which it was mostly uninhabited. From the 7th to 9th century, it was used by the Arabs for residence. 

• 🌍 "Eshet Lot" – The artists' quarter. An exclusive quarter with its own brand of desert atmosphere, combining creativity and artistry is in the heart of the industrial zone, on the road leading down to the Dead Sea. The artists, who are all inhabitants of Arad, united together to create a productive community with an enhanced sensitivity towards the environment. (updated Feb 2017)

• 🌍 Glass Art Museum. Glass manufacturer with an art focus. Worth a visit. 

• 🌍 Arad Visitors Centre (downtown Arad, close to the mall and community centre), ☏ +972 07 995-4409. April-September 8am-5pm, October-March 8am-4pm. The Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority's visitors centre introduces visitors to the geology and history of the Judaean Desert. Its audiovisual program uses water and a 3D model of the Judaean Desert to demonstrate why this desert is so prone to flooding. Artifacts from Tel Arad and models of Canaanite Arad and the Israelite-period fortress are on display in the section devoted to history. A multi-screen video presentation brings the visitor back to the present and the modern city of Arad. The Visitors Centre has information on hiking trails, events and areas of interest in the Judaean Desert. Visitors can purchase maps, sheets with suggested hiking routes and related literature. adults ₪23, children ₪12. 
• 🌍 Yatir Forest. One of the biggest forests in Israel and popular in summer for hiking and biking. The Israel National Trail runs through the forest and by Tel Arad. 
• 🌍 Moav Lookout. Here the Israeli artist Yigal Tumarkin created a big outdoor sculpture in 1968. 
• Camel herds, owned by the local Bedouins, can be spotted along the main road before and after the 🌍 junction one third of the way between Arad and Ein Bokek.

There are some hiking destinations east. Align with the local tourist information.

The following lookouts are used as hiking or biking destinations from Arad: 🌍 Rosh Zohar and 🌍 Zohar Lookout.

• The biggest shopping mall, 🌍 Arad Mall, is located in the centre of the city
• The 🌍 Town Market is famous for its weekly market on Mondays

There are apparently many private rooms available for rent here – try the usual suspects.

• Masada – A former Roman fortress on top of a mountain. The only road access to the west side of Masada is through Arad. This route is popular for those arriving early for sunsets.

Besides that, Arad is a great location for trips to all directions including:

• Dead Sea – One of the most famous things to see/do in Israel and Jordan.
• Judaean Desert – Visit its various attractions, next to the Dead Sea.
• Beer Sheva – University town, but does not much cater for tourists and especially backpackers.
• Mitzpe Ramon – Great site, hikes and views on the edge of a giant crater.
• Eilat – Holiday town in the far south with border crossings to Jordan and Egypt.