At many places on the road around the Sea, especially in the area of Ein Bokek, signposts point to bathing areas. It is always best to bathe at one of these organized sites, as it is advised to wash off the high salt content of the water. Also found here is the international center for the treatment of psoriasis. Further inland, a short drive brings you to Wadi Bokek. Less visited than Ein Gedi, this lush oasis set among gorges is not to be missed.
Across the lake are the Mountains of Moab, while to the west are the mountains of the Judean Desert. Southward is Sodom, center of the mineral industry in an area of strange salt formations. These bring to mind the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and how Lots wife was turned to a pillar of salt.
Six miles north of Sodom is the spa of kibbutz Neve Zohar. Its hot sulphur springs have been famous for centuries and the history of the therapeutic uses of the lake is attractively traced in the small museum.
This page is part of the book The Holy Land of Jesus
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