Travel Guide Arad

Arad lies on the border between the Judean Desert and the Negev Desert. Arad is a medium-sized new town (27,000 inhabitants from a variety of backgrounds), and is best known for its slightly off-center artists' quarter. In part of the town's industrial zone, some twenty artists have set up shop in rehabilitated warehouses. They have set up workshops, studios, boutiques and art galleries, and cultural and musical events are frequently organized here. Arad is also where the famous Israeli writer Amos Oz lived for many years, before moving back to Tel Aviv.Arad is also an excellent base near Masada and the Dead Sea. It offers comfortable, low-cost accommodation, a number of good restaurants and a number of small companies offering sports and discovery activities in the area. North-east of Arad, the beautiful road no. 3199 leads to the western slopes of Masada, where a sound and light show takes place twice a week. Along the way, you can't miss the oasis of Kfar ha-Nkodim, in the Kana'im valley. Shaded by tall palm trees and surrounded by biblically-inspired gardens, is the inevitable stop-off on the beautiful road leading to the fortress's western wall. Please note, however, that the road is a dead-end: it is not possible to reach the Dead Sea by car.