5. Avdat
Prominently situated on a hill, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avdat is one of the most important sites of the Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine periods in the Negev.
It was first settled in the 3rd century BC, when nomadic Nabataean tribes began to settle and take over the spice trade routes through the region.
Later, the town thrived under Roman and then Byzantine occupation until finally being abandoned after the Arabs captured the town in AD 634.
Just before the entry to the site proper is a Nabataean tomb, with a doorway lintel relief depicting a horned altar flanked by the moon, sun, and a star. From the entry, a path leads north through a Roman-era residential quarter, where you can also see a stone bearing a Nabataean inscription.
6. En Avdat
Near the Avdat ruins is one of the most surprising natural wonders of the Negev.
The spring of En Avdat lies in the middle of a barren upland region of almost oppressive austerity. Here, four springs emerge from the rock, falling into a tranquil pool.
Every morning and evening, the ibexes that live in the area come down to drink the water, so if you arrive at this time you can sneak some wilderness spotting into your itinerary as well.
Location: 65 kilometers south of Be’er Sheva
