#7 Mitzpe Ramon & The Desert

Welcome to “Introducing Israel”, in this series, we will explore Israel and discover some hidden gems. 
I’m Arielle and I invite you to come with me on this intimate journey and transport yourself for a few minutes to this magical place.
Today we’re going to talk about the sounds and silences of the desert. An escape to the Negev Desert is most welcome after experiencing the hustle and noise of the cities we've visited. 
Traveling into the desert by car is the quickest and simplest way to see this unique region in just one night. 
The stillness of the desert allows you to feel the wind as it brushes the sand gently.This space is defined by its sheer magnitude and transcendent atmosphere. An aura of unwavering spiritual energy awaits you in the fresh air and clear starlit skies. 
There is a sense of belonging to each other and to oneself in this place. In Israel's Desert lies another world. 
It will teach you the art of doing nothing. 

While doing nothing is meditative, the desert has a few things you can check out if you have more time. 
Get close to camels while visiting the Negev Camel Ranch, and even spot them along your drive.  Visit a winery – the Negev has a number of local wineries that have been very innovative in such a dry climate. 
If you’re spending one night - which I highly recommend - you should start by visiting Mitzpe Ramon. Road 40 runs through Israel from north to south and is the main road connecting the center of Israel with the desert. From Tel Aviv, take the 40 south towards Eilat and experience the ultimate Israeli desert road trip. In this region, the landscape becomes breathtakingly beautiful, and the road runs directly through the crater. There are many scenic stops along this road alone.
The car gives you the freedom to pull over at any time. The Kornmehl farm is a great place to grab a bite along the way. An organic goat farm with a small restaurant serving delicious home-cooked dishes. Mitzpe Ramon is the soul of the desert. 
Standing on the edge of Mitzpe Ramon is like standing on the edge of the world. There is nothing but a desert moon landscape stretching out before you. 
Here, one of Israel's most spectacular landscapes can be found in the rugged landscape of the Negev Desert: the Ramon Crater. 
Israel's Grand Canyon - the nickname given to the Ramon Crater, which is far from insignificant. 
The size alone takes your breath away. I too wondered how a tiny country like Israel could keep such a huge secret. 
Makhtesh Ramon, a vast lunar landscape hidden deep in the Negev Desert. The crater is the largest erosion crater in the world. It’s unimaginable that this isolated area once was an ocean filled with life. 220 million years ago! This heart-shaped area is 40km long and between 2 and 10km wide. 
You need to get off the beaten path to truly appreciate it. The deep crater is often just driven through, but very few people take the time to explore its trails. Explore the history, hike, cycle, and take in the unique geology.  When you get out of the car, and walk through the purple and red-coloured sand, you truly experience an other worldly landscape – it’s like fucking mars over there for realIt has the lowest air pollution in Israel so it's an astronomical hotspot! There are stargazing tours that are worth checking out! Drive through the scenic crater for just an hour until you reach Midbara. 
Midbara is a small family-run property where you can stay in handmade huts made out of mud and stone.