Kalia Beach sits on the northern shore of the Dead Sea in Israel, on Route 90 roughly 30 km east of Jerusalem and about 45 minutes away by road. It is one of the closest places to reach the lowest land point on Earth from the Jerusalem area, which makes it a popular half-day or full-day outing. The shoreline is a mix of coarse salt-crusted sand and pebbles, and the water is a clear, slightly oily-feeling turquoise that is so hypersaline that bathers float effortlessly without swimming. There are no waves to speak of; the surface is usually glassy and calm, and the beach is a wide, open stretch rather than a sheltered cove, with the Jordanian mountains visible across the water on clear days. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, centred on floating, reading a newspaper in the water, and covering the skin in the mineral-rich black mud that is available from a dedicated mud pool area. Facilities include fresh-water showers, which are essential for rinsing off the salt, lockers for valuables, a cafe, and shaded seating. Entry is normally charged per person, and prices vary by season and day of the week, so visitors should check the current rate on arrival. Lifeguard cover is present during daytime opening hours. Swimming rules are specific to the Dead Sea: bathers should avoid getting the water in their eyes, should not shave beforehand, should avoid swallowing the water, and should limit time in the sea to about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Access from Jerusalem is straightforward. Egged buses heading toward Eilat or Ein Gedi along Route 90 pass the area, and drivers can use the free or paid parking close to the beach. The shoreline has been receding for decades, so the walk from the car park to the water can be longer than older photographs suggest. Temperatures are mild from October to April, while summer heat is intense, regularly exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, so shade and drinking water matter. Combined with nearby sites such as Qumran or Jericho-area viewpoints, Kalia works well as part of a wider Dead Sea day trip from Jerusalem.
| Distance | 30 km east (45 minutes) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Egged bus toward Eilat or Ein Gedi, or rental car on Route 90 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | October-April |
| Address | Kalia Beach, Route 90, Dead Sea, Israel |
Amenities
- showers
- mud pool
- cafe
- lockers
Good to know
- Best for
- families, floating, mud treatments, photographers
- Water
- Calm hypersaline water
Location
Kalia Beach, Route 90, Dead Sea, Israel
31.7728, 35.4914 View on map
Highlights
- Effortless floating in hypersaline turquoise water
- Dedicated mud pool for mineral mud treatments
- Fresh-water showers and lockers on site
- Closest Dead Sea beach to Jerusalem, about 45 minutes by road
- Views across the water to the mountains of Jordan
Tips for visiting
- Arrive in the morning, especially in summer, to avoid the strongest heat and fullest car park.
- Do not shave before bathing and keep the water out of eyes; rinse immediately at the showers if splashed.
- Limit time in the water to about 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Bring water shoes because salt-crusted pebbles can be sharp underfoot.
- Take sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water; shade is limited on the open shore.
- Check the current entry fee on arrival, as prices vary by season.
When to visit
October to April offers mild temperatures; in summer visit early in the morning before the heat becomes extreme.
Accessibility
Access paths from the facilities toward the water are generally flat, but the receding shoreline can mean a long walk over uneven ground. Visitors who use a wheelchair should check on arrival what adapted access is currently available.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kalia Beach from Jerusalem?
Kalia Beach is about 30 km east of Jerusalem along Route 90, a drive of roughly 45 minutes. Egged buses toward Eilat or Ein Gedi also serve the area.
Can visitors sink in the Dead Sea at Kalia?
No. The very high salt concentration makes bathers float, so swimming strokes are unnecessary. Visitors should avoid splashing and keep water away from the eyes.
Is there a fee to enter Kalia Beach?
Entry is normally charged per person, with prices varying by season and day. Visitors should confirm the current rate on arrival.
Is Kalia Beach suitable for children?
Yes, the water is calm and the atmosphere is family-friendly, though children should be supervised closely and kept from swallowing the water or getting it in their eyes.