Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The hike
From the western car park of Avdat National Park (עבדת) walk up past the Roman bathhouse at the foot of the hill into the city on top: the Southern and Northern Churches with their baptistery, the lookout tower and citadel, the Byzantine quarter and the great winepress, then down the south side past the Roman villa and back to the car park. The view from the hill runs over the Zin valley and the desert.
It is 2.5 km round with 79 m of ascent; allow about 45 minutes, longer to explore. The grade is Easy: paths over rock with some steps.
Avdat stood on the incense route and in Byzantine times produced and exported wine; it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is little shade, so carry at least 3 litres of water each and start early in summer. Adults pay 31 NIS and children 16 NIS; dogs are not allowed. In winter time the park closes at 16:00 (15:00 on Fridays and holiday eves), and entrance closes half an hour earlier.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Avdat was a Nabataean town on the incense route from Arabia to the Mediterranean, rebuilt in Byzantine times as a centre that produced and exported wine
- The Byzantine winepress near the churches is among the largest in the Negev
- On the hill stand two churches, a baptistery, a citadel, a Roman tower and a Byzantine quarter; the slopes below hold burial caves later used as stores and winepresses
- Avdat is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Incense Route and the Desert Cities in the Negev
Getting there
Start: Avdat National Park, western car park. 30.79205, 34.76886
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps Waze Moovit
Waze drives you to the car park; Moovit has the buses and trains to the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Avdat National Park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.