Located on the Dead Sea's northern shore, 360 meters below sea level, this settlement has therapeutic mud beaches, date palm farms, and direct access to the historic Qumran Caves.
Kalya lies on the northern shore of the Dead Sea, 360 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest settlements on Earth. Walk into the Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters and feel your body rise to the surface, or collect therapeutic mud from the shoreline to apply on your skin. Visit the Qumran Caves where archaeologists found the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. Stay at the Kalia Kibbutz Hotel with its outdoor pool and direct access to desert hiking trails leading to Ein Feshchah Nature Reserve.
Getting to Kalya Beach
Take a bus from Tel-Aviv International Airport to Jerusalem, then continue to the beach area. While buses run to the region, a rental car gives you more flexibility since the beach lies far from the nearest bus stop. The drive from Jerusalem takes about 25 minutes along Highway 90. Plan your visit between June and October when temperatures stay between 25-35°C with minimal rainfall.
Beach Experience and Facilities
Entry to the beach costs 60 NIS, including access to separate men's and women's changing rooms, showers, and toilets. Wear water shoes to navigate the sandy and muddy seabed safely. The beachside restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while nearby shops stock swimming gear and local products. Stop by the wooden structure at -417 meters, known as "the lowest bar in the world," for drinks and snacks while looking across the Dead Sea's northern basin.
Kalia Kibbutz Hotel
Each room comes with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and refrigerator. The 2-acre grounds include grass areas, modern playground equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can eat at the kosher dining hall three times daily, visit the evening nightclub, or buy supplies at the on-site mini market. Children under 2 stay free in their parents' bed, while ages 2-17 pay 25% of the adult rate.
Agricultural Production
The 490 kibbutz residents manage 200 acres of date palms, focusing on Medjool varieties. They also grow watermelons across 50 acres and cherry tomatoes on 30 acres. The dairy farm's 200 cows produce milk for regional distribution. The kibbutz runs the Qumran Caves visitor's center, welcoming over 100,000 people annually.
Nearby Sites
Drive 10 minutes north to explore the Qumran Caves archaeological site. Walk the nature trails of Ein Feshchah Reserve, join desert horseback rides, or take evening tours to the Masada fortress. From Kalya's location on Highway 90, you can reach Jerusalem in 25 minutes and Ein Gedi's natural springs in 15 minutes.
