Ein Evrona

Ein Evrona is one of Israel’s hidden gems. Here you can see the untouched salt march south of the Dead Sea and north of Eilat. If you’re lucky, you can also see flamingos wading in the marshy waters. As you drive south along route 90 (Arava Highway) towards Eilat, you’ll pass Ein Evrona (Beer Evrona) on your left.

The site lies southeast of Timna Park and the Ramon International Airport. Ein Evrona is an ancient well on the edge of the Evrona salt marsh. At one time, water would rise and overflow, irrigating the surrounding agricultural fields. Today, the level of groundwater has dropped, and the well is dry. In the Bible, Evrona is mentioned as one of the stops made by the Israelites on their journey in the wilderness.

Highlights of Ein Evrona 

Observation Point: A hiking trail leads to the Evrona Observation Point created by the Israel National Parks Authority. There are information boards indicating the direction of the Evrona saltwater ponds, Jordan, and Mount Amram in the distance.

Beer Evrona: At first glance, southern Israel may appear dry and uninhabitable. But archaeological excavations have revealed that the Eilat region has been the site of numerous human settlements, agricultural farms, and religious cult centers over thousands of years. At Ein Evrona, remains have been found of a 7th-9th-century farmstead.

Ein Evrona was part of an ancient “chain wells” system for gathering water. Wells were dug deep into the ground at the foot of mountains to collect rainwater. From the wells, shafts connected subterranean tunnels that transported water by gravitation to irrigate the fields.

The water system at Ein Evrona stretched for over a kilometer and included a 600-meter underground tunnel wide and deep enough for a man to walk through. To aid irrigation, the fields were walled, and dams were created. This water system, called Fogaras, dates back to the ancient Muslim period. Visitors can explore the remains of the water system and even walk through the tunnels.

Doum Palms: This is the northernmost grove of Egyptian Doum Palms which have a unique edible fruit.

Evaporation Ponds and Flamingos: The Red Sea evaporation ponds are used to produce salt. The ponds attract thousands of migrating birds each year. About 20 years ago, a flock of migrating flamingos decided to make Eilat their home. They built their nests around the ponds which provide ample food.

The flamingos feast on nutritious Eilat Artemia, which is rich in beta-carotene, and cause the flamingos’ pink color. The evaporation ponds are on the edge of the Jordan-Israel border and are visited by birdwatches on both sides of the border.

Visiting Ein Evrona

To visit Evrona you’ll need your own vehicle or a private tour guide. Head towards Beer Ora on the Arava Highway and turn west, then south along a sign-posted dirt road to Evrona Observation Point. Return to the highway and travel south to the Shechoret Industrial Zone. Make a u-turn and drive about 26km before turning east towards Be’erot Sharsheret.

A dirt track will take you east, then south to Beer Evrona. Further south you’ll reach the grove of rare Doum Palms. Drive along the red marked trail to the Red Sea evaporation ponds. To explore Ein Evrona independently, enter “Evrona Observation Point and Flamingos” in Waze, or join one of our experienced tour guides for a private tour.