EL AL | Atmosphere

See the Sights I Eat, Travel, Enjoy

The stress of these past weeks has made us all crave a little peace and quiet, and thankfully the vast expanses of the Negev Desert provide exactly that, with places like Sde Boker, Mitzpe Ramon and the Arava offering fresh air, stunning landscapes, and encounters with inspiring people. Time to head south and recharge your batteries / By Ariela Aflalo In the quiet of the desert: things to see and do in the beautiful South

terstok Photo: Shut

transformed through a brilliant initiative into a bustling culture, art and tourism complex, playfully named the Spice Route Quarter. The hangars of the old industrial zone have been transformed into lots of different cultural spaces, hotels, art galleries, dance and yoga studios, wellness salons, wine shops, cafés, hiking and biking clubs, and so much more. Live shows and events also take place here all year round. Where to eat Lasha Bakery. A boutique bakery specializing in traditional sourdough bread, offering a variety of unique baked goods, including challah, shakshuka-stuffed focaccia, fricasse, roasted beets and camembert tart, caramelized apple pie, and more. There also are salads and pastry assortments you can enjoy outside

The Albert Promenade’s Suspended Balcony I Photo: Shutterstok

Mitzpe Ramon The Albert Promenade’s Suspended Balcony A visit to «Mitzpe», as the locals call it, always begins at the Albert Promenade’s Suspended Balcony. This observation deck stands out from the edge of the cliff, as if suspended between sky and earth, at 60 meters above ground, looking out onto the breathtaking desert landscape. As you walk along the promenade, you’ll notice beautiful desert ibexes going their merry way along the rocks and cliffs, and the promenade itself, with its

characteristic stone sculptures that add to the unique atmosphere. Also, if you come here at dawn, you’ll get the chance to experience the incredible natural phenomenon called «cloud surfing», wherein the fog and the wind make the clouds appear as though they were surfing along the cliffs towards the crater below. A truly spectacular sight. The Spice Route Quarter: a culture and tourism hub The gray industrial area at the entrance to Mitzpe Ramon stood empty for years, until it was

16 ATMOSPHERE MAY 2026