If there was ever something that is the definition of a hidden gem, Nitzana is it. This location is so incredibly dreamy and yet so few people ever visit. Itâs understandable, I guess, since it is deep in the Israeli desert, far away from anything and everything. It felt like we were walking on the moon, not just because of the remoteness, but because of the empty, stunning beauty.
Nitzana Hillocks is the technical name written on the signs of this awesome place on the Israeli/Egyptian border. In Hebrew itâs called âHamukei Nitzanaâ which directly translated means Nitzanaâs curves or bosom. (Nitzana is a female Hebrew name). The rounded, smooth rocks were created by thousands of years of natural weathering from flash floods in the desert.
The rocks look like tall striking sand dunes, but in all reality they are natural chalk rocks. You brush up against it, you sit on it, you walk nearby and you will be covered in white chalk dust.
Visiting Nitzana â Our Experience
When we visited there was absolutely no one there, as itâs quite a bit far from everything, we werenât too surprised. Visiting on our way to Eilat (link to Eilat post coming soon) at Israelâs most southern tip, this was a perfect stop along the way.
Right across the way from these rocks is the ancient town of Nitzana. We didnât have time to stop there on this trip but earlier in the morning, we stopped at Shivta (post coming soon) another ancient Nabatean city along the spice route. In Israel there are four such well preserved Nabatean cities: Shivta, Avdat (another post thats coming soon), Moa, and Nitzana. In Jordan there are more such villages, the most famous being Petra.
Here at Nitzana, besides the cool chalk rocks, there is also a special type of quartz that is formed in thin, deep layers within the chalk rock. It almost looks like thin, flaky pieces of white chocolate.
How to Get to Nitzana
The easiest way to get to Nitzana is by car. Depending on which route you take if you drive from Tel Aviv, itâs not too far of a detour from the route to Eilat, which is why this amazing place was included in one of our stops along the way. To see more amazing places to stop along the drive check out this post here (link coming soon)
Photoshoot in Nitzana
Knowing that this is such a dreamy place, we knew the photoshoot here had to be super special. We made this purple ruffly dress specifically for Nitzana! Check out the blog post here: (link coming soon). Endless purple ruffles in this wanderlust land couldnât be a more perfect fit. And the amazing vintage clip-on earrings that match as if they were made for the dress!
Brookeâs outfit is an authentic vintage muumuu dress from the 70s. The cloud-like floral design complimented the purple so beautifully and also the clear blue skies and the white chalk rocks. It all seemed so unreal.
We also brought along a couple of props-purple and blue vintage books and matching shoes, to highlight the beauty even more. Not to mention how dreamy it would have been to just sit in this remote place and read for hours!
Tips for Visiting
- WALK barefoot if you can. The rocks are so smooth itâs such an amazing feeling to be walking and climbing barefoot. Only try this in the morning or evening though as the desert sun can cause the ground to heat up very quickly.
- REMOTE. Nitzana is in a very remote area. If you happen to be staying at one of the local farming communities nearby like Ezuz, itâs a great day trip option.
- HOT. Nitzana is located deep in Israelâs desert. That means that itâs HOT. Come prepared as there is no form of park entrance (itâs not a park) to this area where you can buy food or water. There is a little shade because of the rock formations, depending on the time of day, but overall itâs pretty barren and the sun will be beating down strongly.
- DONâT FORGET to visit one of the awesome ancient Nabatean cities nearby, whether it be Nitzana right across the way or Shivta (link coming soon), Avdat, or Moa. They are some of the most underrated and amazing places.
Have you ever visited a similar place? Walked on the moon? Let us know in the comments below!
If youâre looking for more amazing things to do in the area check out this post here:
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters