Meitar
Meitar at a Glance
Costs: Midrange for southern Israel - daily budgets around $70-120; fewer tourist services than big cities.
Safety: Mostly safe with routine vigilance - generally safe but maintain usual Israel-travel awareness and avoid border flashpoints.
Best Time: March-May and September-November - spring and autumn are mild; summers are very hot.
Why Visit Meitar?
Positioned on the northern edge of the Negev, Meitar serves as a practical gateway to desert landscapes and agricultural highlands. Nearby trails and sandstone knolls offer hiking and stargazing, while Bedouin-run experiences introduce traditional hospitality and dishes like zarb and date-based sweets. Small-town markets showcase local produce, making Meitar a springboard for exploring southern Israel’s quieter natural side. It’s also close enough to regional towns for easy day trips.
Best Things to Do in Meitar
Archaeological Site
Masada
Ancient fortress atop desert plateau, historic siege site
Tomb
Cave of the Patriarchs
Ancient subterranean shrine and biblical patriarchs' tombs
Mountains
Judaean Mountains
Mountain ridge south of Jerusalem with biblical significance
Archaeological Site
Gath
Ancient Philistine city and archaeological site in Israel
Archaeological Site
Tel Lachish
Ancient fortified Canaanite and Israelite archaeological mound
National Park
Tel Be'er Sheva
Archaeological tel with biblical and Ottoman layers
National Park
Mampsis
Nabatean caravan city ruins on Negev trade routes
Archaeological Site
Maresha
Ancient archaeological site in Israel with Hellenistic ruins
Meitar Bucket List
Don't Miss
Meitar Community Park - Well-kept municipal park with playgrounds, sports courts and shaded paths.
Local Farmers’ Market - Periodic market showcasing organic produce and regional foods from Negev growers.
Meitar Cultural Centre - Community venue offering classes, local exhibitions and occasional performances.
Hidden Gems
Hiking Trails on the Northern Negev Hills - Quiet trails offering desert flora, short walks and panoramic vistas.
Local Olive Oil Producers - Small producers selling local olive oil and explaining regional pressing methods.
Bedouin Cultural Visits - Organized visits to nearby Bedouin communities presenting traditional crafts and hospitality.
Day Trips
Beersheba - Regional hub with markets and museums roughly 25-30 minutes from Meitar.
Tel Arad National Park - Desert archaeological site with ancient fortress and spectacular Negev views nearby.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Meitar
Meitar experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. Visit in spring or autumn for the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities; summers can be uncomfortably hot.
Winter
Mild, slightly wetter months with cool nights; days are pleasant for low-effort outdoor activities and cultural visits.
Summer
Extremely hot and dry - daytime outdoor activities are best early or late, and shade or air conditioning is essential.
Spring/Autumn
Warm days and comfortable evenings ideal for hiking, stargazing and exploring the Negev fringe without intense heat.
Meitar's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 6° - 15° | 10° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.2h |
| February | Very Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Very Good | 8° - 19° | 14° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 12° - 25° | 18° | 12 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 3.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 14° - 28° | 21° | 3 mm | some cloud | 54% | 3.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.0h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 25° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 3.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 25° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 3.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 18° - 30° | 24° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 3.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 15° - 28° | 21° | 7 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.3h |
| November | Very Good | 11° - 22° | 17° | 32 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Very Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 52 mm | some cloud | 68% | 3.0 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.0h |
How to Get to Meitar
How to Get Around Meitar
- Walking -
- Bus -
- Taxi -
- Car rental -
- Train -
Where to Stay in Meitar
Budget
No local budget options - stay in Be’er Sheva (₪80-200/night)
Meitar is a small town with practically no dedicated hotels. Budget travellers usually stay in nearby Be’er Sheva where more options exist.
Mid-Range
Be’er Sheva (nearest) - ₪200-450/night
There are no significant mid-range hotels in Meitar itself; Be’er Sheva (20-30 minutes) is the nearest centre with reliable mid-range chains and services.
Leonardo Hotel Be’er Sheva - Modern, convenient for region.
Isrotel Casa/Be’er Sheva (area) - Regional mid-range chain options.
Luxury
Be’er Sheva / Tel Aviv - ₪450+/night
Luxury hotels do not operate in Meitar. For upgraded rooms and conference facilities, base yourself in Be’er Sheva or head to Tel Aviv for top-tier choices.
Leonardo Hotel Be’er Sheva - Closest upscale option nearby.
Where to Eat in Meitar
Local Food
Meitar offers small cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants. For broader culinary variety, nearby Beersheba provides many more dining options.
- Local cafés and family eateries - Casual Israeli and regional dishes
- Local bakeries - Fresh breads and pastries daily
- Beersheba restaurants (nearby) - Wider dining options within short drive
Cafés & Takeaway
Casual cafés and grill stands serve shawarma, salads and baked goods. Regional Negev and Bedouin influences appear in local home cooking and specialty events.
- Local coffee shops - Light lunches, sandwiches and pastries
- Shawarma and grill stands - Common quick meal choices
- Negev regional dishes - Bedouin-influenced stews and flatbreads
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Meitar’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Meitar
Nightlife in Meitar is limited to local cafés and restaurants - there are few late-night venues. For bars, live music and a fuller evening scene head into Beersheba.
Shopping in Meitar
Shopping in Meitar is practical and local: grocery stores, pharmacies and small retail outlets cover daily needs. For department stores, larger supermarkets and more variety plan a trip to Beersheba.