This month, our teacher Bar takes us to Mitzpe Ramon: the ultimate little escape town for Israelis craving a break from the noise of the center. Tucked deep in the desert, Mitzpe has become a haven for artists, free spirits, and anyone in search of quiet skies and creative community. Bar, a musician and Alexander Technique teacher, has fully made it her home. Here’s how she experiences her Mitzpe, one ice tea, one mountaintop, and one magical art studio at a time. 🐪🌅

Hi my name is Bar! I’m a musician, an Alexander Technique teacher and a teacher in Citizen Café. I live in the small desert town of Mitzpe Ramon with my partner. I decided to move to Mitzpe Ramon because I always loved the desert, and because at that time in my life I really needed space to relax and slow down. I felt like I was in another country, and the mixture between quietness and fresh desert air, with the upbeat people, cultural events and artistic environment really captured my heart. People here are not rushing anywhere, so we have more time to connect, create art and heal.

1. Where do I get my coffee?

📍“Cafe Gina” ,Har Boker 12/5, Mitzpe Ramon , 8060000

Cafe Gina – which means “the garden Cafe” – is just that, a place you feel like could be your own living room, your own garden. The owners Ronni and Ma’ayan made it the most cozy and inviting – from the staff to the decoration (All the plants in the cafe are for sale). It’s a place to get breakfast\lunch, work on your computer or just enjoy a good cup of coffee with your friends. And the best thing is the food and the drinks! My favorite – the pancakes and the special ice tea.

2. Where do I go when I’m feeling fancy?

📍 “Sumsumia” Nakhal Tsiya street 7, Mitzpe Ramon , 8060000

I start my evening at a fancy dinner with my partner at our favorite restaurant. Called after the unique Bedouin music instrument – the sumsumia, which you can see hanging around the restaurant. The cool staff will offer you shots of Arak and recommend the best local beers and wine. You really can’t get enough of the environment in that place, so alive and fun, but the best thing is of course the food – my favorite is the Rib eye steak and for dessert their Creme Burle.  

Photo by: Daniel Bar

3. Cultural hub

📍 “Pub Ha’berech”, Har Boker 10/1, Mitzpe Ramon, 80600

When you think of a pub, you think of food and drinks, but Pub Ha’berech is so much more, it’s a cultural landmark. Based on the “Spice Route quarter” in Mitzpe Ramon, the 11-year old “pub” is a venue for the Arts, and the heart of the local culture – every day you can find a different event, from musical concerts in their professional stage, cinema nights, dance parties, lectures, art exhibitions and the list goes on and on.

With a warm design and beautiful art every inch of that place, amazing food and drinks and always the best music on the speakers- pub Ha’berech is the ultimate night out in Mitzpe Ramon.

Photo by: Daniel Bar

4. My go-to outdoor spot

📍”Har Gamal viewpoint”, Camel Mount, Mitzpe Ramon , 8060000

Following the boardwalk overlooking the cliff of the Ramon Crater, is the most magnificent piece of nature in Mitzpe Ramon. Views that last for days, this is where I go to catch sunrises and sunsets, to clear my mind and have a relaxing walk. finishing the beautiful walk I go up to Har gamal viewpoint to get an even better view of this peaceful desert town that I love so much.

5. A place that I don’t like in the city

One of the best things in Mitzpe Ramon is the wild Ibexes roaming freely in the town. The bad thing is that they mistake our garbage for food, and they eat the plastic, some of them can die in that process. I hate seeing trash cans open or plastic scattered – which is not an uncommon thing to see around the town.

6. A significant person for you who was born in the city or currently lives ther

📍”Beit Ha-Even” – Studio for local art, Nahal Tsihor 3\5 , Mitzpe Ramon, 806000

A collective of 4 talented artists, based in one studio that combines the individual work and the community. Their work is really dear to me. You can come and get a tattoo from Beja.club, buy handmade silver jewelry from Michal Litman, get a unique artwork from the painter Plane_crush or get a handmade headpiece from the designer Headz. 

These talented artists not only have the passion for their specific unique forms of art – but for the community. They host many events in the studio – such as secondhand fairs, food markets, musical concerts, lectures and movie nights. Beit Ha-Even is a colorful and fun place to come and meet the community, to enjoy a cold beer and buy art.