Near the southern banks of Sea of Galilee is the site of Khamat Gader. In a beautifully laid out park with picnic areas, a restaurant, a children's playground and archeological remains the principal attractions are the bathing pools, with water at different temperatures. The covered pool has water at a temperature of 42°C/108°F from a slightly radioactive mineral spring which is recommended particularly for relieving rheumatic complaints.
Near Khamat Gader is another recommended site, an alligator farm with the largest variety of alligator species in the world.
Khamat Gader - Roman baths
Khamat Gader (meaning "hot springs of Gadara") is located in the Yarmuk River valley. There are several mineral springs in the valley, with waters of up to 42º C/108°F. Baths were built at Khamat Gader as early as the 2nd century, but they became popular only during the Byzantine period, in the 5th and 6th centuries. In the 9th century, the baths were abandoned and a thick layer of silt covered the ruins. Remains of the various structures at Khamat Gader were first studied and partially excavated in 1932. Extensive excavations which exposed a large portion of the baths complex were conducted during several seasons, beginning in 1979. The exposed structures have recently been restored and opened to visitors. Thus today, as in antiquity, one can take the plunge, enjoy the hot springs and take advantage of their curative properties
Khamat Gader (meaning "hot springs of Gadara") is located in the Yarmuk River valley. There are several mineral springs in the valley, with waters of up to 42º C/108°F. Baths were built at Khamat Gader as early as the 2nd century, but they became popular only during the Byzantine period, in the 5th and 6th centuries. In the 9th century, the baths were abandoned and a thick layer of silt covered the ruins. Remains of the various structures at Khamat Gader were first studied and partially excavated in 1932. Extensive excavations which exposed a large portion of the baths complex were conducted during several seasons, beginning in 1979. The exposed structures have recently been restored and opened to visitors. Thus today, as in antiquity, one can take the plunge, enjoy the hot springs and take advantage of their curative properties