Neot Semadar – Recognized Among the World’s Best Tourism Villages
In 2025, Neot Semadar was honored by UN Tourism as one of the Best Tourism Villages – a prestigious recognition celebrating excellence in sustainable, cultural, and community-based tourism.
Located in the heart of Israel’s Arava Desert, Neot Semadar is a unique eco-village dedicated to ecological living, creativity, and harmonious community life. It was selected as part of an elite network of villages that lead the way in environmentally responsible tourism, preservation of local culture, and innovative rural development.
The Best Tourism Villages (BTV) initiative, led by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), is one of the most significant acknowledgments in global tourism today. Each year, it highlights outstanding destinations that serve as global models for sustainability and meaningful visitor experiences.
Neot Semadar was selected from over 270 villages across 65 countries, joining a global network of only about 250 recognized villages. This honor reflects Neot Semadar’s ongoing commitment to values of ecological responsibility, cultural richness, and human connection.
Experience Neot Semadar – A Living Example of Sustainable Tourism
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The Arts Center
A breathtaking and inspiring structure, hand-built over 14 years by members of the community – serves as the visitors’ center of Neot Semadar and as a home for crafts and the arts. The center offers guided tours, creative workshops, and activities for both adults and children, and is a starting point for a unique and immersive experience in the village.
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Neot Semadar Restaurant-Café
A desert oasis café and shop offering fresh vegetarian meals and the village’s organic products – a place to pause, taste, and connect.
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The Eco-Lodge
Beautifully designed 22 rooms and ecological huts, nestled in the silence of the desert – inviting travelers to rest, reflect, and renew.
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The Organic Winery
A boutique winery producing natural wines and liqueurs from local fruits, open for tours and tastings – where the desert meets fine craft.
Neot Semadar’s recognition by UN Tourism stands as a testament to the community’s ongoing journey to live in harmony with people, nature, and creativity – a small desert village with a global heart.
Proudly recognized by UN Tourism as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages
Visit the Art Center and winery
The tour includes:
A short video telling the story of Neot-Semadar and the Art Center
Touring the different artisan workshops
A view on the area from the observation balcony
Gallery and gift shop
Wine tasting in the local organic winery
Opening hours:
Sunady-Thursday
10:00-15:00
Friday and holiday eve
09:30-12:30
Saturday
closed
Last entry: one hour before closing
Cost
Entrance fee 40 NIS PP
(From 18 above )
Discount (30 NIS PP)
Childrens (6-18), Seniors, Disable people, Soldiers, Students, Pundak. SimtoIsrael
After the purchase you will receive an email with direction and entry code to Neot- Semadar
For more information please call:
See you soon!
Information about the accessibility available in Neot Semadar Art Center:
• Accessible parking. • Accessible entrance to the Gallery and the first flour • Assistive person in the Gallery shop For accessibility information contact accessibility coordinator: Phone: 0549798597
