As-Sawahira ash-Sharqiya

As-Sawahira ash-Sharqiya (also known as Eastern Sawahira) is a Palestinian village in the Jerusalem Governorate, located 6 km southeast of Jerusalem's Old City. It is a predominantly Muslim village of about 5,000 residents, set on a hillside overlooking the Judean Desert toward the Dead Sea. The village has a rural character with olive groves and agricultural terraces. Its eastern location gives it a slightly drier climate than Jerusalem proper: hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Spring is the best time to visit. The village is compact and walkable.

By Plane

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is 55 km northwest. A taxi costs ₪300–400. Budget: sherut to Jerusalem's Damascus Gate (₪45), then shared taxi via the Jericho Road (₪8, 20 min).

By Car / Road

As-Sawahira ash-Sharqiya is 6 km southeast of Jerusalem, about 15 minutes by car via the Jericho Road (Route 1). Shared taxis from Jerusalem's Lion's Gate and Damascus Gate run to the area.

The village is walkable. A taxi is needed to reach the surrounding desert areas.

• Desert viewpoint — The village's eastern edge offers a panoramic view of the Judean Desert toward the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan.

• As-Sawahira Mosque — The main mosque, a modern building.

• Olive groves — Terraced olive trees on the village's slopes.

• Separation barrier — Sections of the barrier pass near the village.

• Viewpoint photography — The desert panorama is stunning at sunset.

• Olive harvest (October–November) — Local families harvest the groves.

• Hike in the Judean Desert foothills — The wadis east of the village offer desert hiking.

• Sawahira Café — A simple café serving falafel, hummus, and tea. Sandwiches ₪8–12. For more options, Jerusalem or Abu Dis (5 min north) have restaurants.

Bottled water (₪2) is available at the village shop.

As-Sawahira ash-Sharqiya has no tourist accommodation. The nearest hotels are in East Jerusalem (15 min west) or Abu Dis (10 min north).

Olive oil is available from local farmers. For shopping, Jerusalem's Old City markets are 15 minutes west.

• Jerusalem (6 km, 15 min west) — The Old City.
• Abu Dis (3 km, 5 min north) — Al-Quds University and separation barrier.
• Al-Eizariya (4 km, 8 min north) — The Tomb of Lazarus.
• Bethlehem (10 km, 20 min south) — The Church of the Nativity.
• Dead Sea (25 km, 30 min east) — The lowest point on earth.