Ruq’a is a typical Palestinian village, best known for its olive production. As you would therefore expect, there is an abundance of olive trees both in the heart of the village and in fields spreading out away from it. The village does centre on a high street, but don’t expect to find much in the way of shops. This is a sleepy, peaceful countryside hamlet, after all. Ruq’a is located in the Hebron governorate, and is just a few minutes’ drive from Yatta and the Al Fawar refugee camp.
Ruq’a is a pretty village with wonderful views of the surrounding undulating countryside, smattered with a healthy amount of olive groves. Nearby Samu’a is the southernmost town in the West Bank and without doubt one of the most attractive. This green, tranquil, charming town is a worthwhile stop for anyone who has been warped into thinking Palestine is but a dusty warzone. While Hebron city is a remarkable, historic city still smarting from decades of conflict and political tension it is still well worth a visit to see for yourself.
In nearby towns such as Yatta and Samu’a there are various typical Palestinian restaurants serving up the usual shawerma, chicken and falafel in the centre of town. Otherwise, head to Ras al Jora, a neighbourhood of Hebron which is famous for its dining scene.
There are four hotels in Hebron, but there is a much greater variety in the more tourist-savvy areas of Bethlehem, Ramallah and of course Jerusalem.