ISRAEL
Eilat

Eilat

Eilat_{Photo: Public Domain}

Eilat has become Israel's vacation paradise in recent years. The Israelis themselves discovered this a long time ago, but now the resort is also gaining fame among foreign holidaymakers. The attraction of the town mainly consists of the rich underwater world and the pleasant climate. The reef off the coast of Eilat contains more than 230 species of coral, which is home to the most wonderful fish and even turtles and dolphins. But Eilat offers more than that, it has since become a fully-fledged holiday destination. There is so much to experience and you will stay extremely comfortable in accommodations of all price ranges. No wonder vacationers have discovered the magic of Eilat!

Location

Eilat fron the Air_{Photo: Deror avi CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

The seaside town of Eilat is the southernmost part of Israel and is enclosed between Egypt on the one hand and Jordan on the other. North of the city you will encounter the Negev desert, while the south side is bordered by the clear blue water of the Gulf of Aqaba; in short, an almost unique location! From Eilat you can enjoy fantastic views of the Gulf and the hinterland. Eilat is often also used as a base to various places such as the impressive Petra in Jordan. Not only because of its central location, but also because Eilat is one of the most peaceful cities in Israel and the government has also provided favorable trade arrangements, making hotels, restaurants and taxis cheaper here than in other Israeli areas.

Weather

The fact that this port town is enclosed between the Aqaba estuary and the rocky Negev desert has a favorable effect on the weather conditions for Eilat; rain hardly ever falls! The city has a typical desert climate with warm winters and even warmer summers, but thanks to the low humidity and the location by the sea, the heat is tolerable. The still pleasant temperatures in winter make Eilat a very suitable winter sun destination, even the seawater is still warm enough for a swim during that period.

History

While it may be hard to imagine when viewing the modern seaside town, Eilat has a rich history. The place is already mentioned in the Tanakh and the city was also important in Roman times and later in the Middle Ages. Archaeological finds in the area would even indicate that its history goes back even further than the Tanakh suggests. The city as it is today was founded in 1949 and has since become Israel's most popular seaside resort. The history of Israel is described in detail on the relevant page of Landenweb.

Sights

Kings City Eilat_{Photo:A vishai Teicher CC 2.5 Generic no changes made}

Eilat is a city where there is plenty to do. When the heat subsides and the sun is lower in the sky, you can go shopping, to the cinema or to the Kings City theme park. In the evening the city really comes to life and the restaurants are also full. The nightlife is also vibrant; Eilat has plenty of hip and cozy places to go out until the early hours.

Coral Reef in the gulf of Eilat_{Photo: Daviddarom in the pubic domain}

A vacation in Eilat simply cannot pass without checking out the coral reef. Diving and snorkeling are of course possible, but also a fun way to admire the underwater life is a trip in a glass bottom boat, so that you can see everything below the water surface.

The Mushroom in the Timna Valley near Eilat_{Photo: Little Savage in the public domain}

Interested in more natural beauty? Not far from the seaside resort is the Timna Valley, where copper ore used to be mined, but which is now a nature park where the special Pillars of Solomon, the Mushroom and the famous arches have been carved in the rocks.

Eilat Dolphins_{Photo: Faraj Meir CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Finally, swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Reef on Coral Beach is very special. The dolphins are free to come and go as it is an open reserve where they are studied in their natural environment, so swimming with these special animals is a truly unique experience at the most beautiful beach in Eilat.

The seaside resort has grown into a center for events and happenings in recent years, so it is nice to find out if something interesting is going on during your holiday, or even to tailor your holiday to it of course! For example, the annual Red Sea Jazz Festival held in the port of Eilat attracts many visitors and is very worthwhile.

Tips

Desert safari from Eilat, with good luck you will see the Nubian Ibex_{Photo: Little Savage in the public doaein}

You can also undertake many different excursions - organized or on your own - from Eilat. Consider, for example, an adventurous desert safari by camel or jeep, or visit the historic cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In addition to a sunny beach holiday, Eilat is also perfect as a base for your holiday in Israel.

Petra excursion from Eilat_{Photo: David Bjorgen CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

The excursion you should definitely make is the one to the beautiful Petra in Jordan. Petra, the wonder of the world, is without a doubt Jordan's most precious treasure and the country's greatest tourist attraction. It is a sprawling, unique city carved into the sheer cliff face of the Nabataeans, an Arab people who settled here more than 2,000 years ago at an important hub for the silk, spices and other trade routes connecting China, India and South Arabia. Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome connected. The entrance to the city is via the Siq, a narrow gorge, more than 1 km long, flanked on both sides by steep, 80m high cliffs. The walk through the Siq allen is an experience in itself. The colors and formations of the rocks are dazzling. In the city of Petra you can admire many sights from different cultures.