Welcome to the ultimate vacation resort, Eilat. Israel's Riviera on the Red Sea is known all over the world as the city where the sun shines all year long. Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, situated on a triangle created by the joining of the Sinai Mountains, the Arava desert and the blue waters of the Red Sea.
More than 2.5 million visitors arrive in Eilat annually, to enjoy the warm hospitality offered by more than 50 modern hotels, with prices to suit every budget. Here they swim, sunbathe, snorkel, scuba dive, sail, windsurf, fish and indulge in every water sport imaginable, as well as bird watching, desert tours (by Jeep, horseback or hiking) and those who chose to ignore all of these option and just lay back by the pool or at the beach.
Undoubtedly a world-class holiday venue!
The beaches
The Eilat coastline extends for 10 km and is divided into two main beaches. The North Beach, lying at the edge of the Arava desert, with a breathtaking panorama of the Edom Mountains, is the ideal place for sunbathers and water sport activities. Lifeguards, beachfront cafes and restaurants, music and every possible boat, ski, parasail rental are there for the enjoyment of the visitor. For the more adventurous and those who want to examine the depths of the magnificent Red Sea, the South Beach is the place to be. Here too you will find cafes and restaurants, water sports rentals and music.
The South Beach includes the famous, northernmost coral reef in the world - breath taking and unique. The coral reef is protected for the most part by the Coral Reef Nature Reserve, which lies within the stretch of the South Beach. All along the beach you will find diving clubs where you can learn to scuba dive, rent masks, flippers and snorkels or diving equipment.
At a distance of 5 km from the city, the South Beach is accessible by regular bus service.
The water temperature of the Gulf of Eilat is constant all year round, ranging from 20-25 degrees centigrade. When the weather is hot during the summer, the water is refreshingly cool and pleasant and during the winter months it is virtually the same as the air temperature. All beaches are public and open to all visitors. You can find untouched beach coves for relaxed and peaceful time on the beach.
Underwater Observations
To get acquainted with the underwater world, you can take a ride in state-of-the-art Jules Verne boat, or many of their glass-bottomed boats.
You can dive with snorkel, mask and flippers or try deep sea diving. Even if you have never dived before, you can register at one of many diving clubs for an introductory dive with an instructor.
A must-see attraction in Eilat is the Underwater Observatory, where you will find the largest collection of pools and aquariums in the Middle East. The aquariums provide the visitor the opportunity to closely observe dozens of different species of fish, plants and coral living in the waters of the bay.
The Jewel in the crown of the site is three-story building extending six meters down below sea level, taking the visitor for a close-up view of the coral reefs, fish and natural surroundings.
The site also includes the Oceanarium, a simulated movie ride under the water screened on three giant screens in a theater designed like a submarine.
You can even meet dolphins in Eilat, at the Dolphin Reef, a unique complex located south of the port that combines a well-maintained sandy beach and restaurant with the experience of a close encounter with dolphins.
You can watch the feeding of the dolphins or come close to these delightful creatures, either swimming or diving with them.
Eilat at night
The city offers a wide variety of fabulous restaurants, shopping centers and cinemas that put Eilat on the world's tourism map, while maintaining its special qualities. The selection of cuisines ranges from Nouvelle Cuisine to California fusion, from fish and seafood to middle-eastern delicacies such as couscous and falafel. Many of the prestigious restaurants are located in the hotels and it is important to know that they are open to non-hotel residents. The local taxi drivers will be pleased to take you - quickly and easily to any of the many excellent restaurants in the city.
If you fancy a light meal, coffee and cake or just a light snack, there is a wide range of beach side cafes to choose from, all with fabulous views of the Red Sea - the perfect place to enjoy yourself.
Dozens of clubs and bars provide live entertainment, dancing or laid back music to enjoy over a glass of wine. These bars offer not only a wide variety of alcoholic drinks but also live performances by artists from Israel and overseas.
In recent years the club scene has flourished in Eilat to an international level, with some of the world's best-known DJ's playing their music to thousands in amazing beach parties, to clubbers, Israelis and tourists alike.
The Isrotel Theater has a unique attraction located in the Royal Garden complex. "WOW – The international Show" is a Las Vegas style review featuring top international artists, dancers, magicians, jugglers, acrobats, circus stars and more.
With the mélange of flavors, aromas and sounds turn the Eilat nights into magical experience!
www.eilat.muni.il
www.coralworld.com
www.dolphinreef.co.il
