A superb holiday destination for enjoying the Red Sea on the surface and below, Eilat is nestled at the southern-most tip of Israel and showcases natural desert surrounds. Most notable for its activities on and under the water, the city also boasts a marine park where you can swim with dolphins. Scuba divers love Eilat for its beautiful underwater world, live with bright corals and marine life. Inland sights include the stunning Amram Pillars and Shehoret Canyon with its trail through the desert valley.
They say the sun always shines in Eilat. If you tire of scuba diving, swimming and sunning yourself along the shores of the Red Sea, you can hop onto a ship and enjoy the breeze to the tunes of Lawrence of Arabia. All of Eilat is a duty-free zone with most services VAT exempt, making this a shopping paradise of sorts.
Stretch your legs and sweat a bit walking around the impressive Amram Pillars or take to Shehoret Canyon, where the track guides you through the spectacular scenery of the desert valley. There are also plenty of discos and nightclubs to keep you dancing well into the morning hours.
Highlights
Scuba diving: there is a bright and lively coral reef under the water’s surface and conditions are ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling. If you don’t want to get wet, then try a glass-bottom boat ride or a trip on the submarine that dives 200 feet below the surface.
Coral World Underwater Observatory: is great for viewing the reef and marine life. A unique attraction, it is one of only four in the world and offers you a glimpse of what rests 15 feet below the waves.
Dolphin Reef: is a must-visit for those who want to swim and dive with dolphins.
Timna Valley National Park: is less than 20 miles from Eilat and provides ideal conditions for trekking and camel and jeep rides. This was once the site of King Solomon’s copper mines and a highlight is the sandstone formation dubbed ‘the mushroom’. Also here is the notable Solomon’s Pillars.
Hai Bar wildlife reserve: encompasses 8,000 acres where you can view several species of rare and endangered desert animals.