It has become customary for many citizens to spend the New Year holidays in countries with a mild, warm climate. When leaving for Turkey, Egypt or Thailand, people tend to spend their holidays away from relatives and friends in order to avoid numerous holiday gatherings, which become too tedious by the end of the New Year holidays. There are many citizens who travel to Eilat in January, despite the fact that at this time of the year there is no beach season.
Eilat - the southern resort in Israel
Eilat is located on the Red Sea coast. They come here at any time of the year, but in the summer in Israel it is very hot, so tourists like to visit the country in the autumn and spring months. Despite the fact that the Red Sea is located in the tropic zone, the weather in Eilat in January is very unstable. The local population believes that it is very cold, it often rains and a cold wind blows. According to our tourists, the city is warm enough, sometimes a little rain will pass, there are almost no clouds in the sky.
Based on long-term observations, it was noticed that the water temperature in Eilat in January is on average 20 ° C. Therefore, if you are lucky with the weather, you can swim in the sea, although it is deserted on the beaches at this time of year. Despite the fact that the water in the sea is quite warm, only seasoned and desperate tourists decide to sunbathe on the beach. The temperature in Eilat in January during the day ranges from + 18 ° C to + 24 ° C. At night, it is only + 9 ° C, and after 17.00 hours it begins to drop sharply. At the same time, the wind intensifies, so it does not hurt to have a light jacket or windbreaker with you.
What is the difference between holidays in January
Holidays in Eilat in January are not like holidays at other times of the year. Since the weather does not always lead to spending time on the beach, many tourists take walks in the city or get acquainted with the sights of Israel. Eilat is a small city in a small state. Moving from one place to another does not last long.
From Eilat to the Dead Sea is only 2 hours drive. You can get to it yourself by regular bus or book an excursion to get acquainted with the most interesting places. On the way, tourists will be shown a nature reserve with waterfalls and wild animals, the cave of David, the ancient Masadu fortress on top of a cliff. An unforgettable impression will be left by swimming in the Dead Sea.
Many tourists who come to Eilat in January try to visit Jerusalem to see the Judean desert, visit Bifara - the place where Jesus was baptized in the waters of the Jordan, visit the Old City of Jerusalem, see the Way of the Cross, visit the Temple of the Holy Sepulcher and put a note asking to the Almighty in the Wailing Wall.
Travel to Egypt and Jordan
From Eilat, you can reach the border with Egypt in less than an hour by regular bus. But most often they organize tourist one- or two-day trips here. Departure from Eilat and border crossing take place at night, so that tourists can see the dawn on Mount Sinai.
During a day trip, travelers visit St. Catherine’s Monastery near Mount Sinai. During the inspection of the shrine, they will see the well of Moses, the Burning Cup, in the flame of which the Most High appeared to Moses, as well as the chapels of the Holy Spirit, John the Evangelist, John the Baptist. In total there are 12 chapels and the Transfiguration Basilica on the territory of the monastery.
On the second day of stay in Egypt, tourists can get acquainted with the sights of Cairo, visit the Khan al-Khalili bazaar, see the famous Egyptian pyramids and sphinx.
For those who arrived in Eilat in January, a trip to Jordan to the ancient city of Petra will be no less interesting. The tour is organized by a Bedouin guide. On the way, tourists are shown seven pillars of wisdom, after which they are brought to Petra, the capital of the ancient Nabatean kingdom. The city was cut down in the cliffs of the Edom mountains to protect it from the nomads who devastated the settlements of the ancient kingdom. Residential buildings, temples, a Roman amphitheater and tombs were cut down in the Red Rocks. In total, there are about 800 structures in Petra.
Excursion to Timna Park
Timna Natural Park is located 25 km from Eilat in the Arabian Desert . It covers an area of 60 square meters. km During the tour, the stunning natural phenomenon - the Solomon Pillars - opens up to the gaze of tourists. They formed as a result of sandstone erosion and acquired the most unusual forms. Here you can find a lying lion, an unusually shaped mushroom, arches, hanging stone. There are also ancient mines in which copper was mined. These are the so-called Mines of King Solomon. Recent studies in this area confirm the validity of biblical descriptions.
An exact copy of the Tabernacle was built on the territory of the park. The real Tabernacle was built for sacrifices by Moses during the campaign from Egypt to the Holy Land and was destroyed over time.
Observatory in Eilat
The main attraction of the city, which tourists who came to Eilat in January can meet, is the underwater observatory, built in 1975 on a coral reef. It is the first complex in which you can observe all the beauty of the underwater world. The exposition aquarium contains 360 cubic meters. meters of water, in which a large number of fish, stingrays, mollusks, turtles and other inhabitants of reefs live. In one huge aquarium live predatory and herbivorous fish of the most incredible color.
The pride of the observatory is the aquarium, which is inhabited by 22 sharks swimming in the waters of the Red Sea. The main attraction in the observatory is feeding sharks.
Other attractions in Eilat
Not far from the observatory is the beach "Dolphin Reef". Its territory is fenced, the entrance to the beach is paid. There are pontoons on the reefs from which you can observe dolphins or swim for an additional fee. Near Eilat there is a small piece of America's Texas Ranch. A feature film was shot on its territory, and when the shooting was over, turned it into an entertainment center.
Lovers of outdoor activities can take a trip to the mountains. Routes with different difficulty levels are available for both beginners and experienced climbers. January weather in Eilat does not interfere with horseback riding or camel riding. Pony rides are provided for children. For young people who come to Eilat in January, there are numerous bars and discos.