Surely many have heard of Eilat. Where is this place located? What is famous? We will talk about this in this article. This is an amazing village, the length of the magnificent beaches of which reaches seven kilometers. The combination of impeccably clean coast, the surrounding mountains and the Negev desert makes your vacation at this resort unforgettable.
Eilat: where is this resort place located?
Today it is one of the most famous and most visited resorts in Israel. It is located in the south of the country, where the territory belonging to the state is a wedge in Aqaba - the bay of the Red Sea, which locals call Eilat. Here passes the conditional border between the Arabian and Sinai Peninsula. Here, the borders of three countries merge - Israel, Egypt and Jordan.
At the northern end of the bay, where Eilat is located, its width does not exceed five kilometers. By Israeli standards, the city is significantly removed from the rest of the country's settlements. The closest (190 km) is the city of Beersheba. The outskirts of Eilat in the east almost abut the border with Jordan. And if you imagine that it would be possible, despite the mountains, to move from the city to the west, then, having overcome only a few kilometers, you would find yourself in Egypt.
Mountains surround the city from the north and from the north-west, smoothly passing in the northeast into the desert. You can get to Eilat by bus, car or plane. By the way, the city has its own international airport. Its population does not exceed fifty thousand people.
Tourists are attracted by the amazing resort of Eilat. You already know where this settlement is located, and now we offer to learn a little about the history of its formation.
History of the city
Archaeological finds discovered in these places, which date back to the reign of King Solomon, testify to the venerable age of the city. This is confirmed by the world famous copper mines (mines of King Solomon), which are located next to the modern city.
During the period of Roman rule in Eilat was a Roman garrison. It should be noted that during all periods of its history the city was an important military-strategic object, which many states and peoples (Turks, Egyptians, Persians, Crusaders, Romans) sought to seize and take control of.
By 1948, when the independent state of Israel was officially proclaimed, Eilat was under the control of the Arabs and was a small military post. The city moved to Israel, where Eilat began to actively develop as a tourist center, in 1949.
A great place to relax with family or friends is modern Eilat. Where this wonderful place is located is known to many travelers from all over the world. Here you can not only have a great time enjoying the rays of the Israeli sun and basking in the warm Red Sea, but also visit many interesting places that are located both in the city itself and in its immediate vicinity.
Climate and weather
It is easy to guess about the weather conditions in the region, knowing where Eilat is located. The country is located in the dry climate zone, which is typical of deserts. Rains here are very rare: they fall no more than 8–9 days a year, and air humidity does not exceed 30%. In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35 ° C, but often the temperature rises to + 45 ° C. But such high temperatures in Israel are tolerated quite easily due to dry air and winds. Winter in the city is very warm and mild: the air temperature at this time does not drop below +20 ° C. Water in the summer is heated to +26 ° C, and in winter - to +22 ° C. Such weather conditions have turned the city into a year-round resort.
Where is it better to relax in Eilat?
A small town can be conditionally divided into two zones: Southern and Northern beaches. If you are interested in where to relax in Eilat, then you should understand which of the two coasts suits you best. Fans of a relaxing holiday or lovers of diving and snorkeling are advised to choose the South Beach. Here are the most beautiful reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba. There is also the “Coral Beach” (marine reserve) and the “Dolphin Reef”, where you will have the opportunity to swim with dolphins. The distance from the city center makes this beach a peaceful place, although many hotels in the area are located next to a busy highway with heavy traffic.
If you like more lively resorts, you should pay attention to the North Beach. In this area are concentrated many restaurants, shops, hotels. The beaches here are more crowded than on the south coast, but for many, especially for young people, this is more a plus than a minus. The north beach is an ideal place for hiking: it is here that a very beautiful promenade is located.
Sightseeing: Timna Park
Lovers of ancient history will enjoy visiting the Timna Park. Here are the famous cliffs, pillars of Solomon made of red sandstone. You can see the oldest known today copper mines, the age of which, according to researchers, is at least six thousand years.
Solomon's Pillars
One of the most popular and visited attractions of the city, located in the Timna Valley. Her age is in the millions of years. Pillars are landscape formations that appeared as a result of erosion of red hard sandstone. They are named after King Solomon. In these places the temple of the goddess Hathor was discovered , which was erected by the XIX and XX Egyptian dynasties.
According to legend, King Solomon, who built the first temple on this earth, by the command of God named two bronze columns at the entrance to the temple of Yakhin and Boaz. That is why the pillars were named after Solomon. Travelers have the opportunity to climb the ancient stone carvings on the preserved steps, and then go down to the parking lot.
King's city
The magnificent amusement park "City of the Kings" is able to interest not only children but also adults. Its theme is based on stories from the Bible. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to get into the fabulous atmosphere of the Middle East in antiquity - visit Egypt, visit the cave of illusions, be near the picturesque waterfalls of King Solomon.
In addition, you can watch a movie in 4D format with numerous special effects about the history of the country.
Dolphin reef
Many tourists are well aware of the location of Eilat in Israel. This resort is ideal for families. The Dolphin Reef Nature Reserve is located on the bay (western) and covers an area of about a hectare. Here visitors can watch the life of rare mammals. For this, special floating pontoon bridges are equipped. Everyone can even swim with the dolphins in the sea, using special equipment.
Red canyon
It is small in size: it is 150 meters long, about three meters wide, and 30 meters high. Despite this, travelers are impressed by the unusual shapes and color palette of cliffs of crimson sandstone. Tourists take truly unique photographs here. If you happen to visit Eilat, do not miss this attraction and do not forget to bring a camera with you.
Ice Palace
Knowing where the city of Eilat is located, you will be very surprised to visit this attraction: an amazing combination at first glance - the hot south of Israel and a small island of winter. But the organizers of tourism in Eilat are well aware of their job: the chance to feel such a contrast attracts many guests who are happy to go ice skating, visit a room with artificial snow.
Park Garden Fradkin
Fradkin Park is located in the city center. This is a picturesque place where not only tourists, but also locals like to walk. The park is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who gave their lives on the fronts of World War II. May 9, Victory Day, this monument annually hosts ceremonies.
Nightmare Fear Room
This is a large pavilion with an area of about one hundred and seventy square meters, which is divided into small halls and has the shape of a maze. Through it, visitors are invited to go. In almost complete darkness, following only a dim flashlight, guests overcome all obstacles.
This attraction is best visited in small groups, because from room to room the fear is growing. Often visitors cannot go all the way to the end and run out in horror in a few minutes.
Where to live?
Everyone who knows where Eilat is located in the Red Sea knows that there is no problem finding housing here. The city, whose budget mainly depends on the tourism business, has a well-developed network of hotels and hotels that are designed for guests with different income levels.
The largest number of positive reviews received in Eilat apartments Palm Paradise, which are located six kilometers from the marine park "Underwater Observatory." Here, all amenities are provided for tourists: a kitchen with an oven, a microwave, a coffee machine and a dishwasher.
Where to stay in Eilat for tourists coming to rest with pets? We recommend that you pay attention to the luxurious Erika Apartments, which are not only allowed, but also welcome pets.
Soleil Boutique Hotel will appeal to connoisseurs of vibrant design solutions. There is a terrace and lounge where you can take part in various cultural events.
Americana
On the northern shore of the Eilat Gulf is the renovated Hotel Amerikana next to luxury hotels, a hundred meters from the lagoon, next to the best sandy coast of Eilat. In a cozy hotel, guests can visit the pool (in the winter the water is heated), a gym, a bar, a sauna, a jacuzzi and a playroom for children - all this at no extra cost. The hotel has one hundred and forty rooms equipped with functional furniture and modern appliances. Fifty rooms have kitchens, forty-one suites have balconies with spectacular views.
"Aquamarine"
The hotel is located in the city center, a three-minute walk from the sea coast. 85 comfortable spacious rooms are offered for settlement, some of which have city views, others overlook the Gulf of Eilat. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, cable TV. The spacious rooms have a coffee corner (electric kettle, cups). Guests can use the outdoor swimming pool, the spacious lobby and use the private car park at any time.
Riviera Club
Located on the shores of the Red Sea in the northern hotel complex. Here families with children feel comfortable. This is a hotel with apartment type rooms. There is a swimming pool, the water in which is heated in the winter, a special pool for younger guests and, of course, access to the beach, which is a five-minute walk from the hotel.
Things to do in Eilat
There are a lot of entertainments in Eilat. For example, a trip to the Camel Ranch is very popular among tourists, where you can ride a camel and relax in a real Bedouin tent. While relaxing in Eilat, be sure to visit the Underwater Observatory Park, in which, having sank to a depth of about six meters, you can observe the life of the inhabitants of the Red Sea.
In Eilat, there are many diving centers that offer interesting diving, including the inspection of coastal reefs. Fans of nightlife can visit discotheques in hotels or in city pubs, for example, in Three Monkeys. The city has many restaurants and cafes, from the windows of which the coast and the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba looks especially impressive.
Shopping lovers will not be bored in the city. There are several large shopping centers in which there are no taxes on purchases. The most famous of them is “Mul Khayyam”.
Tourists reviews
We presented you the wonderful Israeli town of Eilat. Where this resort place is located, you already know. It remains to find out what impression he made on vacationers.
Everyone who has already visited Eilat believes that this is a great place for a relaxing family vacation. There are many attractions that will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children. In addition, beach lovers will have a great time on the Red Sea.