Eilat

Places of Interest - Israël

introduction

Eilat lies at the outer southern-point of Israel on a spur of the Red Sea. The Egyptian Taba and Aqaba in Jordan are a stone's throw away. Eilat is a typical resort town where national and international tourists mainly come to enjoy the sun, sea and beach. Where in the winter it is just above 20 degrees, it can be above 40 degrees in the summer.

Eilat is a popular seaside resort, including among sport divers, water skiers, swimmers and surfers. The Red Sea coral reef, which is located at Eilat, among other places, is the northernmost of the world. Many dolphins also swim around in the sea at Eilat. Besides the beach, pool and sea you can also enjoy the surrounding mountains and valleys.

highlights

Eilat sights:

The most popular landmark in Eilat is probably the underwater complex that is located about 5 km south of the center on the Red Sea. Between Eilat and this complex lies the dolphin reef where you can experience a number of dolphins in their natural environment in an observation room. The Coral Reef nature park is located near the aquarium.

In Eilat itself you can of course enjoy the lagoon, the beach, the sea and the sun, numerous restaurants, cafes and (souvenir) shops. You can also go to the theme park King's city or to Ice Space, a sculpture park with, among other things, polar bears and penguins carved out of ice. From the beach you can undertake numerous activities such as scuba diving, water skiing, snorkeling and boat trips on the Red Sea.

Finally you can make a tour to the Timna national park where you can admire Solomon's pillars. You can go to the nearby Negev desert but also the Sinai (Egypt) and Petra or Aqaba (both Jordan) are not far. Most (internatinoal) tourists give the preference after a tour through Israel to relax a few days at this resort-town.

history

The city is already mentioned in the Bible, where the Jews crossed the Red Sea. King Solomon would have formed a fleet about three thousand years ago in Etsion Geber, close to this city of Eilat, which, among other things, exported to Ophir for gold. He would also have received the Queen of Sheba here.

This ancient city of Eilat, however, probably lay on the spot where the present Aqaba is located. In Roman and Byzantine times it was an important place for the defense of the southern part of the empire. During the Middle Ages, the city was important for Muslims who were passing through to Mecca during the hajj. The Romans, among others, built a road between Eilat and Petra in Jordan.

Eilat then declined a bit since the Ottomans used Aqaba as an important port. It was no more than a police station when the Israelites founded the modern Eilat in 1949. They made it a popular resort town that attracted many tourists. In 1985, in order to stimulate the economy of the city, a free trade zone was created, making taxis, hotels, etc. much cheaper than elsewhere in Israel. The city remained free from terrorist attacks until January 29, 2007 when a Palestinian suicide attack took place with four deaths as a result.

tips & advice (2004)

The small national airport is located in the centre of the city; the slightly larger international airport - where many charters land - is located 67 km north of Eilat. The central bus station is also in the center of Eilat on the Hativat Hanegev avenue.

Eilat - Tel Aviv: buses 394 or 395 go to Tel Aviv every hour between 05:00 and 22:00. Also at night there is a bus at 01:00. Price is 70 NIS and you take about 5 hours.

Name: Corinne hostel

Address: 127 Retamim street

Price: 50 NIS (dormitory), 100 NIS (single)

Phone nr. : 637 1472

Content:

Located on the northwest side of the city center, this is Eilat's oldest hostel. That is not to say that it is too old because there is a wonderful authentic hostel-travel atmosphere and so also looks nice with small wooden bungalows in the backyard.

It is a stone's throw from the bus station and the Egyptian consulate and the beach is within walking distance. Finally, there is a shared kitchen and space where you can meet other travelers.