Official language: Hebrew, Arabic
Time zone: UTC+3
(summer),
UTC+2
(winter)
Currency: Israeli new shekel (ILS)
Unusual, green-blue malachite is mined in the mountains of Eilat. It is used to make jewellery, which is one of the most important souvenir one can bring back from holidays in that city.
Narrow cracks between red rocks, through which light gets in – seems like a perfect place for a fancy walk. Vast part of the route is paced on ladders made of rope.
Temperatures over 40 Celsius degrees are nothing extraordinary in Eilat during summertime. The best way to cool down is to have ice-creams. The best ones, home-made, are in Paulina Ice Creamy. You can have a sit there with a view for marina.
Astonishing nature, hot days spent carelessly on the beach and delicious food – no wonder that Eilat is considered to be one of the best cities for spending holidays.
We know that the area of today’s Eilat was inhabited as early as in the 8th century BC. The first references to the city appears in the Bible. Formerly a port city, nowadays it is very popular among tourists seaside resort, that mix vibes of Europe, Africa and Asia.
Eilat’s beaches are divided in two parts. In the northern one, close to hotel complexes, you can find the best conditions to dive and do water sports under the surveillance of life-guards. Whereas the southern part of the beach is taken over by young people having fun in seaside bars and night clubs.
Thing that distinguish Eilat’s beach among other beaches is the Dolphin Reef. Despite having free access to the open sea, dolphins and sealions developed a liking to this area in the Gulf of Aqaba. The pod isn’t shy, you can easily swim with them and have fun in the sea. If you are still hungry for attractions, there is an underwater observatory nearby. The natural water park can be admired after descending 6 metres under water level.
August it the most interesting month to visit Eilat for jazz fans, as there is the Red Sea Jazz Festival taking place, during which top modern jazz artists perform on the stage located on the beach. Whereas in January there is Classical Music Festival, and in May – the International Film Festival.
If you get hungry on the beach, go to eatery Mosh Beach. Tables there are situated on sand under the cover of wooden roofs. Dishes are simple, but well-put together – a plate of fruits, scrambled eggs, grilled vegetables or ice-creams in pineapples. In the mornings there are often yoga classes conducted there.
For dinner visit Achla Eiliat, where kosher, grilled dishes are served. The restaurant is popular among tourists and locals alike. Perfect falafels and shawarmas you will find in Falafel Halev Harahav, a low-profile eatery by Hatmarim street, where it is always crowdy. In Fish Market you will get the best fish and seafood dishes.