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Eilat
 Eilat is located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, which is the eastern sleeve of the Red Sea (the western leading to the Suez Canal). Eilat is named after the Biblical Elath, which now corresponds to modern neighbouring Aqaba. Eilat's weather is very hot and dry due to its proximity to the Negev, Sinai, Arabian and Sahara deserts. Temperatures in the summer are often in excess of 40°C, and in winter of 22°C, both very high even for the relatively hot Israel. However, the relatively cool (22°C-25°C) and clean waters of the Red Sea, which are the habitat of a large number of tropical marine species, and the exotic beauty of the landscape surrounding the city make it a favorite tourist attraction.
7,000Years Ago: Archaeological sites in the Eilat region indicate scattered agricultural settlements, with intensive copper mining activity in Timna, north of Eilat.
3,000 years ago, the fleets of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon sailed through the Red Sea trade routes connecting Jerusalem & Africa.
For thousands of years control remained mainly in the hands of nomadic warlords, camel-caravan traders & smugglers interspersed with desert empires such as the Nabateans.
In 1916 Lawrence of Arabia, leading a camel-mounted Bedouin force, marched on the Turkish fortress city of Aqaba, capturing it and bringing the whole area under British Control.
For Israelis, one of the nicest things about shopping in Eilat is the fact that there is no 17% VAT (Value Added Tax). Consequently cosmetics, shoes, clothing are good buys as they are cheaper than in other cities in Israel.
International Airport duty-free prices are probably cheaper but Eilat's stores do have an impressive collection of local & international brand names — and the prices are really quite competitive.
For visiting overseas tourists, we can help you book Hotels in Eilat - there is a huge choice of Hotels, all offering the amenities to make an unforgetable vacation.
We can offer hotels not only in Eilat, but all over Israel. Check out all our Hotels in Israel .
Some of the main Sites to visit:
 Mall Hayam Shopping Center - is near the main beachfront but don't miss some of the other less popular centers in town where there are often excellent shops offering great value at bargain prices.
 The Underwater Observatory -A marine underwater observatory and nature museum exhibiting the rich corals and colorful fish of the Red Sea. Shark and sea turtles swim in large open-air custom built tanks.
There are above water and underwater observation towers to view the reefs, also a large aquarium with panoramic windows and a shark tank, or explore the coral reefs and marine life by the Yellow Submarine.
 Dolphin Reef - is a magical palm-fringed beach whose azure waters are home to a delightful natural treasure, a school of Dolphins.
The Reef's bottle-nosed dolphins live as a homogenous group including a number of babies born and living at the reef. The Dolphins are not captive and live quite naturally at the reef in an area of some 10,000 square meters by 18 meters deep. They have free access to the open sea at all times and they often venture out from the reef, staying away for as long as they wish.
The fact that they return is testament to the good-natured friendship that exists between the dolphins, visitors and staff at the reef.
 Rafsoda - is a new entertainment complex situated just east of the Marina entrance with stunning views from the upper deck of the Gulf of Aqaba, the beach, Eilat and the red mountains of Edom. Rafsoda hosts numerous restaurants — a Fish & Sea Food Restaurant, a Mediterranean Grill Bar, Italian and Thai restaurants, an expresso bar, wine cellar and pub. In addition to the attractive suspended & netted sundecks there are swimming and snorkeling facilities. At night there is live international & Israeli music, dancing and dinner shows. Open from 10:00 am till well after midnight, Rafsoda provides fun for all.
Princess Beach - is a peaceful stretch of southern coast near the Egyptian border. Princess beach has an attractive bathing pier that also serves as a docking jetty for sea cruises. This quiet beach is also good for snorkeling & diving.
Village Beach - is a popular meeting place .There's a great cafe-restaurant often with live music and night or day this is a fun place to be. In addition Village Beach has good diving and bathing facilities.
Coral Beach Reserve - is home to one of Eilat’s most popular diving reefs. It is also a friendly family oriented beach. The Coral Reserve Beach is the world's northernmost coral reef, a magical multicolored coral garden with amazing Red Sea Fish and Aquatic Life.
The Syrian African Rift Valley - is a landscape of contrasts with exposed multicolored rock formations and strata, a striking testimony to the area's unique geological history. On either side of the flat Arrive rift valley floor are steep red mountains and canyons. The area north of Eilat can best be typified as a Savanna type desert with sparse thorny Acacia trees and shrubs and a surprisingly rich natural life of indigenous gazelles & antelopes.
Bird watching - Eilat is famous for its magnificent coral reefs but it is also the best place for watching birds. Connecting between three continents; Africa, Asia and Europe, Eilat is the principle migration route for millions of birds. In the spring, more than a million birds of prey of 30 species take advantage of rising warm air above the Eilat Mountains. For many, Eilat is a refueling stop on their hazardous journey.
 Israel Bird watching Center- is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bird conservation, research and education in Eilat and the area. The IBCE's annual spring festival is held in late March and is attended by birdwatchers from around the world. Birding trips are organized year round to nearby birding hotspots, so that participants see a maximum number of local and migrant species in the shortest period of time.
Annual Festivals
Jazz Festival - August: The Red Sea Jazz Festival is a 4 days event that attracts the best international jazz stars as well as local talent. The concerts are held outdoors under the beautiful Red Sea sky. After the performances late-night jam sessions often take place in Eilat's hotels.
Classical Music Festival - January: Because of the excellence of visiting musicians and conductors, this festival has grown in popularity attracting many from Israel and abroad.
Timna Valley - is located between the Dead Sea and Eilat and offers a truly amazing combination of the geological wonders of nature alongside man made creations.
 Ancient Arches and Mines - The arches were formed by natural erosion of the sandstone. The copper mines were active from the fourth millennium until the end of the 12th century. The furnace along with the entire mine network and camps are the earliest yet discovered anywhere in the world.
The Mushroom - is Timna’s best-known landmark it is red sandstone formed by erosion into a trunk and topped by a dome.
Solomon’s Pillars and the Temple of the Goddess Hathor - The huge Solomon’s pillars were formed naturally out of the sandstone. From the top of the pillars is a panoramic view of the valley. The Temple of the Goddess Hathor was built in the 14th Century during the reign of Pharaoh Seti I. Inside the temple was an altar, where thousands of containers were found, these probably held sacrifices to the goddess to increase production at the mines. Above the temple an Egyptian rock painting was found portraying Ramses III presenting an offering to the Goddess Hathor.
Eilat Mountains - the dramatic colours of the mountains are legendary. Over many millions of years, nature and geology have combined to produce a dazzling display of black, red yellow and golden brown. The extraordinary rocks were formed by underground forces into a unique sight.
Shani Gorge (Red Canyon) - you can’t help but notice the red rocks and a large one in the middle of the Shani River giving you a hint of what awaits you further on. Red sandstone carved out into a deep narrow ravine. The rich colours of the sandstone are caused by the fusion of quart particles carried from far away in shifting sands with oxidized iron.
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Police - 100
Magen David - First Aid 101
Fire Department - 102
Electric Company Hotline - 103
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