Eilat
Copyright: Oleg Zaslavsky/Shutterstock.comEilat
Although Eilat existed already in ancient times, the modern town dates back to 1949. It is Israel’s premier winter sun resort and the heart of the Red Sea Riviera. Thrilling landscapes of red-tinted mountains, sheer blue skies, and crystal clear waters give an exhilarating sense of adventure, pleasure and freedom, with a myriad of things to do and see.The City
Eilat, Israel's gateway to the Red Sea, is a stunning city at the southern tip of the country, attracting tourists from around the world. This unique destination offers a wide variety of cultural and sports activities, with its location beautifully framed by water to the south and desert to the north. Along the coast, you'll find great beaches and a charming harbour area, where on clear days, you can see as far as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.Do & See
The warm and dry desert climate, the beautiful Red Sea and the amazing mountains make Eliat the perfect holiday escape. The city offers amazing beaches and a great variety of attractions and activities to both youngsters and families—everything from cruising and diving to amusement parks and hiking in the desert. Desert excursions and sea diving are major attractions in Eliat.
Dining
With high-quality restaurants along a seafront promenade, Eilat occupies a dramatic setting on the sandy north shore of the Gulf of Akaba and the sun-baked southern tip of the Negev Desert.
Cafés
The small town centre, with a central boulevard leading to the sea, has malls and budget eateries. The main hotel and entertainment district is North Beach, with an attractive waterside promenade running from the town centre to a marina and lagoons, linking most of the tourist amenities.
Bars & Nightlife
After dark, the North Beach promenade and the lagoon come alive with crowds. The focus is more on enjoying the food, atmosphere, and quality entertainment than on drinking. Large hotels feature plush lounge bars offering folklore shows, glitzy cabarets, or live music. While many also have discos, those seeking a more vibrant late-night scene with a younger crowd should head to the beach bars and the New Tourist Center in town.
Shopping
Along the North Beach promenade, stalls offer cheap fashions and hippy-style crafts, beachwear and souvenirs. Note that no VAT or sales tax (normally 18 per cent) is charged in Eilat. For better quality items, with genuine brand names, head to the eastern end of the promenade beyond the north lagoon.