Visitors to Israel, vacationing on the coast of Eilat, can enjoy not only beach, but also educational tourism. The city has many unusual attractions with their own history and special flavor. If you know what to see in Eilat, then you will spend your vacation profitably.
Holiday season in Eilat
Fashionable resorts of the city invite tourists all year round. There are several reasons for this:
- Favorable climatic conditions;
- The presence of the nearby warm Red Sea;
- Developed infrastructure;
- Affordable prices in low season.
In the period from late August to December, the air temperature is above zero, and the sea warms up to + 22-25 degrees. Closer to winter, the number of tourists decreases, but some of them, on the contrary, come in order to save money on the trip. In the spring, a new influx of vacationers begins, as it begins to warm up significantly. In summer, Eilat has dry, hot weather, which is not suitable for everyone.
TOP 15 interesting places in Eilat
Timna Valley
This unique place is located 20 kilometers from the city and is protected by the state. The desert area of 60 square meters is famous for the fact that archaeological objects of the Neolithic era were found on its territory. Experts believe that the finds are more than 6,000 years old.
Today the valley is recognized as a nature reserve, where you can come with a guide. Rocks of bizarre shapes rise in the center of Timna. For millennia, stone formations have been sharpened by water and winds. The color of the rocks can vary from green to yellow, and this phenomenon depends on the minerals they contain.
Underwater Observatory
The attraction is considered the hallmark of Eilat and attracts hundreds of tourists every year. The observatory became available to a wide audience in 1975, after which it was expanded and improved. The project is made in such a way that the upper part of the building looks out of the water for several meters, and the lower one is intended for exhibition pavilions.
Visitors are invited to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the underwater world, dine at a cafe overlooking the sea and climb to the observation deck. In addition, there is a souvenir shop on the ground floor of the observatory where you can buy gifts for family and friends.
Camel ranch
Just 8 kilometers from the central part of the city, there is a ranch, where more than 200 individuals of camels, horses and donkeys live permanently. The ranch was opened in 1987 and still attracts visitors. Admission is absolutely free for everyone, and you can ride animals at a reasonable cost. You choose the route and duration of the trip yourself. In the evening, travelers stop for dinner in a Bedouin tent.
After horseback riding, tourists often spend time in the landscaped recreation area and buy fresh produce from the market near the ranch.
Botanical Garden
Nature lovers should visit this place located on the northern border of Eilat. The garden was designed by the best landscape designers, who as a result created a magnificent oasis in the middle of the desert.
The garden is divided thematically according to the different types of plants. The collection is represented by rare species of flowers, shrubs and trees collected from all over the world. A master class on plant breeding is held for visitors.
In their free time from excursions, tourists stroll through the garden, admire the picturesque landscapes and relax in a calm atmosphere.
Dolphin reef
In 1990, the authorities of Eilat decided to fence off a 13,800 square meter part of the marine area and create a natural habitat for dolphins in this place. So dolphins appeared in the city, where two dolphins from the Black Sea were brought. Subsequently, mammals gave birth to offspring, and today their number has increased to 8 individuals.
A special program has been developed for visitors, including the opportunity to swim with dolphins, take breathtaking photos and swim in the pools. It is also worth bringing a mask, snorkel and goggles to see the coral reefs with your own eyes.
City of kings
A modern landmark, which is a single interactive entertainment complex. Both adults and children strive to get here. The park is designed according to the latest technology and is equipped with areas with crooked mirrors, cinemas, labyrinths, and decorations.
On their way, visitors meet fairy-tale heroes (robots) and obstacles, overcoming which they descend by boat from the waterfall. The most courageous visitors are presented with incentive prizes by the staff of the park.
Hai Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve
There is a vast territory 32 kilometers from Eilat, divided into large zones. The reserve was established in 1970 with the aim of breeding and preserving the inhabitants of the desert. All areas are equipped in such a way that the animals are as comfortable as possible.
Visitors to Hai Bar Yotvat travel from one area to another in cars with closed windows. In addition, the excursion includes a visit to the "dark room", from where you can observe the life of animals at night. Additionally, the staff of the reserve acquaints tourists with the peculiarities of the flora and fauna of the Arava Desert.
Park Top 94
The place will appeal to those who appreciate active recreation. The park is located in the central part of Eilat and covers an area of about 4000 square meters. Sports equipment in all areas is safe and meets international standards.
The park has several sports areas, including a shooting range, a climbing wall for climbers, go-karting, bouldering, and a cable car route. A separate place is reserved for a cafe and free parking.
In the southern part of the park, a museum was built, which contains a rich collection of weapons dating back to the First World War.
Musical fountains
Another popular attraction in Eilat is the group of fountains in front of the airport. The object was designed by European designers and today it occupies a worthy place in the architectural appearance of the city.
The fountains are lined up in several rows, from which 340 water jets are knocked out. All rows are equipped with color LEDs for an amazing light effect. Hundreds of people come to admire the colorful show on weekends. In this case, you do not need to purchase a ticket, since the entrance is absolutely free.
Ornithological center
The geographical location of Eilat is such that birds migrating to warm regions for wintering stop there twice a year. For birds in 1993, at the entrance to the city, a center was built, engaged in breeding rare species of birds. Later, a scientific laboratory was opened on the basis of the center, where scientists develop and then implement programs aimed at preserving birds in their natural environment.
Visitors to the center can easily navigate the vast territory thanks to the posters with route descriptions installed on it. The choice of tourists is offered a walk in the picturesque park or bird watching from the gazebos.
Coral beaches
Most visitors prefer to relax on the comfortable beaches of the northern coast. However, in the west of the coastal zone, there are “wild” beaches, which are definitely worth visiting.
Firstly, this is a great opportunity to see Eilat from the other side and take a trip to the rich underwater world. Secondly, most of the beaches are classified as environmentally friendly, since their water area is 80% occupied by coral reefs.
For tourists, rules have been developed, for violation of which you will have to pay an impressive fine. The main condition for visiting the beaches is respect for the inhabitants of the reefs. For convenience, there are parking lots and a tent camp near the beaches.
Ice Palace
Despite the warm weather, you can always plunge into the winter atmosphere by visiting the skating rink in the central mall. Two floors of the store are filled with clothing departments from the world's deliriums, cafeterias and beauty salons.
On the ground floor, there is a large skating rink with a rental point, where you will be consulted on any question that may arise. For a very reasonable price, you will be given a pair of skates and a subscription to the skating rink.
On holidays, demonstration performances are held on the ice arena, in which the best creative teams of the city take part.
Red canyon
In the vicinity of Eilat there is an ancient canyon, formed centuries ago from the bed of a dried-up river. For many years, the water washed out in the sandstone bizarre winding forms that outwardly resemble an unearthly landscape.
The walk along the canyon begins on a flat surface, but over time the route becomes more difficult. For safety reasons, ladders and handholds have been cut through the rock throughout the entire journey. As you descend below, you will see how chunks of sandstone are replaced by yellow-golden granite, shimmering in the sun. The depth of the canyon is 30 meters, after passing which you will come to the plateau, from where an amazing view opens up.
Temple of Hathor
Thousands of years ago, Eilat was the most important Egyptian settlement, traces of which have survived to this day. First of all, it is an iconic temple located in Timna Park.
According to historical information, the construction of the grandiose structure began in the 13th century BC. The building was intended for sacrifices to the gods of ancient Egypt. As evidence of this, carved frescoes depicting pharaohs worshiping deities have been preserved on the walls of the temple.
Fortress Masada
In 73 AD, a large-scale fortress was erected on the cliff, designed to protect the borders of Eilat. Over time, the territory around the fortress expanded due to additional buildings in the form of palaces and utility rooms.
Today, tourists are especially interested in the northern palace, which has a three-level structure, as it is located on the rocks. Inside the palace there are ceremonies, bedrooms, rooms for guards, etc. Open terraces overlooking a steep cliff deserve special attention. This was one of the advantages of the northern palace and protected it from enemy attacks.
