A perfect combination of desert & sea invites a lot of adventures and pure fun.
Let the southest city in Israel amuse you
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Many people love Eilat because it feels a little exterritorial. Hundreds of kilometers away from any other Israeli city, in a desert area scarcely populated, at the Israeli “land’s end” – there, between primeval mountains and pristine waters, lies a sparkling gem, almost fata morgana: a thriving resort city where the sun always shines. And it’s not only weather rules that don’t apply here. None of the hustle and bustle of “mainland” Israel infiltrates this bubble of pleasure. It almost seems as if the desert surroundings muffle all the noises, leaving only fun and games and a laid-back atmosphere that has but one command for every resident or visitor: relax.
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Good morning
Relaxing doesn’t mean you have to stay put. That’s an option too, but only one of many. In fact, lots of people prefer to relax through action – and Eilat has got plenty of action to offer.
The trek up Har Shlomo (Solomon mountain, marked path accessible from road number 12) is definitely the most challenging in the region called Eilat Mountains. It’s steep all the way up, steep all the way down and steep in the middle. But boy, what a middle! When you’re up on the top, the whole world is at your feet: three states converging into one focal point, stunning views of land and sea that know no boundaries.
It may seem beyond reach when you’re up there, but the truth is that the two other states in this triangle – Jordan and Egypt – are a day-trip away from your Eilat hotel, so you can take the chance not only to admire their wonders from afar, but actually to visit them. Excursion buses leave Eilat regularly for the legendary Nabatean ancient capital of Petra, inJordan, and for the impressive Saint Catherine Monastery amidst the high peaks of southern Sinai peninsula. Awesome destinations, and what’s even cooler: no need to pack, or find a new place to stay in. Eilat remains your convenient base camp, and your cozy bed and bath await your return from the exotic explorations.
Mind you, it’s not always necessary to cross borders in order to experience new things, and weather rules are not the only ones abolished in Eilat. Other rules that don’t really apply here are the rules of gravity. Eilat poses no limits for the extreme addicts: wanna wind surf? Fine. Kite surf? No problem. Parasail? Go for it, sis. Skydive? Got it, bro. It’s all one phone call away. Make a reservation with one of the many agencies in town and get going.
Lunch
It’s quite simple: carnivores, go to Pedro (38 Yeelim avenue). Asiatic food lovers, Ginger (3 Yotam street) will take good care of you. Vegetarians? Rachel Rest-café awaits you at 2 Yotam street. Vegans? Try Café Optimi (Pninat Eilat, near the mall). Anybody still hungry?
Afternoon and Evening
We haven’t touched on underwater action yet, and unsurprisingly – Eilat is a diver’s paradise in more than one way. Beginners, or those who seek reassurance and animal-human contacts, can dive with dolphins in the fabulous Dolphin Reef – which is also a great place to just sit and relax in, and watch everything go pink at sunset time. The adjacent beach is a secluded haven, and the beach bar will supply whatever humble culinary needs you have for a laid-back afternoon. If you’re a more experienced diver, or wish to become one, Eilat’s diving schools are the perfect place to fulfill your marine goals and dreams.
The global trend of escape rooms did not go unnoticed in Eilat. The Titanic escape room (Herods hotel, suitable for English speakers) will take you back to the fatal night of April 15th, 1912. The Titanic just hit the iceberg. Think you can get out on time?
You’d better, because the evening is still young and there are plenty more things to do in town. If you haven’t had your share of horrors for one day, try Nightmare (1 Yotam street). This is not for soft-hearted people! Believe the few who survived the whole maze.
Dinner and drinks
Now one thing is sure: after the fear dissipates, hunger – and thirst… – will kick in. if you hadn’t had a meaty lunch, maybe you you’d like to drop by Casa Do Brasil (3 Hativat Golani street) for a South-American style grill dinner. Those with a more exquisite taste and a soft spot for local young chefs would probably feel better in Leviathan (North beach, Herods hotel), a unique phenomenon in Eilat’s rather standard fare, and – according to critics – one that is worth a special visit.
Something to drink? Yesss! Soof Brewery (2 Haorgim street) serves quality beer manufactured on the premises, Mike’s place (1 Hayam street) offers live music and traditional pub snacks, and Bears Pub (1 Yotam street) calls itself “the merriest place in town” and invites you to a spontaneous dance party every evening. Difficult to choose? There are many more…
