Where the Desert Meets the Red Sea
Eilat is Israel's southernmost city and a resort town at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, known for its coral reefs, desert scenery and sunshine through most of the year. Red-brown mountains rise straight behind the waterfront, and the bay below is clear and bright. The city is compact and easy to navigate, with a lively promenade, marina and a long line of resort hotels, and it is one of the most popular winter sun destinations for travellers from Israel and Europe.
The sea is the star. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve, with a shallow reef reachable from the shore, is a favourite for snorkelling, while the Coral World Underwater Observatory offers close views of the reef through glass. Divers find a wide range of fish and coral formations close to shore, and the Gulf of Aqaba is known for its clarity. Across the water, Jeddah and the wider Red Sea share the same marine world, giving the whole coastline its character.
Reefs, Desert Parks and Dolphin Days
Inland, the desert is close. Timna Park, a short drive north of the city, combines red sandstone formations such as the Mushroom and Solomon's Pillars with ancient copper-mining history and hiking trails, and the Red Canyon and the Eilat Mountains offer guided walks and jeep tours. The mixture of sea and desert in a single day is a real strength, and many guests spend the morning on the reef and the afternoon among the rock formations.
Family activities are plentiful. The Dolphin Reef offers a chance to see bottlenose dolphins in a protected bay, while the Eilat Bird Sanctuary and the seasonal bird migration over the region draw nature lovers. The hotel strip and promenade give a resort feel, and a hotel group can showcase the city as a year-round holiday option. Beyond Eilat, Tel Aviv offers a Mediterranean city contrast within a short flight.
Read the full Eilat guide on Visit Travel Group, or see Eilat.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.