Hostels in EILAT, ISRAEL

Eilat – Israel’s Rich Geological Variety

Eilat, located on Israel’s southernmost tip along the Red Sea is a popular resort town known for its variety of geological features in the form of shoreline, mountains, deserts and waters, all at once making it one of Israel’s best vacation destinations.

History
Eilat’s history goes back to the 7th millennium B.C when it served as a commercial centre and port city governed by Egypt. This reputation continued during the Roman as well as Ummayad period (900 A.D). After Israel’s independence in 1948, Eilat served as an important communications, trade and commerce centre for Israel as most of its neighbouring countries decided to be hostile with Israel.

Popular Places and Attractions
The Gulf of Red Sea is Eilat’s biggest attraction with its spectacular underwater offerings in the form of coral reefs, fishes and a wide range of aquatic wildlife. Also, Eilat is a major bird-watching centre and serves as the headquarters for International Bird-watching Centre as over 1 billion birds supposedly migrate over this area twice every year. The Coral Water Underwater Observatory located 15 feet below the sea’s surface offers an entertaining view of underwater sea life and reefs. Its large aquarium, shark tank, simulation rides, museum, photographic studio and observation tower are also pretty interesting. The palm-fringed beach of Dolphin Reef is popular for allowing visitors to dive and swim with dolphins.

Some other popular attractions in the city are the Coral Beach Reserve, Mt. Sinai, Santa Katerina, King’s City theme park for its lakes plus man-made caves, Marina for its yacht berths, Hai-Bar Yotvata endangered species nature reserve, What’s Up Astronomical Observatory and Timna Valley Park which has some of the world’ oldest Egyptian temples, rock art, pillars (erected by King Solomon), pit mines and copper mines. Its most striking site is called “The Mushroom”.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis, rented cars, motorcycles and walking are the various means of transportation available to help visitors guide their way in and around the town of Eilat. 

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, bars, theatres, cafes, pubs, nightclubs and shopping centres are the usual places for entertainment in Eilat. The Rafsoda entertainment complex is the city’s fun junction. Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides can be taken up in the Red Sea for exploring the beautiful coral reef formations. Freefall parachuting, camel riding and scuba-diving are also available in Eilat. Also, the underwater Submarine Safari can be taken up for exploring waters as deep as 200 feet. Rappelling, mountain biking and hiking are few adventurous activities for the mountains in Eilat’s desert. The January Classical Music Festival and August Jazz Festival are important city events during the year.

Accommodation
Plenty of luxurious hotels, inns as well as s,youth hostel B&B’s (bed and breakfast), budget hotels and guesthouses are available in Eilat for fulfilling tourist accommodation requirements.

Currency
The New Shekel (ILS) is Israel’s official currency. News regarding the latest exchange rates can be found in various news publications as well as Internet so that currency can be exchanged in authorized banks, hotels and bureau de change. Most of the major credit cards as well as traveller’s cheques are accepted, preferably in U.S Dollars.

Group Accommodation in Eilat | Youth hostels & discount hotels