Nine months have passed since October 7th and we are far from done. Even if you don’t live in the south or the north, there is no doubt that the war is still affecting our daily lives. It has also changed the world order in everything that has to do with how we plan and spend our holidays this summer. While last year millions of people were going abroad through the airports at this time, this year it is only tens of thousands. And it is true that it seems like all of Israel is now in Cyprus and Greece, this year more Israelis are choosing to stay close to home and support local businesses.
The natural option for Israelis looking for a vacation in Israel is of course Eilat
After most evacuees left the hotels in the southern resort, they now appear to be filled with families of holidaymakers. Prices have risen, of course, as has demand.
For those who want to come to Eilat at this time of year without breaking the bank, there are other accommodation options in the city – from tents, to glamping, to guest apartments. The latter option has been perfected and developed in recent years and is very suitable for families with children who want to enjoy everything the city has to offer at reasonable prices.
One of the options in the field of holiday apartments is Almogim Complex – a building complex located in the heart of the city, a 5-minute drive from the lively promenade and beautiful beaches. The complex offers a harmonious combination of space and privacy, along with a variety of services that you are used to receiving in hotels, all at a more attractive price.
The complex is built in such a way that it has a central building with a lobby, a small supermarket, a restaurant and a gym. Next to it is a swimming pool with a cocktail bar. Around the central building are buildings, where there are furnished apartments and suites. The apartments have well-equipped kitchens, including dishes and espresso machines, they also have TV screens, wireless internet and spacious bathrooms.
The rooms, most of which have been renovated, are spacious and inviting, with an emphasis on modern and modular design for maximum comfort.
Another advantage is the variety of room types, such as: a gallery apartment suitable for a couple with three children, or a two-room apartment suitable for two couples with two children or a large family, apartments with connecting doors, penthouses, garden apartments for families and even a romantic B&B.
No hotels required. ”Corals” (Photo: MEITAL SHARABI)
Furthermore, unlike some hotels in the city, there is free parking at each building, which is especially important since the complex is not located near the tourist centres and one has to move the car to reach the attractions.
As mentioned, one of the reasons to choose holiday apartments over a hotel is the price. And although the prices vary depending on the capacity and the season, the prices are still reasonable. For example, in the test we did (via Booking), a studio apartment with balcony suitable for a couple plus a child at “Aalmogam Holiday Apartments”, for two nights on a weekend in July, costs about NIS 2,400. Without a doubt a low price, by Eilat standards in the summer.
For more information: https://almogimsuiteseilat.co.il
And if you come to Eilat during this period, you will quickly realize that the only way to survive the heat is on the beach or in the pool. If you still want to move a little, there are a number of attractions that you will never get tired of.
From the wonders of the dolphin reef
As the sun shines over the clear waters of Eilat, a hidden gem awaits nature lovers and adventurers alike – Dolphin Reef. This marine paradise, located on the southernmost tip of Israel, offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Across a beautiful stretch of beach, at Dolphin Reef, you can get up close to a few dolphins who occasionally come to the floating observatory by the beach, and the divers who do an introductory dive with them. The staff at Dolphin Reef prioritize the welfare and protection of the dolphins, so you won’t see any acrobatic stunts here. They ensure that they can live their lives peacefully and with minimal disturbance.
Snorkeling briefing (photo: MEITAL SHARABI)
In addition to dolphin watching, snorkelers can also see exotic fish and other marine life here. Furthermore, for those who choose to come here to recharge their batteries, the quiet beach restaurant and the beach itself provide the perfect setting to relax after a day of wandering around the city.
Entrance fee: adult – NIS 69, child (3-15 years) – NIS 48.
The secrets of the depths in the underwater observatory
Every sea lover visiting Eilat should visit the Underwater Observatory at least once to understand what lies beneath the surface. A marvel of marine conservation and education, this iconic attraction invites every visitor – big or small – to explore the wonders of the underwater kingdom.
The underwater observatory, located on the edge of the Red Sea beach, invites guests to see marine life in its natural habitat from a touching distance without getting wet. From colorful coral reefs to schools of exotic fish, every view through the windows of the unique observatory found only in Israel. The observatory offers a panoramic view of life beneath the waves.
The underwater observatory (photo: MEITAL SHARABI)
In addition to the observatory that rises above sea level, the park is divided into several areas – some outdoors and some indoors. Outside you will find shallow pools with local fish, large turtle pools and a playground for children. In the enclosed areas you will find, among other things, the “Aqua Dome” – a cinema where you can watch a 3D film about the life of whales. Nearby is the “Shark World” – a structure where you can see the most intriguing animal in nature, watch it being fed by a diver and learn about the life of sharks up close.
Prices: entrance to the observatory and “Aqua Dome” – NIS 125 for an adult, NIS 105 for a child.
The glass ships “Israel Sea”
Sailing is one of the favorite activities of families, and besides a light breeze and beautiful views of the coastline, there are those who offer more than that. One of the attractions that can be suitable for families with small children is sailing in glass boats, which allow you to catch a glimpse of life under the water surface. The cruise, which usually lasts about two hours, can be ideal for those who want to see fish, but do not like snorkeling.
The ships are large and contain four air-conditioned halls on three floors. The ship also has two glass domes, adaptations for accessibility needs, background music and explanations from the ship’s captain. The cruise goes through the border lookout, the fish and coral reserve, the dolphin reef, the port of Eilat and the navy.
Prices: NIS 45 per child, NIS 60 per adult.
Open every day of the week, by appointment – 050-5310090, 08-6332325.
The Promenade of Light (photo: Maariv Online)
Light up the promenade
And if you have already exhausted all the attractions and are walking along the promenade in the evening, you should know that in the area of the marina, 15 colorful and beautiful light installations have recently been installed. The installations were designed by international light artists Anat and Zion Farage and produced by MK Illumination.
Made from recycled aluminum and equipped with energy-saving green LED lighting, the sculptures can withstand even the extreme heat of the southern city.
Among the sculptures you will find blue dolphins, photo booths in the shape of hearts, a wishing tree, colorful bouquets of flowers and much more.
