Eilat

Eilat occupies a sliver of Israeli coastline at the very tip of the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba, a resort city wedged between the rust-coloured mountains of the Negev Desert and some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Northern Hemisphere. From this narrow strip of shore, you can see four countries — Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Eilat has been a trading crossroads since King Solomon shipped copper and gold through these waters three thousand years ago.

The underwater world of Eilat is its greatest treasure. The coral reefs — protected since 1966 as a nature reserve — support over 250 species of coral and 1,200 species of fish. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve offers snorkelling directly from the shore over gardens of fire coral, brain coral, and staghorn formations. For divers, the nearby wrecks provide dramatic penetration dives, while deeper reef walls harbour Napoleon wrasse and barracuda.

Eilat's culinary landscape reflects the multicultural mosaic of Israeli society. Yemenite jachnun, Moroccan-style fish with chermoula, and the classic Israeli breakfast spread all appear on local menus. The promenade restaurants serve fresh Red Sea fish alongside Middle Eastern mezze platters. The night market offers shawarma, bourekas, and creative street food.

The desert landscapes surrounding Eilat rival the marine environment. The Timna Valley is a geological wonderland of red sandstone cliffs and ancient copper mines. The Red Canyon offers a thrilling slot-canyon hike. A day trip to Petra in neighbouring Jordan is easily arranged.

Eilat is a port of call for Royal Caribbean on its Red Sea itineraries. The best time to visit is October through April, when temperatures are pleasantly warm rather than the scorching summer highs.