Elat

Elat, often transliterated as Eilat or Elath, is a city in southern Israel, located on the Red Sea at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is Israel’s southernmost city and the administrative center of the Southern District. The city sits near the borders with Jordan and Egypt and functions as a hub for tourism, trade, and maritime activity.

Historically, the site is identified with Elath (Ezion-Geber), a port mentioned in biblical sources as a base for Solomon’s fleets and a trade outpost for the Kingdom of Judah. In the modern era, a new settlement was established in the mid-20th century and developed into a municipal city, expanding its role as a port, gateway for travelers, and resort destination.

Elat has a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is sparse. The clear waters of the Red Sea support extensive marine life and recreational activities, making the area a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Nearby attractions include the Coral Beach Nature Reserve and the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, while Timna Park offers a contrasting desert landscape.

The local economy centers on tourism, cross-border trade via the Arava/Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing to Jordan, and port-related activities. Visitors are drawn to beaches, hotels, and desert excursions, and Ramon Airport provides air service to the region and beyond.

Road connections along Route 90 link Elat with the rest of Israel, and ongoing development aims to expand tourism infrastructure and cross-border commerce in the region.