December Travel Guide: Eilat

The Red Canyon

The Red Canyon is one of the most popular family friendly hikes near Eilat. And with good reason – this short loop trail boasts smooth, multicolored rocks and climbing ladders, along with jaw-dropping views of mountainous desert scenery.  

There are two versions of the hike. The two-kilometer path through the canyon gives little adventurers a taste of the wonders of geology. When gazing upon the swirly layers of red and pink rock in the Red Canyon, one no longer thinks of rocks as boring. This simple trail can be completed by families of varying ages and skill levels.

For those looking for a longer adventure, the five-kilometer trail travels a bit deeper into the desert, along more climbing ladders. The path then returns hikers to the trailhead with a long ramble above the canyon, where breathtaking views out to the red valley and desert mountains are the order of the day.

Timna Park

Just twenty minutes north of Eilat lies Timna Park, a giant desert landscape reminiscent of great national parks of the United States. Timna Park is full of stunning geological formations; mushroom-like rocks and giant pillars create natural landmarks throughout the desert terrain. Timna Park was also important in ancient times and was once used as a copper mine by Egyptians and Midianites who lived in the area. There are those who believe that King Solomon used Timna as a source of copper for the kingdom of Israel. 

On a trip through the park, one can see ancient cave drawings, featuring battle scenes and hunting scenes, along with ancient copper mines from different periods and even a pagan temple. There are also adventurous climbing trails, complete with ladders and hand hold rungs.

Those who love the outdoors but aren’t big hikers can still enjoy the beauty of Timna Park. A trip to the Visitor Center includes a movie about the park, artistic displays, and a chance to fill colored sand bottles. After gaining an understanding of the area, travelers can follow a road by car, winding through the park to the most important sites in the area. 

Beginners and advanced hikers can also enjoy the hundreds of kilometers of trails at Timna. There are short and long trails, all of which take hikers off the beaten track to fascinating sites of great natural beauty. Timna is one of the quietest and most impressive parks in all of Israel.

For those who want to spend a bit more time at the reserve, rock climbing walls, an artificial lake, a restaurant, and an evening light show round out the Timna Park experience.

The Coral Reserve

After a good day of hiking, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the sea. But Eilat’s Red Sea is more than just a place to go swimming. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve features a fantastic coral reef, home to hundreds of species of sea creatures and colorful fish. 

The Red Sea reef in Eilat is the northernmost coral reef in the world. The temperature of the water and other environmental conditions lead to great biodiversity, where many different types of sea creatures enjoy a symbiotic relationship that only exists in this colony in the Red Sea.

The best part is that no scuba gear or special equipment is required to see these sea creatures up close and personal. With just a swimsuit and a snorkeling mask, beachgoers can experience the underwater world that is unique to the region.  Snorkeling masks and fins can be rented at the Coral Reserve, and the reef itself is located down an easily accessible set of wooden steps. 

Those who want a bigger adventure can try their luck at swimming out to Moshe’s Rock – a large coral reef colony that lives a bit further offshore.

The entrance price does not include extras, like rock climbing, boating, or meals in the restaurant. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve costs 35 NIS per adult and 21 NIS per child. Snorkeling masks can be rented for 40 NIS.

How to Get There: Use Google Maps or Waze to reach The Red Canyon, Timna Park, and the Coral Beach Reserve. The Coral Beach Reserve is inside Eilat. The two hiking areas (Red Canyon and Timna) are about 15 and 20 minutes outside of the city.

When: The Red Canyon and Timna Park are best visited during the cooler months of autumn, winter, and spring. They are especially beautiful during the wintertime.  The Coral Beach Reserve is great fun year-round.

Planning: To hike the two-kilometer trail at the Red Canyon, follow the green trail out and the black trail back to the trailhead. At Timna Park, free maps are available at the Visitor Center. There are bathrooms and facilities at Timna Park and Coral Beach Reserve, but none at the Red Canyon.

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