Car & Van Hire - Eilat

Eilat is Israel's gateway to the Red Sea. Diving or snorkelling in its clear waters, admiring the coral and the colourful fish, you'll feel like you're in a tropical paradise. If you're a water baby at heart, one of the top attractions in Eilat is the aptly-named Dolphin Reef. Here you can swim with these playful creatures. Even if you don't fancy getting too close to Flipper and his friends, this is an excellent spot for snorkelling or scuba diving. The waters of the Red Sea are temperate all year round, so no matter when you're visiting Eilat, be sure to pack your swimsuit.

One of Eilat's top attractions is underwater, but you needn't get your hair wet. The Underwater Observatory Marine Park is the perfect place to go to check out marine life without needing to swim. You'll have a fascinating perspective of creatures like turtles, sting rays, sea bats and walruses. There's also a shark tunnel that will let you get close to these intimidating creatures without compromising your safety!

When you're tired of the beach and the water, use your car hire in Eilat to see other nearby attractions. Timna Park is a remarkable desert park, home to the world's oldest copper mine. Its canyons and horseshoe-shaped lake make a dramatic backdrop for a day out. After spending time chilling on Eilat's beaches, this trip to the desert will make you feel like you've stepped onto another planet.

Another good tip for car or van hire in Eilat is the Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve. This is a paradise for hikers, with plenty of trails that run through the rugged mountains and jagged canyons. The Red Canyon and Black Canyon are both popular routes, or you can follow a portion of the Israeli National Trail, a massive cross-country trek. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you, as even experienced hikers can find a trek through the desert to be quite a challenge.

One final tip for Eilat? Well, the city is a tax-free zone! That means you can shop till you drop at its numerous shopping centres. Pick up clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture and more - you'll find anything you want at unbelievable prices. In fact, a lot of visitors come to Eilat just to go on a shopping spree. When you've had enough retail therapy, why not indulge in a delicious feast of local specialities? Falafel, hummus, shakshuka and refreshing labneh are just a few of the delectable dishes you'll find here.

Eilat is a small city, and the traffic here is usually well-controlled. If you've ever tried driving in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, Eilat will come as a relief! There are plenty of parking spaces around the city, particularly close to the beaches and port. You can pay for a parking spot at the meter, which usually accepts cash or a card. In some places, you will also be able to use an app or other form of mobile payment.

The area around Eilat is pure desert. You may wish to hire a 4WD if you plan to drive outside the city but be warned. It is extremely easy to get lost in the desert, and mobile phone signals can be sporadic at best. Always bring plenty of water and paper copies of regional maps. Plan your route before you set out. You'll find petrol stations on main roads, but they can be a rare sight in the backcountry.

Petrol stations in Israel usually only display information in Hebrew, which can be difficult for visitors. You will almost always find a member of staff who speaks English, though, so translations should be easy to come by.

Don't be alarmed by police or military checkpoints on the roads, and don't panic if you see tanks or other military vehicles driving through the desert. While these sights can seem very strange to visitors, they are a regular part of life here. At a checkpoint, you will usually be asked to show your documents and then be waved on.

Watch out for animals, particularly when you're outside the city. Camels and goats may wander across the road from time to time. Either wait for them to pass or attempt to carefully drive past them. Don't honk at them, as they may react aggressively.

Eilat is a border town very close to Jordan. Unlike many countries in this region, Jordan maintains cordial relations with Israel, and it is possible to travel between the two countries. Many visitors like to embark on an international road trip, which will take them to famous sites like the ancient city of Petra or the Wadi Rum desert. The border is guarded on both sides, so there is no chance of crossing it by accident. If you are planning an international trip, be sure to talk first with your Enterprise Rent-a-Car agent. They will tell you everything you need to know.