Overview

The fabulous buzzing resort town of Eilat is located at the southernmost tip of the country, with a small “window on the Red Sea” devoted to the sun, fun, diving, partying, and desert activities. The town attracts hundreds of tourists from Israel and Europe each year seeking a sunny vacation spot with opulent hotels and luxurious resorts leading to the beach and spectacular views of the Gulf of Aqaba. There are some of the best coral reefs located just offshore, especially at Coral Beach where snorkeling and diving are some of the biggest draws.

The Tayelet Promenade is a major attraction in town running the entire length of the beachfront brimming with shops, stalls, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. A popular destination in the evenings with views of the bay and sunset. There are several distinguishable areas in Eilat, such as the inland built atop the rolling hills that stretch towards the sea; Coral Beach with some fantastic hotels and a magnificent stretch of over 3 ¾ miles with waters great for snorkeling and swimming; The North Beach close to the center of town on the eastern shores of the harbor with plenty of beach action where the elaborate marina and artificial lagoon are located.

The Port city of Eilat is the only Red Sea resort in Israel nestled in between Jordan and Eqypt attracting tourists from all over the world to its famous diving sites on Coral Beach. The city is a great base for trips to Jordan and the ancient wonders of Petra. Eilat offers an abundance of fine restaurants, nightclubs, and tax-free shopping opportunities as well as star-studded nightlife and spectacular beaches. There are tons of international and Israeli festivals and special events held in Eilat throughout the year.

Things to see and do

Most of Eilat’s attractions are based around the glimmering seas where some of the world’s best aquatic life can be seen. The Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to snorkel, dive, and enjoy other water sports with around 13 licensed diving centers dotted along the beaches. Coral Beach is a major attraction and one of the most popular places to stay in the city, home to the world-famous underwater world filled with vibrant coral reefs, it is protected by the Israel Nature Reserve. Coral Beach is the best place for scuba diving and the location of some of the most renown dive clubs in the country offering courses and licensing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy a plethora of water sports such as snorkeling, windsurfing, jet-skiing, and kite surfing.

Dolphin Reef is a great attraction for families with children where visitors can see and observe a school of bottlenose dolphins along with tropical fish, beautiful corals, and other stunning marine life in the turquoise waters. There are hundreds of visitors who come to the observatory every year to see the playful dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and the new addition of the shark pool! Kids age 10 and up can swim with the dolphins, younger kids can go snorkeling and diving in the tranquil reef.

There are a number of watersports to enjoy in Eilat including parasailing, water-skiing, SUP, kite-surfing, kayaking, rafting, and boating. There are glass-bottom boat cruises over the sparkling clear waters and many of these attractions can be done all year round.

A lot of walking, hiking, and climbing opportunities are available in the surrounding areas of Eilat and trips through the desert. Eilat has a fantastic geographical location making it easy to embark on some fascinating adventures to Jordan, Egypt, and the fascinating sites of Petra, and Aqaba, along with the Clube Hole and Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

The Arava desert that surrounds Eilat features some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the entire world. There are several tours offered where visitors can take in the special scenery in this region. The Negev region boasts some spectacular craters, quaint towns, and historic sites which can also be experienced on some fantastic tours.

The Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve surround the city and they are a great destination for hiking one of the most beautiful trails in the region. Timna is a stunning park set in the desert and home to the first copper mine in the world covering over 15,000 acres of land with several hiking and walking trails.

Shopping

Eilat, is a shoppers haven and a tax-free zone offering many duty-free shops along the boardwalk and the Mall HaYam (The Mall of the Sea) shopping center where top brands can be found.

The city is a popular place to go shopping with various shopping centers and malls available including the BIG Eliat Complex, which is the largest shopping complex in the city covering over 10,000 square meters with more than 50 shops to explore, including outlet stores selling international brands and food options.

The Mul Hayam Mall is set in the heart of the city across from the Red Sea shores on the northern boardwalk. There are over 100 stores here.

The Ice Mall has an Olympic size ice skating rink on the ground floor along with 150 stores, restaurants, cafes, and dozens of other attractions.

The Eilat Promenade is located in the northern part of the city and is one of the busiest shopping destinations in Eilat. There are brand-name stores, a bustling bazaar with over 60 market stalls, and food courts.

The Marina extends from the promenade to the Ice Mall offering brand name shops and local low-cost stores.

Hatemarim Boulevard is the primary shopping and entertainment destination in the city, home to many different shops and restaurants.

Food and Nightlife

There are plenty of dining options to choose from in Eilat, with a long list of recommended restaurants with options for Israeli, Italian, Chinese, Asian, hamburger joints, and fish and seafood options. There is such a wide range of food and restaurants to check out and enjoy in the city, the vacation capital is filled with endless options. There are many new fusion kitchens in the city along with kosher restaurants and plenty of International and Western-style options too. Lots of fast-food restaurants can be found in the city as well as Israel favorites selling falafel, shawarma, and hummus. Restaurants can be found throughout the city including on the promenade, along the beaches, in the tourist area of Derekh Yotam, and at the shopping centers and malls. The beaches are great for dining and cocktails, there are excellent options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, many restaurants offer outdoor seating and great views. Hotels are another dining option that welcomes not only guests but walk-ins and at some hotels non-guests can walk in for a flat rate and enjoy the breakfast buffets, which in Eilat are some of the largest and most varied anywhere.

There is a wide variety of bars, and pubs in Eilat many are located along the popular promenade, along the beaches, and in the central area around the main square. The city has some of the liveliest nightlife in the region especially during the summer when the city is regularly the host of festivals and events. It is easy to find a place to sit back and relax in the evening time, the beach and promenade are great for sunset cocktails with a view, and plenty of lively bars and pubs scattered around town. Enjoy themed evenings in the city including stand-up shows and live sports broadcasts.

History and Culture

The city of Eilat is nestled between Africa and Asia near the Sinai land bridge which has made it a popular crossing point for years. Modern-day Eilat is situated west of the ruins of the biblical Elath (now in Jordan) it is told that King Solomon’s ships sailed to the land of Ophir from Ezion-Geber “near Elath” and brought back a pot of gold. Nelson Glueck the American archeologist excavated the site of ancient Ezion-Geber and he concluded that it and Elath were one of the same. The city was a southern outpost of the LImes Palestine, a line of border fortresses that were established by the Romans and the Nabataeans. A place of refuge for the Jews who fled the Muslim conquest of the Arabian Peninsula during the 7th century. Known as Aila in 1116 it was taken by Crusaders. The Islet of I Ha-Almuggim or “Coral Island” is located 8 ½ miles south of the peninsula, and is also known as the “Isle de Graye” where the ruins of a fortress mark the extreme southern extent of Crusader rule, the area fell to Saladin in 1167 and declined thereafter.

Festivals and Events

There is a myriad of fantastic year-round attractions in the city of Eilat with a number of exciting festivals and events.

The Red Sea Classical Music Festival - January

The International Belly Dancing Festival - January

The Chamber Music Festival - March

The Eliat Street Theatre Festival - March - Held on the North Beach Promenade - A lively colorful celebration with performers, dancing, jugglers, flying trapeze artists, and posing artists with much more.

The Eilat Food Festival - April - North Beach Promenade - A celebrated festival that celebrates Middle Eastern cuisine where the city’s top restaurants have stalls with great food and live music.

The Pride Festival for the LGBT community - June

The Red Sea Jazz Festival - August - Held for 25 years - The large festival takes place over 4 days attracting jazz lovers from all over the world to a feast of masterclasses, performances, and jam sessions.

The Red Sea Beer Festival - October - A large festival with various craft beers and music.

The Teimaniada Festival - dedicated to the culture and culinary arts of the Yemenite community.

The Winter Sun Festival - November - April - 35 international cultural events and attractions are held throughout the winter months. Open to the public at no cost, outdoor events draw tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the comfortable, dry winter weather.