Eilat.
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Overview

Eilat (אילת, aka Elat) is the only Israeli city on the Red Sea. Eilat (pop 85,000) is the southernmost town in Israel, isolated from the rest of the country by the Negev desert. It's sandwiched between Taba in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan, and often used as an access route to those cities because of its large modern Ramon airport.

Understand

Eilat is at the southernmost tip of the country, with its "window on the Red Sea". It is first and foremost a resort town devoted to sun, fun, diving, partying and desert-based activities. Sprawled along 7 km of Red Sea coastline, between the borders of Egypt and Jordan, it offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba).

It began as a strategic military outpost, and a port town used to export potash and copper and import goods from Asia and Africa, such as oil and vehicles. The military importance of Israel's access to the Red Sea was valued so highly that Nasser's blockade of said access in 1967 was deemed a casus belli.

In the 1970s charter flights increased the flow of foreign tourists to Eilat. They were attracted by the coral reefs, breathtaking location, and the dry and sunny desert climate.

Due to the somewhat remote location of Eilat, the Israeli government has tried to encourage business and tourism by cutting taxes on many things and even giving subsidies for airlines serving the area, which can give travelers surprisingly good deals at times.

Red Sea water temperatures range only between 20 °C in the winter to 26.2 °C in the summer, providing warmth in the winter, and much appreciated chilliness in the summer's heat.

Today, the 2-km (1.2-mi) North Beach area is full of hotels with opulent names like Herod's Palace and Queen of Sheba. The Tayelet promenade extends the length of the beach front and hosts numerous stalls, street artists, restaurants, and fashionable shops. The promenade has great views of the bay, and each evening is full of strolling tourists.

The southern or Coral Beach, which has coral reefs, is protected by the Israel Nature Reserve Authority. It has many public beaches and excellent scuba diving centers as well as several hotels and hostels.

Whereas the North Beach is within easy walking distance of the city center, Coral Beach is some 7 km south of it, beyond comfortable walking distance. The Navy and commercial ports lie between the two main beach areas.

Shabbat and Kashrut As in most of Israel, many businesses and transport companies do not operate on Shabbat, the Sabbath, which begins Friday afternoon and ends Saturday night; many places do not reopen/renew service until Sunday morning. The same holds true for major Jewish or national holidays, so plan your itinerary accordingly. [See Israel, Holidays for more information.]

Kashrut is the body of Jewish dietary laws which many Israelis and tourists observe, and which many restaurants and almost all hotels adhere to. Among other things Kashrut requires complete segregation of meat and dairy foods, dishes and utensils, select types of fish are kosher but most 'sea foods' are not, and all foods must be prepared under controlled and monitored conditions. Kosher restaurants and hotels display a valid, dated certificate issued by local rabbinical authorities. Kosher restaurants close on Shabbat.

Get in

While Eilat is - for a country as small as Israel at least - far away from the rest of the country, the government is subsidizing international flights and the border crossings to/from Jordan and Egypt are a lot less hassle than one might expect, making Eilat surprisingly easy to reach - if not necessarily from the rest of Israel. By plane

Ovda Airport and Eilat City Airport are closed to commercial flights. Ovda will probably remain in use as a military airfield. Beware of out-of-date maps and road signs that direct you to the demolition site at Eilat airport.

Aqaba airport in Jordan is close by and has domestic flights from Amman and a few international flights e.g. Turkish Airlines from Istanbul. So you could easily take a taxi to the Israeli border at Arava then another taxi to Eilat; or Aqaba/Jordan might be your primary destination. This route puts Jordanian entry/exit stamps into your passport, so even if Israel doesn't stamp, border officials of nations hostile to Israel will know where you've been.

Taba airport in Egypt serves only a few weekly or every-two-weeks international flights from Bratislava and Warsaw.

By bus Eilat has no rail service so the bus is your only public transport option for the time being. A rail link to other parts of Israel has been discussed for years, but officially "put on hold" indefinitely in 2019. You can take the train as far south as Beersheba or Dimona and then a bus from there.

All inter-city buses to and from Eilat arrive and leave from the on HaTemarim Boulevard. There is some talk of relocating all or most of the functions of the Eilat Central Bus Station to the extended grounds of Ramon Airport, but when the airport opened, no bus station capable of handling the load of traffic was in place.

You should reserve your ticket for your bus to Eilat a few days in advance at least as they all have assigned seating and may sell out.

The southern portion the line also does local service between towns on highway 90. This bus also picks up at Rishon LeZion, Rehovot, Gedera, Kiryat Malakhi and Dimona. The southern portion the line also does local service between towns on highway 90. The lines operate on a regular schedule. It's advisable to buy tickets in advance as seating is assigned.

From Jerusalem From Jerusalem there are two bus lines to Eilat. Line 444: An express bus to from Jerusalem to Eilat via Dead Sea and Highway 90. The line also does local service between towns on highway 90 in the section of the line between Arava Junction to Eilot Kibbutz. Line 445: A direct bus from Jerusalem to Eilat without intermediate stops. The lines operate on a regular schedule. It's advisable to buy tickets in advance as seating is assigned.

From Be'er Sheva From Be'er Sheva there are 3 bus lines. Line 392: This is a local bus from Be'er Sheva to Eilat via Mitzpe Ramon and Highway 12. A full ride from Be'er Sheva to Eilat on this line is not so recommended as the bus makes multiple intermediate stops. This bus is crowded on different hours of the day. Line 397: This is an express bus from Be'er Sheva via Dimona and Highway 90. The line also does local service between towns on highway 90 in the section of the line between Arava Junction to Eilot Kibbutz.

It's advisable to buy tickets in advance as seating is assigned.

From Taba Border Crossing From the Taba (Egypt) border crossing, local buses 16 and 30 go to the Central Bus Station, costing ₪4.20.

From Ramon Airport From Ramon Airport there are four bus routes which only 2 of them are frequent and relevant to tourists. Line 30: From the airport via the Central Bus Station (no hotels section) to the southern beach and Taba Border Crossing. Line 50: From the airport via the hotels section to the Central Bus Station. Line 50א does line 50 in reverse. Lines 31 and 32 serve the residential neighborhoods of Eilat.

From other destinations around Israel Egged: From Mitzpe Ramon: Line 392. From Ashdod and Ashkelon: 383 (seasonal line), 391. From Ra'anana: Line 399. From Hadera and Netanya: Lines 399, 991. From Northern Israel: Haifa: 893 (seasonal line), 991, 993. Afula: 992 (seasonal line). Karmiel: 994 (seasonal line). Metropoline: From Mitzpe Ramon: Line 340.

Taxi from the Aqaba, Jordan border crossing is around ₪35 (Feb 2014). A taxi from Aqaba to the Crossing is around 5 JD (Dec 2011).

Border crossings There is no fee to enter Israel.

Entering from Taba From the bus station, people will try to get you into a taxi to take you to the border, but don't bother unless you have great difficulty walking, as it is literally less than 500 m down the road.

At the border, you have to buy an exit stamp from the Egyptian border guards; they don't always have change if you arrive early in the day. You then walk to the next building, the air conditioned departure hall, where your bags are scanned, then there's a little food, drink and cigarette kiosk, and then the passport control desk, where you give the card with the departure stamp to the border guard. They then stamp your passport, and you are out of Egypt. If you plan to reenter Egypt at Taba later, you cannot do so unless you already have a multiple entry visa or you get a LE51.25 reentry visa (just a stamp in your passport) before you leave. Egypt does not issue visas valid for travel outside the Sinai Peninsula upon entry at Taba.

A few yards further on you get to a duty free shop, then the Israeli building, with cool water mist spray coming from the ceiling of the path shade outside. On entry, again your stuff is scanned, then you queue for immigration. Unlike arriving in Israel by air, here you should not be delayed for more than 5 min of questions.

Once you leave the building you are in Israel proper. To change money, there is a bank at the Israeli departure side (where you have to pay a departure tax for leaving Israel, should you exit via this crossing). There are hourly buses to the town (Lines 16 and 30, ₪4.20), but the last leaves Su-Th 20:45, F 18:15, and Sa 21:45. Taxis will be waiting, charging about ₪40 to go to town.

Get around

On foot Central Eilat, that is the Promenade Area and city center. Central Bus Station, Main Post Office, banks, etc. are within easy walking distance, although during summer months the scorching temperatures make walking around unpleasant. Only the closest public beaches are a sweaty stroll from the center; dive sites require transportation.

Local bus services usually begin 07:00-08:00 and end 21:00-22:00. Ask the driver for exact times. You may also load a day pass for Eilat area for ₪6.70, a six days pass for ₪33.50 or a month/30-day pass for ₪116 (Rav-Kav required), which is a better option if you need transfers. You can get an anonymous Rav-Kav from the driver, or on Central Bus Station or Ramon Airport (where you may as well be issued a personal one, with photo. A personal card is required for the month/30-day pass).

Bus Numbers 1 and 2 do a complete circuit of the city, both passing through the city center before their routes diverge. Both buses leave every 20 min from Tarshish St. near the Dan Panorama and Ceaser Premier hotels at the North Beach area. Bus Number 1 leaves every 20 min on the hour, passing through the city center before following a clockwise route through most of the city's neighborhoods, returning to North Beach via the city center. This bus has an alternate that serves the sports center numbered as 1א. Bus Number 2 leaves every 20 min at 10 past and to the hour, passing through the city center before following a counter-clockwise route through most of the city's neighborhoods, returning to North Beach via the city center.

Bus Number 3 from Shachamon to Mevo'ot Eilat Garage via Yoseftal Medical Center, City Center and the new industrial area.

Bus Number 4 from Derech HaTavlinim to Mevo'ot Eilat Garage via Shachamon, Yoseftal Medical Center, Arava and Ye'elim neighborhoods and the new industrial area.

Bus Numbers 5 and 6 Bus Number 5 from Shachamon to the new Mevo'ot Eilat Garage leaves every 30 min on the hour. The bus passes through some of the city's neighborhoods, city center, North Beach hotel area, new industrial area and terminates Mevo'ot Eilat Garage. Bus Number 6 runs the Number 5 route in reverse, leaving Mevo'ot Eilat Garage every 30 min on the hour.

Bus Numbers 15 and 16 Bus Number 15 to Coral Beach, terminating at the Taba Border Crossing, leaves every half hour from Platform 7 at the Central Bus Station. It passes through the city center and does a circuit of the North Beach hotel area as far as Kings City before turning south towards Coral Beach and its terminus at the Taba Border Crossing (to Egypt). Bus Number 16 runs the Number 15 in reverse, leaving Taba Border Crossing between 30 and 40 min after the hour.

Bus Number 30 from Ramon Airport via Central Bus Station to Coral Beach, terminating at Taba Border Crossing, passes at Platform 7 at the Central Bus Station.

Bus Number 50 from Ramon Airport to Central Bus Station. It passes through the city center and does a circuit of North Beach hotels as far as Kings City before turning west towards the Central Bus station. Bus Number 50א runs the Number 50 in reverse.

Night Buses Numbers 10 and 11 do a complete circuit of the city. Both buses leave every hour from the new industrial area near Big Eilat Shopping Center. These buses are only operated on weekends including Friday nights. Bus Number 10 leaves every hour on the hour, The bus does a counterclockwise route through most of the city's neighborhoods, The city center, the North Beach hotels and returning to the new industrial area. Bus Number 11 leaves every hour on the hour, The bus does a clockwise route through the North Beach hotels, the city center, most of the city's neighborhoods and returning to the new industrial area.

See

The can be found at 8 Beit HaGesher St. in the Bridge House near the pedestrian bridge from the yacht harbor.

Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve. The best place for scuba diving and located here are some of the best dive clubs in Israel, offering technical diving courses, rebreather, nitrox, tri-mix, etc. The whole coastal area is protected by the nature reserve authority and divers are expected to follow regulations. It is also a great place for snorkeling, windsurfing and kite-surfing plus it has fantastic views of the bay.

Underwater Observatory. One of Eilat's most popular attractions, this is a good way to view the Red Sea marine life without getting wet. Its white tower (Eilat's most famous landmark) offers great views above water and goes below the surface to view the marine life. The park's aquariums contain sharks, sting rays and turtles, plus lots of multicolored Red Sea fish, and the huge glass windows allow visitors to get a clear view the tanks' occupants. The Oceanarium simulator is also a lot of fun for kids - though it may be a little scary for the smaller ones. All in all it's a nice family morning out. With a day ticket, you can enter for up to three consecutive days if you take a selfie with your ticket at the selfie point, to the left of the entrance. This is described on the website and is also explained at the ticket office upon request. The park closes at 17:00, but the shops and stalls close at 16:00. During this hour, you'll practically have the park to yourself.

Dolphin Reef. South Beach (3 km south of town towards the Egyptian border). Not just a tourist trap, the staff actually work to rehabilitate dolphins for life in the open sea - from whence they came. However, in the past the release of dolphins into the bay has on occasion resulted in the consumption of many of the nearby coral reef's inhabitants, so that the dolphin release project is on hold. Various paid options are available for interacting with the dolphins, starting with snorkeling with the dolphins at ₪227. It's a very nice beach with lots of small pools and rich shrubbery. It has a fantastic spa (relaxation pools) and is well worth a visit. For those who want to get up-close to a dolphin book your swim or dive as early in the morning as you can. The dolphins get weary of visitors as the day goes on. Piers leading out onto the water allow everyone to get as near to the dolphins - as the dolphins want.

Red Sea View Lookout. Two viewing platforms overlooking the Red Sea. Parking is available.

Nearby The Negev surrounds Eilat, with many popular sights. The closest ones are Timna Park, The Red Canyon and Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve, easily reachable from Eilat for a day trip – see there.

Do

In the city Every summer, the Red City music festival is held in Eilat (sponsored by 99 ESC radio station.) This beach festival is held on the beach and consists of consecutive days of all night performances (Hip-Hop, rock and especially trance).

Red Sea Jazz Festival. Annual event takes place in the last week of August and Jazz musicians from all over the world come to Eilat, for a week of fun, sun and lots of Jazz.

Ice Mall Eilat. A shopping mall with an ice skating rink. There is free skating as well as lessons. Once a day you can watch a professional ice show.

In the Red Sea The main swimming area is the North Beach, where are many major and minor hotels. The South or Coral Beach area is protected by the Israel Nature Reserve Authority, but there has been a decline in the marine life and reef quality. Since the removal of the controversial fish cages from the Gulf waters in 2008, corals have steadily recovered at all dive sites. While many divers head south to the Egyptian Sinai coast to Dahab or Sharm el-Sheikh, to experience better diving conditions, many divers still prefer Eilat, with far smaller crowds, interesting macro-life and easy, unpressured surface entries.

Kite surfing. Eilat is one of the best locations in the world for learning how to kitesurf. The weather and sea conditions are perfect for beginners with steady northern winds and a calm sea. KiteXEilat offers various beginners classes.

Scuba Diving. No license and no experience necessary scuba diving. As is legal in Eilat, an experienced dive master will accompany you on what could be your first ever scuba experience. They provide a short tutorial of the basics, and worry about all the technical details leaving you able to concerning yourself solely with breathing, and of course observing the magnificent neon subaquatic landscape.

Snorkeling. If you don't want to splurge on scuba diving you can still see a nice variety of Red Sea fish by snorkeling along the south beach. You can rent the equipment usually from a Kiosk nearby. Flippers or suitable footwear recommended as the coral is sharp.

In the desert The scenic Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve has some of the most spectacular desert routes in Israel. Trails include ancient trading routes and the Great Rift Valley. Desert Hiking, 4x4 jeep tours and camel treks are major attractions in this area of the Negev desert.

SPNI's Eilat Hiking Division. The Hiking Division of the SPNI (Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel) gives information and advice on desert hiking and trails in the Eilat region.

Dromit Desert Tours. Offers half- and full-day desert tours, desert/snorkeling tours, bike and jeep tours. Operated by Colin Porter, Licensed Desert Guide and marine biologist.

"What's Up" The Observatory in Eilat. An interactive stargazing experience in the nighttime desert outside Eilat. Using a special camera, you can see the deep sky as well as the moon and planets on a computer screen, rather than through the eyepiece of the telescope. Watch the image build as light is collected, and hear tales about the personalities of the heavens as well as scientific explanation of what is going on up there. "What's Up" is suitable for all ages and is handicapped-accessible, although there are no toilet facilities at the site.

Learn

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Eilat Campus. The Ginsburg-Ingerman Overseas Student Program offers short-term academic programs at the Eilat campus. Programs focus on Hebrew language, marine biology, and gastronomy.

Buy

As an incentive for businesses and travelers to come here, there is no value-added tax in Eilat. Therefore many duty free shops line the boardwalk culminating in duty free shopping centers. Top brands can be found, and it is joked that the first thing an Israeli does before leaving Eilat is to fill up their petrol tank to the brim.

Mall HaYam. A mall located on the promenade and beach-line, closest to the airport.

Ice Mall Eilat. Ice rink and many international brands.

Big Center Eilat. Eilat's outlet mall.

Eat

The main promenade is packed with stylish tourist restaurants offering some of Israel's finest cuisine prepared by master chefs.

As a rule prices are lower the further away from the tourist areas one goes. For those wishing to eat simply and well there are a number of options in addition to shopping the local supermarkets. There are several good restaurants on or near Eilat's main street, Shderot HaTmarim (The Dates Blvd.).

Budget Around the central bus station along the street Sderot HaTmarim

Fast Habesha Restaurant. An Ethopian restaurant.

Ginger Asian Kitchen and Bar. Chinese restaurant and bar. Not nearly as expensive as it is exclusive, it's a good spot for dining if you don't mind seeing your picture in the local Eilat gossip pages.

Bar Beach on Coral Beach overlooking the Gulf of Eilat. Built on a deck at the water's edge, have a beer, take a dip and come out for lunch; enjoy a light meal after a dive and take in the magnificent sunset. (updated May 2022)

Barbis. American foods restaurant, a great burger place in the middle of the tourist center. Prices are cheap and the burgers are tasty and huge.

Eilat University Campus Cafeteria. Food prepared by Hotel School student chefs; tasty and good quality. Takeaway.

HaLev Harachav on HaTmarim Blvd. is a sidewalk restaurant with indoor seating: serves falafel and shuarma (turkey meat grilled on a rotating spit basted with lamb fat) with your choice of salads and relish (Israel's fast foods to eat on the spot, sit-down or take-away) as well as an à la carte grill. (The name means "the wide (open) heart", i.e. generous.) Kosher; closed on Shabbat. New branch: opposite Mall-Hayam shopping center. (updated May 2022)

Pago Pago floating restaurant. An attraction in itself, it is strictly non-kosher it serves sushi, sea-food and steaks. Anchored on the waters of the Marina. A little pricey, but no more than other restaurants and you definitely get far more for your money.

Pedro's Restaurant for excellent steak, the hang-out of Eilat diving instructors. You'll have to get a cab because it's nowhere near the tourist haunts. Well worth the effort if you are a steak lover... or if you consider yourself an honorary local, either way, it's hard to tell what's tastier, the restaurant's meat or the punters. (updated May 2022)

On the Beach Restaurant. Falafel, shawarma and pizza.

Drink

For a Holiday resort the expected assortment of Pubs and Bars exist on the Promenade and are also densely packed in the main square.

Unplugged. The bar is a good option. If you're looking for a place with stuck-up people, barbie doll bartenders, or tough-looking bouncers, look somewhere else, because Unplugged is nothing like it. The drink selection is somewhat limited, but still fairly good. The music ranges from American pop to Israeli trance, and they play songs in both Hebrew and English. You have the option of either sitting at the bar, chilling on a big couch, or dancing with the friendly locals. This place is often crowded, even on a Monday night.

While evil isn't heard, seen, or spoken at Three Monkeys Pub live bands and an all-ages dance floor crowd is. Located towards the end of the promenade at the Isrotel "Royal Beach". Bears pub is central fixture in the main square. With a laidback feel and hookahs available Bears lends itself to chatting to the soundtrack of Israeli tunes.

Sleep

The hillside around the Central Bus Station contains motels and small private hostels which usually have a room designated as a dorm. You can find some real gems hidden among them but be prepared to take some time checking them out.

Homestay If you reach Eilat having a backpack, you may be accosted by people offering their houses or parts of them for your accommodation. These are really a gamble, because you never know what to expect and people tend to exaggerate their descriptions. Usually, it would be a nice air-conditioned room with a double bed, shower, TV, sometimes Wi-Fi and some kitchen stuff. Start the negotiation as you see the apartment.

Outdoors Extreme but cheap. Possible at the North Beach, next to the Jordan border, and also at the South Beach—aka Coral Beach—preferably to the south of the bar called "Migdalor". Pros: stay close to the sea for free. Cons: temperatures can get extremely hot, even at night; you have to search for water/shower/etc.

North Beach: past the main hotels, close to Aqaba. South Beach: bus route 15 to Migdalor bar. Then just walk along the shore and find yourself a place to camp. The SPNI Field School also operates a Camp Ground (see below under Hosteling for contact information).

When staying outdoors, keep all your garbage with you, and there is an ₪500 fine for lighting a bonfire. Beaches are protected by the Israel Nature Authority.

The Shelter Hostel. Christian run, this hostel is a nice and welcoming place with peaceful staff and surrounding. Every Friday they have a community/bible session with free food afterwards. It is a great opportunity to get a free New Testament and to save some shekels.

Arava. This motel has a homey feel, there are many tables and grills outside to allow relaxation away from the crowds. Member of ILH.

SPNI's Eilat Field School. All rooms have bunk-beds, private shower/toilet, A/C, mini-fridge and electric kettle (free coffee/tea). No dorms. Outdoor barbecue, picnic tables in Camp Ground. Parking for hostel' guests. Ecologically friendly hostel has a relaxed kibbutz-style atmosphere and often hosts youth groups during the school year as well as hikers, divers and surfers all year round. Free WiFi.

Youth Hostel. Not at all expensive yet very clean and nice place to stay. One can book entire room or bed basis as per the need. The cafeteria serves very good breakfast as well in the morning.

David's homestay. Offers you private rooms for ₪100 per person per night, food included. David has worked as an Eilat hotel chef his whole life and serves you the most amazing food. He has two kinds of rooms: double bed room and twin bed room. He meets you on arrival and brings you to the apartment. 5-10 min from the bus station, 20 min from the beach (walking).

Cactus B&B. A colourful place to stay, eco-friendly bed and breakfast accommodation off the beaten track, very cozy.

Motel Aviv. Rooms include a fridge and electric kettle.

Club Hotel Eilat. Eilat Club Hotel is the largest suites hotel across the Middle East and the only hotel across Israel designed and built under the inspiration of the sea.

Club Inn Eilat. Eilat Club Inn Hotel is a resort in a wadi overlooking a breathtaking desert view.

Dan Panorama Eilat. Large, nicely located hotel with a good pool area.

Prima Music. The Prima Music is an exceptionally designed, concept hotel situated under picturesque desert mountains and overlooking the magnificent Red Sea at Coral Beach on the outskirts of the Eilat.

Soleil Boutique Hotel. Clean, well-maintained hotel with friendly staff and terrific breakfast

Aria. Spa center, beach, a children's club, a dance bar, a business lounge, and spacious suites.

VERT Eilat. Panoramic lagoon views, contemporary design, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Dan Eilat Red Sea. Central beach front hotel with a great pool area.

Herods Palace Hotel. No longer run by Sheraton, Herods offers a "near Las Vegas" experience, with staff in togas wandering around a pompously decorated palace. Service isn't quite up to scratch though, although the (separately charged) Vitalis spa is excellent by any standard. Like many Las Vegas hotels, this hotel is built (or overbuilt) to resemble historic buildings, in this case domed Middle Eastern architecture.

Queen of Sheba Eilat Hotel. The hotel’s entrance is shaped as a temple dome with natural light pouring in from the windows above. The circular shape gives arriving guests an immediate sense of tranquility. The floor is decorated with mosaics of animals symbolizing the wisdom of the King Solomon, who, according to legend, could speak their language. Archeological artifacts portraying ancient Egyptian events adorn the dome.

Astral Maris. Large swimming pool with sunbathing beds and deck chairs and “Astraland” club, which is filled with games for children and toddlers.

Astral Village. 186 rooms, including 12 suites, all at ground level, a large swimming pool and deck at the centre of the village.

Astral Palma. 152 rooms, pool, marina, children's activities.