Eilat feels like a different Israel. Warmer, slower, brighter — and completely focused on the sea. Located at the very southern tip of the country, right on the Red Sea, this is where desert landscapes meet turquoise water, palm-lined promenades, and year-round sunshine. Eilat is relaxed, holiday-focused, and unapologetically built for enjoying life.
After the intensity of cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Eilat feels like a deep breath.
A Short History of Eilat
Eilat is relatively young compared to Israel’s ancient cities, but its location has been important for thousands of years. In biblical times, this area was known as Ezion-Geber, a strategic port connected to trade routes between Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean.
Modern Eilat began developing in the mid-20th century and quickly grew into Israel’s main resort city. Its importance lies not only in tourism, but also in its access to the Red Sea — giving Israel a maritime gateway to Asia and Africa.
Today, Eilat is all about leisure, nature, and cross-border connections.
Getting to Eilat: Easy and Well Connected
Israel’s public transport system makes getting to Eilat surprisingly simple.
The Egged bus is the most popular transport in Israel.
From Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, you can take direct buses that run both during the day and overnight. Night buses are especially popular — you fall asleep up north and wake up surrounded by desert and palm trees. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and affordable.
Flying is also an option via Ramon Airport, but honestly, the bus journey through the Negev Desert is part of the experience. Watching the landscape slowly change from city to open desert gives context to where you’re going.
Eilat City: Compact, Lively & Tourist-Friendly
Eilat itself is compact and easy to explore. The city centre revolves around the promenade, marina, beaches, and shopping areas. Everything feels walkable, designed for visitors, and focused on comfort.
You’ll notice immediately that Eilat has a relaxed atmosphere — flip-flops, beachwear, and sunglasses are standard attire.
The Beaches of Eilat: Red Sea Perfection
Eilat’s beaches are the main attraction, and for good reason. Calm waters, clear visibility, and warm temperatures make them ideal for swimming, relaxing, and water sports.
There’s a mix of public beaches and hotel beaches, all well maintained. Many offer sunbeds, shade, cafés, and easy access to the sea. Unlike the Mediterranean, the Red Sea here is calm and crystal clear — perfect for long, lazy beach days.
Snorkelling & Diving: World-Class Underwater Life
Eilat is famous for its coral reefs, making it one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the region.
At Coral Beach Nature Reserve, you can swim directly from the shore and see colourful fish, coral formations, and underwater life within minutes. Visibility is excellent, even for beginners.
For those who want to go deeper, Eilat has many professional dive centres offering courses and guided dives. Whether it’s your first time or you’re certified, the underwater world here is impressive.
Tourist Attractions & Activities
One of the most popular attractions is the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, where you can explore marine life without getting wet. It’s educational, well organised, and great for all ages.
Other activities include boat trips, dolphin encounters, desert jeep tours, and sunset cruises. Eilat is built for doing — or doing absolutely nothing, very successfully.
Promenade, Souvenirs & Shopping
Eilat’s promenade runs along the waterfront and is the social heart of the city. Here you’ll find souvenir shops, small boutiques, cafés, and street performers.
Shopping in Eilat is tax-free, which makes it popular for cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs. From Dead Sea products to magnets and jewellery, it’s hard to leave empty-handed.
Food, Cafés & Nightlife
Eilat has a wide range of restaurants, from casual beach cafés to international dining. Fresh fish and seafood are especially popular here, often served simply and generously.
In the evenings, the city comes alive with bars, pubs, and lounges. Nightlife in Eilat is relaxed rather than wild — think drinks by the marina, live music, and warm nights rather than intense clubbing.
Hotels in Eilat: Built for Comfort
Eilat is known for its large resorts and hotels, many of them right on the beach. From all-inclusive luxury hotels to more affordable stays, the focus is on pools, sea views, and relaxation.
Many hotels are designed so you barely need to leave — but the city is right there if you do.
Gateway to Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum
One of Eilat’s most interesting features is its border crossing into Jordan. From here, it’s relatively easy to cross into Aqaba and continue on to Wadi Rum or Petra.
This makes Eilat a perfect base for combining Israel with Jordan. In just a few days, you can go from coral reefs to desert landscapes and ancient wonders.
