Visiting Eilat

By Petal Mashraki | Published on 12/18/2018

The city of Eilat is located at the southernmost point of Israel. For this reason it is not always included in travel itineraries. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other top destinations in Israel are relatively close together but reaching Eilat requires a short flight or a long drive. However leaving Eilat off your travel itinerary is a big mistake! Eilat is unlike any other city in the country.

Corals in Eilat Aquarium. Photo by Tamara Malaniy on Unsplash

Eilat is the ultimate beach resort city and the Eilat weather is perfect. From early spring to late autumn the Eilat weather is sunny and virtually without rain. Summers are very hot and humid while the winters are cooler with occasional showers. Eilat is located on the edge of the Red Sea where there is crystal clear water and coral reefs close enough to the shore to explore safely and independently.

You simply have to rent a snorkel and wade into the water to see the tropical fish and coral reefs. The Red Sea is Eilat’s major attraction, although there are other things to do in Eilat. There are many beaches in Eilat and companies offering boating excursions and water sports. Eilat is home to the Dolphin Reef, a unique site where dolphins are free to come and go from an enclosure where they are fed and cared for. The dolphins move between the open sea and the enclosed area while people come to see them being fed and even to dive with the dolphins.

Eilat Hotels

Some of Israel’s finest hotels are in Eilat. Eilat hotels offer resort-style accommodation with lavish swimming pools, all-inclusive deals, entertainment, and stunning sea views. There are Eilat hotels to suit every budget from hostel accommodation to five-star luxury. Among the Eilat hotels there is a hotel that is adults-only; a hotel that is focused on offering sports activities and several spa hotels.

Queen Of Sheba Hotel, Eilat. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Eilat Attractions

In addition to the beach, water sports, and dolphins Eilat has many land-based attractions. There is King’s City, a theme park featuring stories from the First Testament, and the Coral World Underwater Observatory, an aquarium complex on the Red Sea. At night you can enjoy a waterfront market; a musical fountain; clubs; bars or go to the IMAX Theatre. If you go into the surrounding desert you can visit Timna Park, an area of natural rock formations, stunning scenery, and archaeological sites.

Shopping in Eilat

Eilat is a Free Port Zone which means that there is no value-added tax on items you buy. Shopping in Eilat is cheaper than in any other part of the country and the city boasts several malls. The Ice Mall is a large shopping complex built in a circle around a huge ice rink. You can rent skates or watch ice skating performances which are presented regularly throughout the day in the summer.

Petra tours from Eilat

You could also consider visiting Petra and Wadi Rum while in Eilat. Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum is a great adventure. Advance reservations should be made. To explore these spectacular sites with the best guides, make sure to join a Petra tour with a reliable tour operator.

Getting to Eilat

The easiest and fastest way to reach Eilat is to fly from Tel Aviv to Ramon airport. The flight takes about 30 minutes. There are flights from Tel Aviv’ Ben Gurion airport. There are several ways of getting from Tel Aviv to Eilat. You could take a bus to Eilat or an organized tour. Along the way see sites like Masada and the Dead Sea.

Shopping mall in Eilat