Eilat City Guide

This Eilat City Guide features Red Sea diving and snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve. Explore rugged Eilat Mountains by jeep and the North Beach strip.

Eilat serves as Israel's premier gateway to the Red Sea, offering world-class marine experiences in its crystal-clear waters. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a must-visit for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, providing a front-row seat to vibrant coral formations and schools of tropical fish. For those who prefer to stay dry while exploring the deep, glass-bottom boat cruises offer a unique perspective on the underwater ecosystems. Expert instructors are readily available for introductory dives, making the Red Sea's treasures accessible even to beginners.

Beyond the coastline, the dramatic desert landscape of the Eilat Mountains beckons. Adventurous travelers can board jeep tours to traverse the rugged granite peaks and hidden canyons that glow at sunset. A short drive north leads to Timna Park, where ancient copper mines and iconic geological features like Solomon's Pillars tell a story of millennia-old history. Whether exploring the depths of the sea or the heights of the desert, Eilat provides a seamless blend of natural wonder and outdoor adventure.

While most visitors stick to the bustling North Beach, locals head south to Hof Shel Mosh. This eco-conscious, vegetarian beach club swaps loud music for a bohemian soundtrack and offers a chill atmosphere that feels worlds away from the luxury resorts. It is the perfect spot for a long, slow afternoon by the Red Sea.

For a perspective beyond the water, drive up to the Mt. Yoash Observation Point. At sunset, the rugged granite of the Eilat Mountains turns deep shades of red and purple. From this vantage point, you can simultaneously view the borders of four countries: Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, a geographical rarity that most tourists overlook.

Nature enthusiasts should spend an hour at the International Birding & Research Center. Located on a major global migration route, this lush sanctuary provides a quiet contrast to the desert heat. Watching thousands of birds refuel during their journey between Europe and Africa is a serene experience that showcases Eilat's unique ecological importance.

Eilat’s central tourist hub, known as the North Beach, is highly walkable. Most major hotels, shopping malls, and the beachfront promenade are within a short distance of each other, making foot travel a pleasant way to explore the immediate coast. However, during the peak summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 40°C (104°F), motorized transport becomes essential for comfort and safety.

The Egged bus system is the backbone of local public transit, offering reliable routes that connect the city center to the southern Coral Beach area and the Taba border. Taxis are ubiquitous and can be hailed easily on the street or summoned through the Gett app. While standard ride-sharing services like Uber do not operate in the region, Gett offers a similar digital experience for booking regulated, metered taxis.

For those arriving at Ramon Airport (ETM), located about 18 kilometers north of the city, the Egged shuttle buses (Lines 30 and 50) are the most cost-effective option at approximately 4.20 ILS ($1.15). A private taxi from the airport to the hotel district typically costs between 85 and 110 ILS ($23–$30). For shorter trips within the city, such as traveling from the North Beach hotels to the Underwater Observatory, expect to pay around 40 to 55 ILS ($11–$15) by taxi.

Eilat is a unique shopping destination in Israel, primarily because it is a VAT-free zone. This tax exemption makes the city a magnet for those looking to purchase high-end electronics, designer clothing, and luxury watches at significantly lower prices than elsewhere in the country. For a premium experience, the Ice Mall is a must-visit; this architecturally stunning domed center features high-end international boutiques surrounding a full-sized Olympic ice skating rink.

For those seeking more affordable options or everyday items, the Big Eilat center offers a sprawling outdoor retail experience with a wide variety of outlet stores and popular Israeli fashion chains. This is the perfect place to hunt for deals on sports gear and casual apparel. Additionally, Mall HaYam, located right on the shoreline, provides a middle-ground with a mix of familiar global brands and local favorites, all while offering beautiful views of the Red Sea.

When it comes to local specialties, Eilat is famous for Dead Sea mineral skincare products and exquisitely crafted jewelry featuring Eilat Stone—a distinctive blue-green malachite-chrysocolla hybrid found in the region. Whether you are browsing for luxury labels or local souvenirs, the absence of value-added tax across the city makes every purchase a bit sweeter.

The ideal window for visiting Eilat is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these shoulder seasons, temperatures hover comfortably in the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius, making it perfect for both Red Sea diving and exploring desert landscapes like Timna Park. While summer months offer the most reliable sun, temperatures frequently soar above 40°C, and the city becomes crowded with domestic vacationers, leading to peak pricing and packed beaches.

For those seeking a quieter experience and significant savings, the winter months provide a mild escape with fewer tourists. Although evenings are cool, the Red Sea remains warm enough for snorkeling and scuba diving throughout the year. Avoid visiting during major Jewish holidays if you want to dodge the highest accommodation rates and dense crowds. Nature enthusiasts should aim for spring to catch the spectacular biannual bird migration, one of Eilat’s most unique seasonal highlights.

Language: Hebrew

• שלום (Shalom) — Hello
• בוקר טוב (Boker Tov) — Good Morning
• ערב טוב (Erev Tov) — Good Evening
• להתראות (Lehitra'ot) — Goodbye
• תודה (Toda) — Thank You
• איפה ______? (Eifo ______?) — Where is ______?
• בבקשה (Bevakasha) — Please
• איפה השירותים? (Eifo ha'sherutim?) — Where is the bathroom?
• זה בלי מע"מ? (Zeh bli ma'am?) — Is this tax-free? (The essential Eilat question, as the city is a special VAT-free zone)