Eilat

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.

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.

Some 320 km from the tensions of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Eilat's climate-induced relaxed atmosphere has always provided a convenient year-round escape for Israelis, and during the mild winter months also attracts thousands of European sun-seekers. 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.

As in most of Israel, many businesses and transport companies do not operate on the Shabbat (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 for the Shabbat.

The Tourist Information Center. (+972 8-6309111) can be found at 8 Beit HaGesher St. in the Bridge House near the pedestrian bridge from the yacht harbor.

The main swimming area is the North Beach and many major and minor hotels are situated there. 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.

• 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, +92-8-6364200. 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.
• Dolphin Reef, +972-8-637-1846. South Beach (3 km south of town towards the Egyptian border). Entry fee: ₪42/28 adults/children. 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.
• Eilat Museum.

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.

The Tourist Information Center. (+972 8-6309111) 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, +92-8-6364200. 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.

Dolphin Reef, +972-8-637-1846. South Beach (3 km south of town towards the Egyptian border). Entry fee: ₪42/28 adults/children. 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.

Eilat Museum.

• 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.

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.

• Kite surfing, Club Med Beach, +972 8-6373123. 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, Simtat Tsukim 5, +972 8-6323466. 3. 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. ₪180.
• Snorkeling, Along the southern beach (anywhere public. 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. Rental of snorkel and flippers ₪25.

Kite surfing, Club Med Beach, +972 8-6373123. 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, Simtat Tsukim 5, +972 8-6323466. 3. 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. ₪180.

Snorkeling, Along the southern beach (anywhere public. 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. Rental of snorkel and flippers ₪25.

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, opposite Coral Nature Reserve (Bus No. 15 from Central Bus Station/5 minutes' walk north of Underwater Observatory, +972 8 632 6468. Su-Th 8AM-3PM. 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, +972 8 637 4773, +972 54 548 7332. 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.

SPNI's Eilat Hiking Division, opposite Coral Nature Reserve (Bus No. 15 from Central Bus Station/5 minutes' walk north of Underwater Observatory, +972 8 632 6468. Su-Th 8AM-3PM. 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, +972 8 637 4773, +972 54 548 7332. 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.

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, Palmach 1. A mall located on the promenade and beach-line, closest to the airport.
• Ice Mall Eilat, Kaufman Street. Ice rink and many international brands.
• Big Center Eilat, HaSatat 20. . Eilat's outlet mall. .

Mall HaYam, Palmach 1. A mall located on the promenade and beach-line, closest to the airport.

Ice Mall Eilat, Kaufman Street. Ice rink and many international brands.

Big Center Eilat, HaSatat 20. . Eilat's outlet mall. .

The main promenade is packed with stylish tourist restaurants offering some of Israel's finest cuisine prepared by master chefs. The variety of restaurants understandably comes at a price, though not as expensive as many restaurants in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

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.).

• On the Beach Restaurant. Falafel, shawarma and pizza. Decent price.
• 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. ₪30-100 per dish.
• 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.
• 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, North end of HaTmarim Blvd. Su-Th noon-2PM. Price includes choice of entree with vegetables, soup and salad bar (+ desert, if any). Food prepared by Hotel School student chefs; tasty and good quality. Takeaway. ₪43 per person (Apr. 2016).
• 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.
• Il Pentolino, HaTamrim Blvd., +972 8-634 3430. It's an Italian-style dairy restaurant serving an assortment of pastas, bagels and salads. Open air dining and smoking areas. Kosher, closed on Shabbat.
• Jacknis, Mor Center. Favorite eatery of Eilat's no-nonsense business community. Takeaway.
• 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.
• Rachel. Dairy. Homemade quiches and baked goods. Breakfast served all day includes 2 eggs any style, salad, assortment of side dishes and spreads, with breads, jam and choice of hot and cold beverages. It's near the hospital. Very crowded at brunch time. Breakfast for two: ₪95.

On the Beach Restaurant. Falafel, shawarma and pizza. Decent price.

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. ₪30-100 per dish.

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.

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, North end of HaTmarim Blvd. Su-Th noon-2PM. Price includes choice of entree with vegetables, soup and salad bar (+ desert, if any). Food prepared by Hotel School student chefs; tasty and good quality. Takeaway. ₪43 per person (Apr. 2016).

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.

Il Pentolino, HaTamrim Blvd., +972 8-634 3430. It's an Italian-style dairy restaurant serving an assortment of pastas, bagels and salads. Open air dining and smoking areas. Kosher, closed on Shabbat.

Jacknis, Mor Center. Favorite eatery of Eilat's no-nonsense business community. Takeaway.

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.

Rachel. Dairy. Homemade quiches and baked goods. Breakfast served all day includes 2 eggs any style, salad, assortment of side dishes and spreads, with breads, jam and choice of hot and cold beverages. It's near the hospital. Very crowded at brunch time. Breakfast for two: ₪95.

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.

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.

Eilat is relatively close to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, which has become a terrorist hotbed. There have also been terrorist incidents in Eilat. To prevent terrorist infiltrations, Israel has built a steel barrier backed by cameras, radar and motion detectors on the Israel-Egypt border.

The Eilat hospital. serves the southern Negev.

The Eilat hospital. serves the southern Negev.

• A number of Kibbutzim (Heb. plural of Kibbutz) in the Arava also offer accommodations. Kibbutz Yotvata specializes in fruit cultivation and dairy farming. It supplies much of the milk and several varieties of fresh fruit and packaged goods to the Negev / Eilat region under its logo of a setting sun with two linked palm trees. They also take in traveling volunteers and have a Hebrew school for foreigners.
• Mitzpe Ramon – about 150 km north, offers great views and hikes from the edge of a giant crater.
• Israel – Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea are a few hours away by bus, and can be easily visited in a day or two on organized tours.
• Jordan – A short drive away is the Eilat/Aqaba border crossing to the adjacent Jordanian town of Aqaba – find information, on how to get in, there – Jordan's largest port and tourist resort. A few dozen kilometres north of Aqaba is the impressive Wadi Rum desert, and further into the country the ancient and popular Petra.
• Egypt – South of Eilat is the border crossing to Taba (Egypt), where the Taba Hilton and nearby Taba Heights beach resorts are situated. Here begins the Egyptian Sinai peninsula where St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai are located.

  To get to the Egyptian border take a taxi (₪35) from Eilat to the border, or take bus line 15 (₪6) and walk across. On the Egyptian side there is a minibus station as well as further along a full bus station. Note, the border can take between 20 min to 2 hours. You will need to pay an exit fee when leaving Israel of ₪103 (Feb 2012) and if travelling further south than Taba another fee at the checkpoint south of the border. If you plan to continue further than the Sinai, deeper into Egypt (Cairo) then you need to apply for a visa in the Egyptian consul in Eilat. The embassy is open from 9:30AM to 2PM on Sunday to Thursday. It takes approx. 20 min for European and American tourists, and costs ₪100. Remember to bring a passport photo with you to the embassy - it is required for the visa, and the embassy has no photo-taking facilities. If you don't have a passport photo handy, you can take one on the 2nd floor of the shopping mall right at the corner of the Eilat beach. If you are on an organized tour, some tour companies can arrange the visa on the day of the tour at the border.

A number of [[Kibbutzim]] (Heb. plural of Kibbutz) in the Arava also offer accommodations. Kibbutz Yotvata specializes in fruit cultivation and dairy farming. It supplies much of the milk and several varieties of fresh fruit and packaged goods to the Negev / Eilat region under its logo of a setting sun with two linked palm trees. They also take in traveling volunteers and have a Hebrew school for foreigners.