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Eilat

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City
—°10
Eilat (Israel)
ℹ️

Practical info — Eilat

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Snorkeling at Coral Beach is best in the morning when the water is calmest.
  • Be prepared for high temperatures in summer, drink plenty of water.
  • The tax-free shopping status makes it a good place to buy electronics.
  • Take a walk along the promenade at sunset.
  • Taxis are common, but agree on the price or use the meter.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Seafood

Try the catch of the day at the fish restaurants near the marina.

🍽
Falafel and Shawarma

Grab a quick and authentic bite at the street food stalls in the city center.

🍽
Middle Eastern Meze

Enjoy a spread of hummus, tahini, and salads at traditional restaurants.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Ice Mall

Shop tax-free in this large mall that features an ice rink in the center.

🛍
Promenade Stalls

Browse for souvenirs, jewelry, and beachwear along the main waterfront.

🧘
Botanical Garden

A peaceful desert oasis showcasing diverse plant life.

🧘
Dolphin Reef Beach

Relax on this more secluded beach and watch dolphins in their natural habitat.

Eilat is Israel's southernmost city and its premier resort destination on the Red Sea, perched at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Its strategic importance spans millennia, historically serving as a gateway for copper trade from the nearby Timna mines during the reign of King Solomon. Modern Eilat was established in 1949 following Operation Uvda, evolving from a remote outpost into a duty-free shopping hub and world-renowned vacation spot. The city is famous for its Coral Beach Nature Reserve, which protects the northernmost shallow-water coral reef system in the world, making it a mecca for snorkeling and diving. The surrounding Eilat Mountains offer a dramatic desert backdrop, featuring colorful sandstone formations and popular hiking trails like the Red Canyon. As a vital deep-water port, Eilat provides Israel with direct maritime access to Asian and African markets. Despite extreme summer heat often exceeding 40°C, the low humidity and sea breezes maintain its appeal year-round. Today, Eilat is a leader in renewable energy research, aiming to meet its energy needs through solar power.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111316202427282826231713
Rain mm9115410002365

Geography

Population
52,299 (2024)
Coordinates
29.55770, 34.95190

Facts

  • Israel's only Red Sea port and resort, home to about 52,000 people.
  • Operates as a special free-trade zone with no Value Added Tax (VAT).
  • Features the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, a world-class marine biology center.
  • A critical global corridor for millions of migratory birds twice a year.
  • Shares borders with Egypt (Taba) and Jordan (Aqaba).
  • Located near the Timna Valley, site of the world's oldest known copper mines.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of EilatPort of Eilat2 km · WExplore →
Eilat Botanical GardenEilat Botanical Garden2 km · NEExplore →
Aqaba Bird ObservatoryAqaba Bird Observatory4 km · NExplore →
AqabaAqaba6 km · NWExplore →
Underwater ObservatoryUnderwater Observatory6 km · SWExplore →
King Hussein International AirportKing Hussein International Airport9 km · NEExplore →
Gulf of Aqaba CoastGulf of Aqaba Coast9 km · WExplore →
Aqaba Container TerminalAqaba Container Terminal9 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Eilat (10)

Tarshish Beach🎡 recreation

Sandy beach on the Red Sea in Eilat.

The Red Rock Beach🎡 recreation

Red rock beach on the Red Sea in Eilat.

Golden Beach🎡 recreation

Golden sandy beach on the Red Sea in Eilat.

Har Shahmon🌿 nature

Mountain in the Eilat Mountains northwest of the city.

Ofira Park🌳 park

Park with a playground in central Eilat.

Airodium Eilat📍 landmark

Indoor skydiving facility with a vertical wind tunnel in Eilat.

Farm RZRs📍 landmark

ATV rentals for off-road rides through the desert valleys around Eilat.

Alik Lookout🌿 nature

Lookout point over the Gulf of Aqaba and the Jordanian mountains, reachable via a hiking trail.

Glass boat route (tourist attraction)📍 landmark

Tourist glass-bottom boat route to coral reefs in the Red Sea off Eilat.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Eilat so popular?
Because of the Red Sea, year-round sun, and tax-free shopping.
Can you go diving in Eilat?
Yes, there are beautiful coral reefs at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve.
How hot does it get in summer?
Very hot, often over 40 degrees Celsius, but the air is very dry.
What is the Dolphin Reef?
A beach where you can observe dolphins in their natural environment.
How to get from Tel Aviv to Eilat?
By plane (approx. 1 hour) or by bus/car through the desert (approx. 4-5 hours).
Eilat: where is it located?
Eilat is located in Israel.
Eilat: what is there to see?
Highlights include Eilat History Museum, Tarshish Beach, The Red Rock Beach.
Eilat: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Eilat: why is it worth visiting?
Eilat is Israel's southernmost city and its premier resort destination on the Red Sea, perched at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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A unique ecological garden in the desert designed with historic stone paths and water streams.
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Mount Karkom — Eilat (Israel)
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