Overview
Eilat sits at the southern tip of the Negev desert, on Israel's narrow sliver of Red Sea coastline. It borders Jordan to the east and Egypt to the west, making it one of the few cities in the world where you can look across an international border from the beach. The city functions primarily as a resort town, drawing visitors with warm water, coral reefs, and reliable sunshine for most of the year.
The Red Sea here is part of the Gulf of Aqaba, and the coral ecosystems offshore are considered among the most accessible in the world — reachable from the shore or by short boat trips. Beyond water-based activities, Eilat serves as a gateway to desert landscapes, including the Negev highlands and the nearby Timna Valley.
The city is compact and relatively easy to navigate. Most hotels, restaurants, and beaches are concentrated along the coastal strip, with the commercial center a short distance inland. It has a distinctly different character from the rest of Israel — more relaxed, very tourism-oriented, and historically exempt from VAT on many goods, though visitors should verify the current tax status locally.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry requirements for Israel vary significantly by nationality and can change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority's official website for current rules before traveling. Note that evidence of travel to certain other countries may affect entry; research this in advance.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers, but consult a travel health clinic before departure. The sun in Eilat is intense year-round — high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and adequate hydration are essential, especially in summer when temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C (104 °F). Tap water is generally considered safe to drink.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing for daytime; a layer for air-conditioned interiors
- Reef-safe sunscreen (particularly important given the protected coral environment)
- Snorkeling or diving certification cards if applicable
- Modest clothing if you plan to visit any religious sites on a broader Israel itinerary
Currency and Payments
ATMs are available throughout the city. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Verify exchange rates and bank fees before traveling.
Getting There
By Air
Eilat is served by Ramon Airport (ETM), located approximately 18 km north of the city center. The airport opened in 2019 and replaced the former city-center Eilat Airport. Domestic flights connect Eilat to Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities; international charter and scheduled services operate seasonally. Confirm current routes and airlines directly with carriers or your booking platform, as service changes frequently.
By Road
Eilat is connected to the rest of Israel by Route 90, a long north-south highway running through the Arava desert. The drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem takes roughly four to five hours depending on traffic and the route taken. Long-distance buses operated by Israeli intercity carriers link Eilat to major cities; verify current schedules and booking options locally or on carrier websites.
Border Crossings
Two land border crossings are in the vicinity — the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba crossing to Jordan and the Taba crossing to Egypt. Border rules, operating hours, and visa requirements for these crossings change and must be verified well in advance through official government sources.
Getting Around
Eilat is a small city and much of the tourist area is walkable, particularly along the North Beach promenade and the hotel strip. Bicycles and electric scooters are available for rent from various operators along the waterfront — confirm availability and pricing locally.
Local buses cover the main areas of the city. Taxis are available and relatively straightforward to negotiate; ride-hailing apps used in Israel may also operate here — verify locally. For day trips to Timna Valley, the Egyptian border, or other outlying areas, renting a car or joining an organized tour is more practical.
The city center, bus station, and beach promenade are all within reasonable walking distance of most hotels, so many visitors find they rarely need transport within the core tourist zone.
Things to See & Do
Underwater Eilat
The coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba are the city's primary natural attraction. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a protected area where snorkeling and diving are permitted under regulated conditions; entry fees and rules apply — verify on-site or through the Israel Nature and Parks Authority website. Several dive centers along the coast offer equipment rental, guided dives, and PADI certification courses for those wanting structured introductions to the reef.
The Underwater Observatory Marine Park offers an alternative for non-swimmers or families, with a submerged observatory allowing views of reef life without getting wet. Verify current opening hours and admission costs before visiting.
Desert and Nature
Timna Valley, roughly 25 km north of Eilat, contains ancient copper mines, dramatic sandstone formations, and rock art. The site is managed as a park and charges admission; hours and prices should be confirmed locally. Guided jeep and hiking tours into the Negev are offered by various operators in the city.
Other Activities
- Dolphin Reef, a privately managed facility where bottlenose dolphins live in a sea enclosure; various interaction and diving options are available (verify fees and animal-welfare policies before booking)
- Boat trips on glass-bottom boats and catamarans depart from the marina area
- Cycling and hiking trails in the mountains immediately surrounding the city
- The International Birdwatching Center, as Eilat sits on a major raptor and songbird migration route in spring and autumn
Food & Drink
Eilat's dining scene reflects its resort character — there is a wide range of options from casual beachside cafés to sit-down restaurants, with cuisine spanning Israeli staples, Mediterranean, seafood, and international fare. The North Beach promenade and the marina area have the highest concentration of restaurants and are pleasant places to eat in the evenings.
Israeli breakfast culture is strong here; many hotels offer extensive buffet breakfasts that are worth experiencing. Hummus, shakshuka, fresh salads, and grilled fish feature prominently on menus across price ranges. Seafood caught in or near the Red Sea appears on many menus, though some species may be subject to sustainability considerations.
Eilat is not exempt from Israeli kosher food culture; many restaurants are kosher-certified, which means some will not serve pork or shellfish and will be closed on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Non-kosher options exist but check in advance if dietary requirements are specific. Alcohol is available at restaurants, bars, and shops. The legal drinking age in Israel is 18.
Shopping
Eilat has historically been a duty-free zone, which attracted shoppers from across Israel. The tax status of goods has been subject to ongoing policy changes; verify the current situation locally before making purchasing decisions based on price expectations.
The main commercial areas include the New Tourist Center and various malls and shops near the central bus station and hotel strip. Electronics, jewelry, clothing, and cosmetics are among the items sold. The marina area has boutique shops and souvenir stalls. For everyday needs, supermarkets and pharmacies are readily available throughout the city.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Israel's general emergency number is 100 (police), 101 (ambulance/Magen David Adom), and 102 (fire). Verify these are current before travel.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally good throughout Eilat. International roaming applies for most foreign SIM cards; Israeli prepaid SIMs can be purchased at the airport and in the city. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many cafés.
Shabbat
As in the rest of Israel, Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall) affects some businesses and transport. In Eilat this impact is somewhat less pronounced than in more religious cities, but some services may be reduced — plan accordingly.
Electricity
Israel uses Type H plugs (three pins, unique to Israel) and runs on 230V/50Hz. Adapters may be needed; many hotels provide universal sockets in bathrooms. Verify with your accommodation.
Time Zone
Israel observes daylight saving time, typically from late March to late October, shifting to UTC+3. Confirm dates for the year of travel.
Safety
Eilat is generally considered one of the safer destinations in Israel for tourists, with low rates of street crime. Normal urban precautions apply — keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas such as the promenade and markets.
The security situation in the broader region can change. Israel's proximity to Gaza, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, and Jordan means that regional events can occasionally affect travel advisories. Always check your government's official travel advisory for Israel before and during your trip, and register with your embassy if recommended.
Ocean safety: the Red Sea's currents and marine life deserve respect. Obey signage in the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, do not touch or stand on coral, and be aware of sea urchins and fire coral, which can cause injury. Jellyfish presence varies seasonally. Life-guarded beaches are available — swim within flagged areas.
Heat safety in summer is a genuine concern. Temperatures above 40 °C are common from June through August. Outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or late afternoon, and hydration must be maintained throughout the day.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Eilat has a notably more relaxed and secular atmosphere compared to cities like Jerusalem. Beachwear is appropriate on and near the beach, but more modest dress is expected in commercial and residential areas away from the waterfront. This is a practical consideration rather than a strict rule in most contexts.
The city's population is mixed, with Jewish Israelis making up the majority, alongside a community of foreign workers and a tourism industry that brings international visitors year-round. Arabic is spoken across the border in Jordan and Egypt, and some Arabic-speaking workers are present in the city.
Eilat's proximity to three countries — and the ability to see Aqaba, Jordan from the beach — gives it a geopolitical uniqueness that is worth reflecting on. The area has a complex history tied to the ancient trade routes of the Levant and the modern-day politics of the Middle East. The Timna Valley copper mines date back thousands of years and connect the landscape to some of the earliest human metallurgy.
