Eilat Travel Guide: Notes to Discover Eilat
Eilat is a destination that offers travelers a unique combination of extraordinary natural beauty, historical sites and exciting nightlife. In this Eilat travel guide you will find the necessary information to plan your trip.
General Information about Eilat
If you are thinking of making a trip to Eilat, below you will find all the information you need to not miss anything.
Eilat is a city in the southernmost part of Israel, located on the Red Sea coast. It is a popular tourist destination known for its warm climate, beaches, coral reefs, and crystal clear waters.
In turn, Eilat is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants. The city has a population of approximately 52,000 people and its economy is largely driven by tourism.
The city is uniquely situated, surrounded by the Negev desert mountains, and is a popular starting point for excursions to nearby attractions such as Petra in Jordan and the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.
In addition, Eilat has an international airport, Eilat Ramon Airport, which serves domestic and international flights.
Constructions, sea and palm trees.
Picture of Boris Izmaylov on Unsplash
Location of Eilat
Below, we show you where is located Eilat:
Map of Eilat on Google Maps
The Best Places to Visit in Eilat
Eilat is a region with a rich natural, cultural and historical heritage. Here we tell you some of the main places of interest in Eilat, where you will find whatever you are looking for, be it history, nature or adventure.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
This is a unique attraction that allows visitors to see marine life up close without getting wet. The park features an underwater observatory, aquariums, and interactive exhibits.
Dolphin Reef
This is a unique attraction that allows visitors to swim and interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat. Visitors can also watch dolphin shows and learn about these fascinating creatures.
Timna Park
This is a nature reserve located about 25 km north of Eilat. It has impressive geological formations, old copper mines and hiking trails.
Eilat Museum
This museum showcases the history and culture of Eilat, including its Bedouin heritage and its development as a tourist hub.
Eilat Waterfront
This is a scenic waterfront promenade that runs along the Red Sea shoreline. It offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and shops.
Red Canyon
This is a natural canyon located about 30 km north of Eilat. It has spectacular red rock formations and hiking trails.
King's City
This is a theme park that offers a variety of attractions, including a 4D cinema, a maze, and a laser tag arena.
Eating and Drinking in Eilat
Eilat is a city with a rich mix of cultures and flavors. In Eilat's gastronomy, fresh fish and shellfish dishes stand out, which can be enjoyed in the many restaurants that line the port.
Among the typical foods of Eilat, there is "seafood shakshuka", a dish that combines eggs with a mixture of tomatoes, peppers and shellfish. Another popular dish is the "Bedouin kebab", which is prepared with marinated lamb and served with rice and a cucumber and tomato salad.
When it comes to drinks, Eilat offers a variety of refreshing options to combat the intense heat of the desert. A popular drink is "lemonade", a lemon and mint soda served over ice and perfect for hot days. You can also try "bedouin chai", an infusion of black tea with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.
Finally, one cannot fail to mention Eilat's desserts, which are a delicious mix of sweet and spicy flavors. One of the most popular desserts is the "halva", a sweet made with sesame paste and sugar, which can be found in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate or pistachio.
In short, Eilat's typical food and drinks are a delicious mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, reflecting the region's rich history and culture.
Halva
Picture of Ilanit Ohana on Unsplash
How Is the Culture in Eilat?
Eilat's culture is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the region, as it is a city with a rich cultural heritage, influenced by a variety of customs.
The Bedouin community has played an important role in shaping the local culture, and their influence can be seen in everything from music and dance to clothing and architecture.
The city is also home to a thriving arts scene, with many local artists and performers exhibiting their work in galleries and theaters.
Religion is an important aspect of life in Eilat, both Judaism and Islam have a significant presence in the city.
Despite its modern conveniences and international appeal, Eilat remains deeply connected to its cultural roots, with many traditions and customs still practiced and celebrated today.
How to Get to Eilat
There are several ways to get to Eilat, depending on your starting point and budget. Here are some options:
- By plane: Eilat has its own international airport, Eilat Airport (ETM), which receives domestic and international flights. You can find direct flights to Eilat from Tel Aviv, Haifa, Moscow, Berlin and other cities.
- By bus: If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take a bus from major cities in Israel, such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Beer Sheva. There are also bus services from cities in Jordan, such as Aqaba.
- By car: If you like to drive, you can rent a car and drive from any major city in Israel. There are major highways connecting Eilat to the rest of the country, and the Red Sea Highway is a popular route through the Negev desert.
- By ferry: If you are coming from Jordan, you can take a ferry from Aqaba to the port of Eilat. Ferries operate daily and are a popular and convenient way to reach Eilat from Jordan.
How to Get Around in Eilat?
Getting around Eilat is quite easy due to its size and the myriad of transportation options available.
If you prefer to walk, many of the city's attractions are within walking distance and it's a nice way to enjoy the sunny weather.
If you need to move faster, you can take a taxi or a shared ride service. Taxis can be found on the streets or at designated taxi ranks. Ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Eilat.
Another option to get around Eilat is to rent a car. There are several car rental companies in the city that offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy to luxury. Having a car will also allow you to explore the places near Eilat, such as Timna National Park and Mount Sinai.
Finally, if you prefer a more ecological option, you can choose to rent a bicycle or use the public bicycle rental system, which has several stations throughout the city.
Private Transfer in Eilat
If you are looking for the most comfortable and safest option to get to Eilat and move carelessly around the city, here you will find the information you need to book your private transfer with Greca.
Beaches of Eilat
Eilat is known for its beautiful beaches with crystal clear and warm waters, some of the most beautiful in Israel. Here we present you some of the most popular beaches in the city:
- Coral Beach: Coral Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Eilat and is known for its spectacular coral reef. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and is ideal for those looking to explore the marine life of the Red Sea.
- North Beach: North Beach is one of the largest beaches in Eilat and is popular with families with children due to its wide variety of water activities and sports, such as water skiing and parasailing.
- Dolphin Beach: Dolphin Beach is a quiet beach located on the southern tip of Eilat. It is a popular place for those looking to relax and enjoy the sun and the beach, and dolphins can often be seen playing in the water.
- Princess Beach: Playa de la Princesa is a small secluded beach located north of the city. It is a popular location for those seeking privacy and tranquility, and is known for its natural beauty and crystal clear waters.
- Migdalor Beach: Migdalor Beach is a picturesque beach located south of the city. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular place for water sports and relaxation.
Sea, beach and mountains
Picture of Shalev Cohen on Unsplash
Best Time to Visit Eilat
The best time to visit Eilat depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do in the city.
If you like water sports and diving, the best time to visit Eilat is during the summer months, from June to August, when temperatures are warm and the sea water is pleasant for swimming.
However, this is also the busiest time, so it is important to book in advance.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and extreme heat, then the spring and fall months of March to May and September to November are a good option.
During these months, the temperatures are milder and it is possible to enjoy all the attractions and activities of the city without having to deal with the crowds of tourists.
Winter, from December to February, is the coolest season in Eilat, but it is still possible to enjoy the city thanks to its mild climate. Prices are also lower during this time of year, making it a great time to visit if you're looking to save on accommodation and activities.
Festivals of Eilat
Eilat hosts various festivals and events throughout the year that showcase its vibrant culture and traditions. These are some of the most popular festivals in Eilat:
- Red Sea Jazz Festival: This is an annual music festival held at the end of August and brings together some of the most talented jazz musicians in the world. The festival features multiple stages and performances, as well as workshops and jam sessions.
- Eilat International Film Festival: This is a five-day film festival that takes place at the end of November and features a diverse selection of international films, as well as workshops and panels with filmmakers.
- Eilat Chamber Music Festival: This is an annual classical music festival held in early February featuring a variety of chamber music soloists and ensembles.
- Eilat Bird Festival: This is an annual bird watching festival held at the end of March and attracts bird enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival includes guided bird watching tours, workshops and lectures.
- Eilat Desert Marathon: This is an annual marathon that takes place in mid-December and takes runners through the picturesque desert landscape that surrounds Eilat.
These festivals and events are just a few examples of the many cultural and entertainment offerings in Eilat. They provide a unique opportunity to experience the city's rich heritage and lively atmosphere.
Is It Worth Visiting Eilat?
Of course! Eilat stands out for its vibrant culture and its beautiful natural settings.
In turn, due to its proximity to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, many travelers combine their visit to Eilat with these destinations, so you will find these sites in several of our offers.
Are you looking to marvel at amazing beaches? Do you want to know a fascinating culture? Do you want to enjoy bars and clubs?
If your answer is "yes", at Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Eilat, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.
There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!
More Travel Guides!
If you have been interested in our Eilat travel guide and want to continue learning about this and other wonderful destinations, we invite you to look at the section of all our Travel Guides. Plan your next adventure with Greca!
