Eilat

Eilat sits wedged between the Negev Desert and the northern tip of the Red Sea. The city operates primarily as a resort and port hub, isolated from Israel's main population centers. You navigate it easily by bus or taxi, with life split between the beach strip and the residential desert slope. Expect stark sun, clear water, and direct access to marine and desert reserves.

Dining in Eilat revolves around fresh seafood, Levantine grills, and resort hotel buffets. Freshly caught sea bream and red mullet feature on menus across the coastline. Prices on the North Beach promenade run significantly higher than upper town spots along Sheshet HaYamim Street.

• Grilled Dennis

  Order fresh sea bream (Dennis) at local harbor joints for the reliable regional catch.

• Shabbat Dining

  Unlike Jerusalem, promenade restaurants stay open through Friday night and Saturday to serve visitors.

• Tax-Free Savings

  Restaurant menus reflect the 0 percent VAT status, making dining slightly cheaper than in Tel Aviv.

Eilat began as an ancient trade outlet on the Gulf of Aqaba. It transformed into a modern strategic port and tourism center after the founding of Israel on May 14, 1948.

1. 10th Century BCE

   King Solomon's Port

   Nearby Ezion-Geber served as an ancient maritime trading post for gold and copper.

2. 1949

   Operation Uvda

   Israeli forces secured the outpost of Um Rashrash, founding modern Eilat at the gulf's edge.

3. 1956

   Port Expansion

   Opening the Straits of Tiran established Eilat as a vital trade port for African and Asian routes.

4. 2019

   Ramon Airport Opens

   The modern international terminal opened, replacing the old downtown airstrip and expanding flight access.

Choose your base based on your primary reason for visiting. Stay along the North Beach if you want immediate water access and evening dining without relying on transport. Select the South Coast if your focus is daily diving and quiet nights near the reef.

• Resort vacationersNorth Beach — Immediate access to calm swimming waters and central promenade dining.
• Scuba diversSouth Coast — Steps away from primary dive sites, equipment centers, and reef entries.
• Budget travelersCity Center — Lower accommodation rates and proximity to affordable local food markets.
• Long-term stayersShahamon — Quiet apartment rentals set against the desert mountains.

Eilat operates a compact urban bus network managed by Egged. City buses connect upper residential neighborhoods to the beach strips, while regional lines handle desert excursions.

• Public buses accept Rav-Kav smart cards or mobile payment apps like HopOn. Cash is not accepted onboard.

• Bus line 15 runs from the central station down the South Coast to Coral Beach every 30 minutes.

• Public Egged buses stop running on Friday afternoon and resume service on Saturday evening.

• Taxis are plentiful around major hotels. Always insist on using the meter (Monit) for city rides.

Prices in Eilat benefit from a local exemption on Value Added Tax. However, high demand during peak sun seasons keeps hotel and resort restaurant rates elevated.

• Coral Beach entry: 35 ILS

  Grants day access to protected water lanes, shade structures, and showers.

• Snorkel gear hire: 30–40 ILS

  Daily rental fee for mask, snorkel, and fins at south coast dive shops.

• Casual lunch dish: 45–60 ILS

  Cost of a falafel or shawarma plate with sides at central eateries.

• Extreme Sun

  Desert rays reflect heavily off water. Wear protective rashguards for long snorkeling sessions.

• Reef Protection

  Touching or stepping on coral structures is illegal and strictly enforced by beach rangers.

• Border Crossings

  The Taba crossing to Egypt and Wadi Araba crossing to Jordan require separate exit fees and passport checks.

• Tap Water Quality

  Tap water is safe to drink and produced primarily through local coastal desalination plants.

• VAT Exemption

  Show your passport or foreign entry slip at large shops to confirm your eligibility for tax exemption.