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Eilat

Eilat, Southern, Israel

Dive into Paradise: Discover Eilat, Israel's Red Sea Gem Escape to Eilat, a vibrant oasis where desert landscapes meet the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Located at Israel's southernmost tip, Eilat offers a captivating…

#beach destination#Red Sea#tourist hotspot#diving paradise#sunny weather

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Eilat.

Top Hotels in Eilat

Top Flights to Eilat

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Eilat.

Tours

Coral Beach Nature Reserve

Explore the beautiful coral reef at Coral Beach, ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Timna Park

Discover the geological wonders of Timna Park with breathtaking rock formations and hiking trails.

Underwater Observatory Marine Park

Witness the vibrant life underwater without getting wet at the Underwater Observatory.

Shopping

Eilat Stone Shopping

Discover a unique collection of locally sourced Eilat stones in various forms.

Ice Mall

Shop and skate at the unique Ice Mall, offering a range of shops and an ice rink.

Mall Hayam

Shop for fashion and local goods at the bustling Mall Hayam.

Outdoor

Dolphin Reef

Interact and swim with dolphins in their natural surroundings at Dolphin Reef.

Red Canyon

Hike through the stunning narrow red sandstone walls of the Red Canyon.

Aqua Beach

Enjoy the sun, sea, and water sports activities at Aqua Beach.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Eilat.

Currency

₪ | ILS | Israeli New Shekel

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Eilat, Southern, Israel is 'Not Available'.

Languages

Hebrew, English, Russian, Arabic

Average weather

Eilat

Jan

21°10°

Feb

23°11°

Mar

26°14°

Apr

31°18°

May

35°22°

Jun

38°25°

Jul

40°28°

Aug

40°28°

Sep

37°25°

Oct

33°21°

Nov

27°16°

Dec

22°11°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Eilat.

What people love

Eilat, located in Southern Israel, has several pros for travelers:

Beautiful Beaches: Eilat is famous for its stunning beaches along the Red Sea, with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Underwater World: Eilat is a paradise for underwater enthusiasts, with a variety of marine life and colorful coral reefs to explore. Snorkeling and diving opportunities are abundant, allowing visitors to witness the beauty of the Red Sea up close.
Year-Round Sunshine: Eilat enjoys a sunny climate almost year-round, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warm weather and sunshine.
Adventure Activities: Eilat offers a range of adventure activities such as desert hiking, camel rides, jeep tours, and water sports like windsurfing and parasailing, providing plenty of opportunities for thrill-seekers.
Unique Attractions: Visitors to Eilat can also explore attractions such as the underwater observatory, Dolphin Reef, Timna Park with its ancient rock formations, and the nearby Red Sea desert, offering a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Overall, Eilat is a popular destination in Israel for its beautiful beaches, underwater attractions, sunny weather, adventure activities, and unique attractions, making it a great choice for those looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

What to know

There are a few cons to consider when traveling to Eilat, located in Southern Israel:

High temperatures: Eilat has a hot desert climate, with temperatures soaring especially during the summer months. This extreme heat may be uncomfortable for some travelers, and it is important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Limited public transportation: Eilat is a relatively small city, and public transportation options can be limited compared to larger cities. Depending on your travel plans, you may need to rely on taxis or private transportation to get around.
Expensive: Eilat is known to be one of the more expensive cities in Israel, particularly when it comes to accommodation, dining, and activities. Travelers on a budget may find that expenses add up quickly in this tourist destination.
Remote location: Eilat is located in the southernmost tip of Israel, far from other major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Traveling to and from Eilat may require a longer journey, whether by plane, bus, or car.
Security concerns: While Eilat is generally considered safe for tourists, it is located near the border with Egypt and Jordan. Travelers should stay informed about any security updates and be aware of the situation in the region.

Overall, while Eilat offers beautiful beaches, coral reefs for diving, and a vibrant nightlife, travelers should be aware of these potential cons when planning a trip to this southern Israeli city.

Eilat, located in the Southern District of Israel, is a city with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here is a detailed history of Eilat, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Ancient History

Early Settlement: Eilat is believed to have been settled as early as the 10th century BCE. The ancient city was known as Elath or Aila and is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. It was strategically significant due to its location on the Red Sea, serving as a port for ships traveling to and from the land of Ophir.
Biblical References: Eilat is mentioned in the Bible in the context of King Solomon's reign, as he built a fleet of ships at Ezion-Geber, near Elath, which is on the shore of the Red Sea, in the territory of Edom (1 Kings 9:26).
Roman and Byzantine Periods: During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Eilat was a significant trade route junction between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. The city of Aila was established during Roman times and continued to thrive under Byzantine rule.

Medieval History

Islamic Conquest: With the rise of Islam in the 7th century, Eilat came under Islamic rule. The city continued to serve as an important trade hub.
Crusader and Mamluk Periods: During the Crusader period, the area saw several battles between Crusaders and Islamic forces. Later, the Mamluks controlled the region, and trade continued, though its prominence declined.

Modern History

Ottoman Empire: Eilat remained a minor settlement under Ottoman rule, primarily inhabited by local Bedouin tribes.
British Mandate: Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the British took control of the region, including Eilat, under the British Mandate for Palestine.
Establishment of Israel: After the 1947 UN Partition Plan and subsequent establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Eilat was captured by Israeli forces during Operation Uvda in March 1949. The raising of the "Ink Flag" at Umm Rashrash (modern-day Eilat) symbolized Israel's control over the region.

Development and Growth

Port and Tourism: In the years following its capture, Eilat was developed into a major port and tourist destination. The Eilat Port became a significant shipping hub, particularly after the opening of the Port of Aqaba in neighboring Jordan.
Tourism Boom: The 1960s and 1970s saw a tourism boom, with Eilat's warm climate, beautiful beaches, and coral reefs attracting visitors from around the world. The city became known for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports.

Landmarks and Modern Attractions

Timna Valley: Located north of Eilat, the Timna Valley is an ancient mining site with evidence of copper mining dating back to the Egyptian Pharaohs. It is now a popular tourist destination with unique geological formations.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve: Known for its vibrant coral reefs, this reserve is a protected area where visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving.
Dolphin Reef: A popular attraction where visitors can interact with dolphins in their natural habitat.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park: This observatory allows visitors to view marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve: Offers hiking trails and stunning views of the desert landscape.

Eilat continues to be a vital city in Israel, known for its strategic location, thriving tourism industry, and natural beauty.