Eilat is a Classic Beach Resort Town
Israel’s Red Sea Beach Town is Lovely and Unspectacular
Eilat is the southernmost city in Israel - and has the country’s port along the Red Sea. It’s a classic beach resort destination - with multiple clean, beautiful urban beaches. I had a local ask me why I would be in Eilat - given the options in the US and its nearby islands. To be fair to the question, Eilat really is just a lovely and unremarkable beach destination. It’s a nice place to find yourself - but not one I would go out of my way to go to. If you find yourself in Eilat, it’s probably because you’re crossing the land border from Aqaba in Jordan. If you find yourself here, these are the most common things to do:
Relax at the Beach: Both Eilat’s North and South beach are clean and charming - with the North Beach having more shopping and the South Beach feeling more like a beach club.
Go Diving: If you’re a diver, Eilat is a remarkable diving destination - with the northernmost coral reefs, deep light penetration, and warm water. However, Aqaba in Jordan is a cheaper diving alternative - and also includes a wrecked plane and tank. So, for divers navigating the land border between the countries, I’d recommend prioritizing diving on the Jordan side.
Go the the Underwater Observatory: An alternative to diving, Eilat has an underwater observatory where you can see the coral and fish through glass instead of goggles.
Shop: Eilat is a tax haven in Israel, so if you’re planning on making major purchases, you should do it here.
For your trip to Israel, remember that there are multiple coasts. Eilat may be your only option for relaxing along the Red Sea - but you can always get your beach time in along the Mediterranean.
