Sunshine, shopping and incredible activities for all the family… everything you need to know about one of Israel’s gems
By Simon Rothstein
“Eilat is an amazing city,” Mayor Eli Lankri tells me. “It is beautiful, innovative and constantly evolving.”
That the Mayor spent part of an evening with me and three other journalists from Jewish papers in the UK, waxing lyrical about Eilat and taking us around Terminal Park, highlights just how seriously the city takes diaspora tourism.
Once an annual destination for many families in the UK, visitor numbers from these shores have dropped in recent years for three key reasons – Covid, war, and a lack of flights.
The first two are over, hopefully for good, while El Al solved the latter earlier this year – resuming direct winter flights to the city from Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv. Wizz Air have now also announced plans to open a mini-base at Eilat’s Ramon Airport this spring.
The result is that this incredible city, with so much to offer, is once more easily accessible.
If you want to be at one with nature, go to Eilat. If you want to ride camels in the desert or snorkel around Moses Rock, go to Eilat. If you want to lie in the sun any month of the year, go to Eilat. If you want to take the kids go-karting, climbing or to see dolphins, go to Eilat. If you want tax-free shopping, go to Eilat.
You get the idea!
Four days in the city told me that the Mayor’s words weren’t a sales pitch or hyperbole, but a genuine description of one of Israel’s gems.
If you’re planning a trip to Israel this summer, I’d strongly recommend putting Eilat on your agenda. And if you do, here is my guide to the best things to see, do and eat.
WHAT TO DO
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Website: coralworld.co.il/en
The city has a genuine tropical sea right on its doorstep, teeming with hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates. And what better way to see them all than from the deepest underwater observatory on the planet. Walking down to six metres below the surface, into a natural reef, is quite the experience. Relaxing, educational and truly something you won’t find at home, this is somewhere I could stay all day.
The Eilat Bird Sanctuary
Website: eilatbirds.com/en/
As the only land bridge connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, Eilat is one of the most important places in the world for migratory birds and this centre is where they are supported and protected on route. Entry is free and the aim is simple: changing hearts about conservation by letting you get close enough to see these wonderful creatures on their epic trek. I loved every second I spent here – as do the 150,000 visitors and millions of birds that come through each year.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Website: en.parks.org.il//reserve-park/eilat-coral-beach-nature-reserve-2/
My new favourite place! Snorkelling around Joseph Rock and Moses Rock is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The water is remarkably clear, offering a front-row seat to one of the most densely populated coral reefs in the world, with hundreds of species of tropical – and very colourful – fish darting just inches from your mask.
Dolphin Reef
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en
Think the polar opposite of Sea World and you will have Dolphin Reef. The two current resident dolphins, Nana and Nikita, live in their natural environment and are free to leave for the open sea whenever they choose. The site is all about freedom of choice; there are no forced tricks or jumps, just the chance to watch these majestic creatures up close.
Stalbet Relaxation Pools
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en/stalbet
It’s not just the dolphins who are well looked after. This adults-only spa provides heated sea-water pools, in a botanical garden setting, that let you drift, float and truly relax. If you want the full experience, book the ‘Watsu’ treatment where a therapist moves you through the water to help you completely switch off.
Camel Ranch
Website: camel-ranch.co.il/en/
Ever pictured yourself riding a camel for a trek through the Israeli desert? Nor me! But I’m so glad I did. The Camel Ranch is a must on any trip to Eilat, especially as it offers so much more – including quad-bike style EZ Riders, electric mountain bikes and its spectacular Feast event with unlimited meats, drinks and live entertainment. Just remember to leave with a pack of their famous Bedouin tea.
Top 94
Website: top94.co.il
This is a massive indoor space in the industrial zone that’s a godsend when the sun gets too hot or the kids get too restless. Its 30 activities offer something for everyone – from archery and go-karting to high ropes and the tallest indoor climbing wall in Israel – with friendly and patient staff to help you get to grips with it all.
Terminal Park
Website: terminalpark.co.il
Another great spot for the family is Terminal Park, the city’s brand-new project, built on the runway of the old airport that many readers will have flown to in the past. A community-focused space, it’s part amusement park, part urban hang-out – with a Ferris wheel, extreme sports areas, outdoor cinema and food trucks.
Timna Park
Website: parktimna.co.il/en/timna-park/
Exploring Timna Park – 15,000 acres of desert landscapes, ancient history and fascinating geology – is something that will stay with you long after you leave, especially if you do the night-time lantern tour. There’s Solomon’s Pillars (massive sandstone columns lit up after dark), the Mushroom (a rock formation sitting on 6,000-year-old copper mines), and the Arches (natural stone windows you can actually climb through). It really does feel like you’ve walked back into the days of the Bible.
WHERE TO EAT
Pedro
Website: pedro.co.il
A classy dinner venue for meat lovers, seafood lovers and, especially wine lovers, this restaurant is located in a quiet neighbourhood and has great service – giving you the best of all worlds. For fans of steak, Meat Monday is a must.
Omer’s
Website: omers-eilat.com
If you like meat in bread, you will love Omer’s. Courses so large and filling that I’m afraid I can’t tell you what the desserts were like. A fun and inexpensive place for a lovely lunch as you hop from one place to another.
Dolphin Reef Restaurant
Website: dolphinreef.co.il/en
Dolphin Reef is somewhere you will want to spend at least half a day. Don’t take a packed lunch though… as its restaurant should be a standalone part of your itinerary. Quick brunch type bites are its forte, with a shakshuka to die for. The nicest part? Eating, while listening to the sounds of the birds and waves.
DnA Burger
Website: instagram.com/dnaburgerr/
Sometimes the best food really is on your doorstep. I discovered this hip burger joint, tired and hungry after a flight, as it was opposite our hotel… and one of the tastiest burgers I’ve ever eaten (and that wasn’t just the hunger talking).
WHERE TO STAY
Isla Brown 42
Website: brownhotels.com/eilat/isla
This five-star new build is elegant and centrally located. With gorgeous pool area, huge rooms and a breakfast buffet that never ends, the Isla Brown is a luxurious place to enjoy your stay.
Timna Park
Website: parktimna.co.il/en/timna-park-accomodation
Choose from guest rooms, caravans, camping or glamping for an evening under the stars and a morning of spectacular desert and lake views. A really special experience for a night of your trip.
KIBBUTZIM TO SEE:
Neot Semadar
Website: neot-semadar.com/en/
Recently recognised by UN Tourism as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages, Neot Semadar fully deserves the accolade. It combines striking architecture, ecological agriculture and a deep commitment to creativity, all built and run by the people who live there. The on-site winery and art shop are ideal for picking up gifts to take home for others… and yourself.
Kibbutz Elifaz
Website: elifaz.co.il
A quietly compelling slice of desert life, Elifaz gives a taste of the ‘traditional’ Israeli kibbutz. A cooperative community focused on agriculture, solar energy and small-scale tourism, it’s a place to notice the little things that make life special.
WHO TO SHOW YOU AROUND
Shai Cohen Tour Guide
Website: instagram.com/cohensh1/?hl=en
If you want to see any city properly, it’s best to have a local tour guide. Shai knows every single square inch of Eilat and everyone in Eilat knows Shai. His insights not only into the attractions of the city but also its geography, culture, history and geopolitics make him the ideal host. Shai would often time a journey to pass a certain place at a specific moment, just to see it in its full splendour, or take a quick detour if he thought there was something our group shouldn’t miss. He’s that good.
Ministry of Tourism Eilat
Website: eilat.city/en/ministry-of-tourisem
Get in touch with the tourist board for maps, event schedules, advice and any other information a tourist might require – offered in 14 languages. The Essex Jewish News would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism Eilat along with Itamar Elitzur and Sharon Ofer of the Eilat Hotel Association, Hollie Wright of UK Office of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Jo Rosenblatt of Noteworthy Communications for making sure we got to see everything Eilat has to offer.
Now it’s your turn to visit…
