Things to do in Eilat, Israel - our top 17 tips

Today's 17 things to do in Eilat is our final post from our trip to Israel. Here you will find tips on everything from diving and dolphins to shopping and excursions to different parks. If you want to find the posts at a later date, go to Israel in the menu, where we have collected all the reports with travel tips.

What to do in Eilat?

When we booked our trip to Eilat, we probably thought mostly about sun, swimming and diving, and maybe a road trip to the Dead Sea or Jerusalem. But we didn't realise that there would be so much to do in Eilat. We have not had time for all this ourselves, but we went to the tourist office on the seafront in Eilat and got a thorough briefing with suggestions, tips and brochures. So why not share with us?

As you can see, there is a lot to do in Eilat. On the downside, however, it should be mentioned that it is expensive in Eilat and that in January it is cold in the evenings. Admittedly, we have read that Eilat is a tax-free zone and that it should therefore be cheaper here than in the rest of Israel, but we cannot claim that we experienced that. But here we go, here are lots of tips on things to do in Eilat! What would you choose to do in Eilat if you travelled there?

1. sunbathing and swimming

Eilat is a holiday resort where sunbathing and swimming are excellent! In winter, if the weather is good, you can sunbathe and swim during the day. The water temperature in January is 21 degrees and the rest of the year is warmer.

2. Snorkelling and diving

Eilat is perhaps best known for its excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. The water is crystal clear and full of coral and colourful fish.

3. go on a guided tour

Eilat offers free guided tours. We unfortunately missed these, but there were three to choose from: Nature tour, Hiking Tour and Tour of Eilat. Check with the tourist office, at the Flying Ball attraction along the promenade.

4. shopping

Eilat has plenty of malls and shops, and although it's not overly cheap, you'll find a few different chains than at home. Near the beach there is a small amusement park and a bazaar. The bazaar has small stalls where you can buy things like jewellery, summer clothes and cuddly toys.

The 'Ice Mall' is worth a visit for several reasons. There is not only shopping but all possible entertainment, with everything from a large skating rink to an arcade, a huge climbing frame in a globe, virtual reality experiences and a fish spa.

5. Eat local food

There are plenty of restaurants serving food from all corners of the world, including Israel. We ate at the Olla restaurant (pictured), which serves international and Israeli food. It was good, but we learnt that restaurants in Eilat are expensive.

If you want to eat cheaper, we recommend falafel or perhaps the simple beach fish restaurant Pina Ba'Yam.

6. ice skating

Even if you are in a seaside resort, you can still skate! The "Ice Mall" shopping centre has a large rink, where many people take the opportunity to try skating.

7. Visit a bird park

In Eilat is the bird park Birding Park. We didn't make it here, but here you can see migratory birds, and learn more about the migratory birds that land in Eilat every year before heading across the Sahara.

8. See flamingos

Just outside Eilat is a lake where you can see lots of flamingos. Take the car a short distance north on road 90 and turn right when you see the sign for 'Sharsheret Wells' and 'Avrona Farm'. Then continue on a gravel road, first forward and then left. When there is a sign for flamingos, turn right. You can then use the picture to drive along the lake and watch the big birds.

9. Visit the Underwater Observatory

You can easily get to the Underwater Observatory by local bus where you can see fish, sharks, rays and turtles. The coolest thing is the underwater tower where you can see the real Red Sea, with all the corals and colourful fish through large glass windows. Don't miss it!

10. See dolphins on Dolphin Reef

The same bus that goes to the Underwater Observatory goes to the Dolphin Reef. Here wild dolphins swim voluntarily into the bay and you can choose to just watch, or to snorkel or dive with the dolphins. There is also a nice relaxed atmosphere with swimming and a bohemian restaurant.

11. Go on a camel safari

We did not have time for a camel safari (unfortunately) but there is a camel ranch ten minutes by car from Eilat, in the direction of Taba. The ranch also has a high-altitude track.

12. Visit an "Extreme Challenge Park"

For those who cannot lie still on the beach, there is a Extreme Challenge Park, where you can try out go-karts, paintball, airsoft guns and more.

13. Visit the Timna Park Copper Kingdom

We were very close to visiting Timna Parkbut on our last day with a hire car we chose Red Canyon instead. At Timna Park, you can visit the site of an ancient copper mine, as well as hiking trails and a lake with pedal boats.

14. Hiking through Red Canyon

Red Canyon is a dramatic and intense canyon located half an hour's drive from Eilat. The walk around takes about an hour, taking you through very dramatic and exciting environments. A visit here is highly recommended!

15. Visit "The Hidden Valley"

If you drive a bit north along road 90, "The hidden valley" is on your left. We don't even remember what to see here (since we didn't get there) but the tourist office drew a circle for us on the map. Feel free to go there and explore and come back and tell us!

16. Visit Yotvata Park

Yotvata Park is located north of "The hidden valley" along road 90. The tourist office told us that you drive around among animals and said that the park is "very good with children". Since we had no children with us, we did not go there ...

17. participate in a festival

Last but not least, you might find yourself in Eilat just when it's time for a fun festival. These range from belly dancing and music festivals to desert races and Shabbat celebrations.

Film about Eilat and Israel

Peter has put together a film about Eilat and Israel, don't miss it!

Where to stay in Eilat?

There are of course many different hotels in Eilat. We stayed at a hotel called Rimonim Central Park, which is a short distance from the beach. The hotel is possibly ok, but we had expected more from a four-star hotel (according to Solfaktor, which we booked through).

The fridge doesn't work (everything you put in it freezes), the balcony door is extremely difficult to lock, there's no soap or anything like that, and the thin walls don't protect you from the neighbours' nocturnal cackling or the roaring jets outside. The location is ok, but staying closer to the beach would be both more practical and more relaxed.

See more in Israel

If you're on holiday in Eilat, be sure to check out the rest of the country! We rented a car and looked around for two days, and there are also bus or organised tours if you prefer.

For example, you can travel to the dynamic coastal city of Tel Aviv or to the historically fascinating city of New York. Jerusalem. In between there are also many other exciting attractions, such as Dead Sea and Qumranwhere the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. It is also possible to make excursions from Eilat to Wadi Rum in Jordan.