Eilat is not just a resort city on the Red Sea. It has a rich historical past—its origins date back to the time of King Solomon, when the famous “King Solomon’s Mines” were located near the city. In later history, Eilat served as a military outpost. Its rapid development began after Israel declared independence in 1948.
Modern life in Eilat is entirely centered around tourism. Eilat is a true resort city, with the majority of its population employed in the tourism industry. The city offers a wide range of hotels of various categories, as well as numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues. There are also cinemas and amusement parks. Despite the consistently hot climate, visitors can even enjoy activities like ice skating, sliding down an ice slope, and playing in artificial snow.
All types of water sports are well developed in Eilat, especially diving. No special equipment is required—visitors can easily observe the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea with just a mask and snorkel. The unique climate and natural conditions ensure a steady flow of tourists throughout the year.
A list of attractions, развлечений (entertainment), and interesting places in Eilat and its surroundings:
Active leisure in Eilat offers a wide variety of options—diving, rock climbing, water skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and more. Travelers who prefer activity over relaxing on the beach will find plenty of exciting opportunities here. After all, active отдых (recreation) means an unforgettable rush of adrenaline and positive эмоции (emotions). These activities are available year-round.
At the entrance to Eilat lies a true wonder in the desert—a botanical garden set on ancient stone terraces. The garden features marked walking paths, recreated streams, a lake, waterfalls, as well as wooden and stone structures. There are also three դիտակետեր (viewpoints) offering scenic views of the Red Sea and the Edom Mountains.
The Camel Ranch offers a wide range of activities for desert lovers. Visitors can enjoy camel rides of varying durations—from just a few minutes to half-hour or hour-long rides. For those seeking more exotic experiences, longer excursions deep into the desert lasting up to four hours are available.
Eilat is surrounded by mountains, making it difficult to explore the area by regular car. However, with guided tours, visitors can embark on exciting jeep or off-road buggy adventures, allowing them to admire the stunning landscapes while experiencing a surge of adrenaline. These excursions are very popular among tourists visiting Eilat.
The Dolphin Reef is a unique attraction located on the southern coast of the Red Sea and one of the most popular sites in Eilat. It is a place where visitors can enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a peaceful beach. In addition, guests have the opportunity to swim alongside dolphins. Visitors can observe dolphins in their natural habitat, swim with them, and even take photos.
The Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve is a reserve where most animals live in conditions close to complete freedom. Covering an area of 16 square kilometers, it is home to animals and birds that inhabited the region thousands of years ago. Predators and venomous snakes are safely separated from visitors by bulletproof glass. In addition to daytime animals, visitors can also observe nocturnal species. In a special pavilion, home to owls, bats, and hedgehogs, moonlight conditions are recreated. The reserve is located about 40 km north of Eilat.
The Ice Park Eilat is a family-friendly entertainment complex.Under a vast dome lies Israel’s largest ice rink, covering approximately 1,500 square meters.Even during the peak of summer heat, visitors can play in the snow, slide down ice hills, enjoy a large игровая зона (play area), and then relax or have a snack in one of the cafés or restaurants.
The International Birding & Research Center Eilat was established with the support of an international birdwatching and research organization. Eilat lies along a major migration route from Europe to Africa. Peak migration seasons occur twice a year—from February to May and from August to October. Scientists have recorded more than 230 species of migratory birds here, and the area is known for having one of the highest concentrations of birds of prey in the world.
Timna Park is a unique природный парк (desert park) that leaves visitors with unforgettable impressions of dramatic desert landscapes and stunning rock formations. The bizarre shapes of the hills—aptly named the Sphinx, the Mushroom, the Spiral Hill, and others—spark the imagination. Time and erosion are the true artists behind these incredible natural sculptures. Timna Park is also known as the legendary “King Solomon’s Mines.”
The Underwater Observatory Marine Park opened over 25 years ago and is located at the southern end of the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, about 8 km from the city center. At a depth of 6 meters, visitors can admire breathtaking underwater views through the glass walls of two observation halls. One of Eilat’s most famous underwater treasures—the “Japanese Gardens” coral reef—is found here, where countless colorful fish of all shapes and sizes swim among the corals.
The shooting range at the Yam Suf Hotel (formerly Ambassador) is considered one of the most modern in the world. Visitors can try shooting a wide variety of firearms used in Israel (excluding heavy weapons), including the legendary Uzi. The experience is enhanced by realistic video simulations of combat scenarios, including cowboy-style shootouts.
In a traditional Bedouin tent, guests are invited to enjoy an authentic dinner featuring local dishes, fresh flatbreads, oriental sweets, and tea. The highlight of the evening is, of course, a mesmerizing belly dance performance.
The WOW Show Eilat is an original production combining elements of ballet, circus, and musical fantasy, infused with humor and magic. This spectacular performance features international artists and breathtaking acrobatics. The show takes place daily at 20:30 at the Isrotel Theater in the Isrotel Royal Garden. Guests of the Isrotel hotel chain can enjoy special ticket rates.
Private tours in Eilat offer tailor-made itineraries, VIP service, and unique маршруты (routes) designed with licensed Russian-speaking guides. Comfortable travel is ensured with modern minibuses equipped with everything needed for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Together, we will create a personalized экскурсионная программа (excursion program), taking into account all your preferences and expectations.
Our guides will turn your trip to Israel into an unforgettable and truly unique journey. They will recommend the best restaurants where you can explore the rich diversity of Israeli cuisine, show you the most fascinating sights of Eilat, and introduce you to the vibrant cultural heritage of this ancient city.
Where can you go from Eilat? Here are several options for private tours with a personal guide who will tailor the itinerary to your interests and preferences.
Ramon Crater is the largest of its kind and one of the five craters in the Negev Desert. It is a unique natural phenomenon, believed to have formed through the erosion of softer inner rock layers beneath harder outer layers. The crater stretches about 40 km in length, up to 9 km in width, and reaches a depth of approximately 400 meters. The town of Mitzpe Ramon is located right on its edge.
Avdat National Park was once a central city along the Nabataean trade route from Petra to Gaza. The excavated acropolis sits at an elevation of 655 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Today, the site functions as a national park and visitor center. Remains of residential areas, temples, a military base, bathhouses, wine presses, and agricultural terraces have been preserved. In 2005, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sde Boker is a kibbutz located about 30 km north of Ramon Crater, known as the home of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, in his later years. Nearby is the Ben-Gurion Midreshet, which includes a desert research institute, a field school, and an educational center. The graves of David Ben-Gurion and his wife Paula overlook the stunning Zin Valley and Avdat Plateau.
Jerusalem is located about 320 km from Eilat. The drive from Eilat to Jerusalem takes approximately 3.5–4 hours. Although the journey is not a short one, a visit to Jerusalem is undoubtedly worth it. Along the way, you can make short stops to enjoy views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert.
A typical sightseeing tour in Jerusalem includes the ancient city, the quarters of the Old City, and the holy sites of the three major world religions, as well as historical landmarks and museums. A private guided tour allows you to tailor the itinerary according to your personal preferences.
A private tour to the Dead Sea may include visits to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, the Masada fortress, and the Qumran archaeological site. You can also relax and swim at a well-equipped beach and explore products from the famous Ahava Dead Sea cosmetics factory. The journey covers about 200 km and can be comfortably completed in just over two hours.
A trip to Jordan with a private guide is a great way to combine your stay in Israel with a visit to a neighboring country. A customized itinerary allows you to see the highlights in a short time while enjoying a comfortable and informative journey.
Crossing into Jordan from Eilat is done via the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing (Arava Terminal), located near the city. The most famous attraction is undoubtedly Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Around 800 structures carved into the red rocks of the Edom Mountains—including a Roman amphitheater, tombs, obelisks, and temples—leave a lasting impression.
A private tour of Jordan can also include a city tour of Aqaba, a jeep safari through Wadi Rum, a visit to the “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” described by T. E. Lawrence, and exploration of ancient rock inscriptions.
