Eilat—a resort city located at the southernmost point of Israel—appears before visitors quite unexpectedly and immediately captivates with its unique charm. One moment you are traveling through the Arava Desert, surrounded by rocky landscapes and golden sands, and the next, you find yourself by the Red Sea, on the shores of the Gulf of Eilat, shimmering in shades of blue and framed by greenery. According to tradition, the Queen of Sheba once arrived here by ship during her historic visit to King Solomon. Today, this destination attracts lovers of sunshine, diving enthusiasts, and those seeking exotic experiences.
On the scale of Israel, Eilat is quite remote. The nearest major city, Beersheba, is about 240 km away by road. Eilat’s port connects Israel by the shortest maritime route to countries along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Eilat can be reached from central Israel by bus or plane. The city has its own airport, primarily serving domestic flights, and the international Ovda Airport is located about 60 km to the north.
Eilat enjoys a unique climate, being the driest region in Israel. Relative humidity is only 20–30%, and summer temperatures can reach up to +45°C (113°F). However, the heat is relatively easy to tolerate due to the dry air and cooling breezes. Winters are warm and mild, with little rainfall. Sea temperatures remain fairly constant year-round—from about +22°C (72°F) in winter to +26°C (79°F) in summer. Thanks to these conditions, Eilat has become a leading winter sun destination, attracting visitors from Israel and abroad.
The Gulf of Eilat lies in the heart of the desert and is surrounded by high mountains, which contributes to high evaporation rates and results in a salinity of about 4.1%—significantly higher than the ocean average. These natural conditions support the formation of coral reefs. The gulf marks the northernmost point of tropical coral reefs, with Red Sea corals stretching along the coastline in a wide band.
The rich underwater world of the Gulf of Eilat attracts numerous diving enthusiasts. In 1966, the coastline of Eilat was declared a nature reserve.
Since 1995, almost every winter, a port hangar on the seafront is transformed into a 2,000-seat concert hall, hosting the annual international festival “Classics on the Red Sea.” As a result, Eilat has become a true festival city, drawing musicians and audiences from across Israel and around the world.
Each year, during the last week of August, Eilat also hosts the four-day Red Sea Jazz Festival. The festival features 9–10 concerts daily in the port area, along with nighttime jam sessions, while nearby hotels host мастер-классы with visiting musicians. Over the years, renowned artists such as Chick Corea, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Yellowjackets, Michel Petrucciani, Herbie Hancock, and Abbey Lincoln have performed here.
Of course, Eilat is the perfect destination for carefree relaxation. Take a boat trip across the gulf, try scuba diving or snorkeling among some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, enjoy water skiing or speed boating, visit the underwater observatory, soak up the sun on pristine beaches, or spend the night dancing at a club or on a moonlit cruise. You can also explore archaeological sites in the Timna Park, located 27 km north of Eilat.
Eilat offers a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and escape from everyday life.