Eilat Travel Guide – Complete Israel Destination

Eilat Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city, with a population of 57,339, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea, on what is known in Israel as the Gulf of Eilat and in Jordan as the Gulf of Aqaba. The city is considered a tourist destination for domestic and international tourists heading to Israel.

Eilat is situated in Southern, within Israel, representing a distinctive destination with its own unique character, cultural heritage, and community identity. The area offers visitors and residents alike a comprehensive range of local attractions, community amenities, cultural experiences, and regional significance that contribute to its reputation as a noteworthy destination within Israel.

Eilat is positioned at coordinates 29.56°, 34.95°, located at an elevation of 16.0 meters above sea level, home to approximately 51,935 residents, contributing to its distinctive geographic profile, demographic characteristics, and environmental setting. These fundamental characteristics influence the local climate, community development patterns, economic activities, and overall visitor experience, creating a unique sense of place that distinguishes Eilat from other destinations in the region.

Visitors to Eilat can explore numerous aspects that make this Israel destination particularly noteworthy, including its rich local heritage, vibrant community life, diverse cultural attractions, significant regional importance, and authentic local experiences. The area provides extensive opportunities for cultural exploration, community engagement, historical discovery, and appreciation of local traditions alongside contemporary developments and innovations.

The community of Eilat welcomes visitors with a combination of historical authenticity, cultural richness, and modern amenities that create memorable experiences for travelers seeking to understand and appreciate the distinctive character of Israel destinations. Whether interested in historical heritage, geographic features, cultural experiences, community life, or regional exploration, Eilat offers multiple perspectives and opportunities for meaningful engagement with local traditions, contemporary developments, and community values.

History and Heritage

The historical development and cultural heritage of Eilat encompass a rich tapestry of events, influences, and traditions that have shaped the community’s identity over time. Understanding the historical context provides valuable insights into the forces that have contributed to the contemporary character of Eilat. The preservation and interpretation of historical heritage remains an important priority for the community, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from the experiences of those who came before. Historical research and documentation efforts continue to uncover new information about the development of Eilat, adding depth and nuance to our understanding of the community’s evolution.

History 1822 (Eduard Rüppell) 1952–58 (Survey of Israel) On the left a map drawn by the first foreigner to explore the area in modern times with current borders overlaid; modern Eilat is located between the mountain “Gatal Mahamar” and the area labelled “marais saumâtre” (brackish marsh). This aspect of Eilat represents a significant element in understanding the community’s character and development. The information provides valuable insights into the distinctive features that define Eilat within its regional context. Understanding these characteristics helps visitors and residents appreciate the unique qualities that make Eilat a noteworthy destination.

On the right, an early Israeli map drawn shortly after the founding of modern Eilat. The development and evolution of these features in Eilat reflect broader patterns of growth and change in the region. Local residents and community leaders have worked to preserve and enhance these important aspects of Eilat’s identity. Visitors to Eilat can observe how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and character of the community. The ongoing maintenance and development of these features demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving its distinctive identity.

The site of ancient Elath, later Ayla, is located midway between modern Eilat and Aqaba, Jordan, on the Jordanian side of the border; the Israeli map includes the words Hebrew: אֵילַת הרומאית, lit. ‘Roman Eilat’. The broader context of Eilat within its regional setting provides additional perspective on these important characteristics. Community members and visitors alike benefit from understanding how these elements fit into the larger picture of Eilat’s development. The integration of these features with other aspects of community life creates a comprehensive picture of what makes Eilat unique. Ongoing research and documentation help preserve knowledge about these important aspects of Eilat for future generations.

In contemporary Eilat, these characteristics continue to play an important role in community life and development. Modern residents of Eilat work to balance preservation of traditional elements with adaptation to changing needs and circumstances. The community’s approach to managing these aspects reflects a thoughtful consideration of both historical significance and future requirements. Visitors to Eilat can observe how the community successfully integrates respect for its heritage with progressive planning for the future. This balance between tradition and innovation represents one of the defining characteristics of modern Eilat.

For visitors exploring Eilat, these elements provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community’s distinctive character. The accessibility and presentation of these features make it possible for tourists and other visitors to gain authentic insights into Eilat. Local guides and community members often share additional information that enhances the visitor experience in Eilat. The community’s welcoming approach to tourism ensures that visitors can appreciate these aspects while respecting local customs and preferences. Many visitors to Eilat report that understanding these elements significantly enriches their overall experience of the destination.

Looking toward the future, Eilat continues to develop strategies for maintaining and enhancing these important community characteristics. Community planning processes in Eilat regularly consider how to preserve essential elements while accommodating growth and change. The involvement of residents in these planning discussions ensures that future development in Eilat reflects community values and priorities. Sustainable approaches to managing these aspects help ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate and benefit from them. The long-term vision for Eilat includes continued attention to these foundational elements of community identity and character.

The historical heritage of Eilat continues to serve as a foundation for community identity and pride, influencing contemporary development while preserving important connections to the past. Ongoing efforts to document, preserve, and interpret historical resources ensure that this heritage remains accessible and relevant for current and future residents of Eilat. The integration of historical awareness into community planning and development helps maintain the distinctive character that makes Eilat a unique and valued place to live and visit.

Geography and Location

The geographic setting and natural environment of Eilat play fundamental roles in defining the community’s character, development patterns, and relationship with the surrounding region. The physical characteristics of the landscape influence everything from settlement patterns to economic activities, creating a unique sense of place that distinguishes Eilat from other communities. Environmental factors continue to shape daily life in Eilat, affecting transportation, recreation, agriculture, and other important aspects of community life. The community’s relationship with its natural environment reflects both practical considerations and deeper cultural values about stewardship and sustainability.

Geography Eilat aerial view The geology and landscape are varied: igneous and metamorphic rocks, sandstone and limestone; mountains up to 892 metres (2,927 ft) above sea level; broad valleys such as the Arava, and seashore on the Gulf of Aqaba. This aspect of Eilat represents a significant element in understanding the community’s character and development. The information provides valuable insights into the distinctive features that define Eilat within its regional context. Understanding these characteristics helps visitors and residents appreciate the unique qualities that make Eilat a noteworthy destination.

With an annual average rainfall of 28 millimetres (1. The development and evolution of these features in Eilat reflect broader patterns of growth and change in the region. Local residents and community leaders have worked to preserve and enhance these important aspects of Eilat’s identity. Visitors to Eilat can observe how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and character of the community. The ongoing maintenance and development of these features demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving its distinctive identity.

1 in) and summer temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) and higher, water resources and vegetation are limited. “The main elements that influenced the region’s history were the copper resources and other minerals, the ancient international roads that crossed the area, and its geopolitical and strategic position. The broader context of Eilat within its regional setting provides additional perspective on these important characteristics. Community members and visitors alike benefit from understanding how these elements fit into the larger picture of Eilat’s development. The integration of these features with other aspects of community life creates a comprehensive picture of what makes Eilat unique. Ongoing research and documentation help preserve knowledge about these important aspects of Eilat for future generations.

In contemporary Eilat, these characteristics continue to play an important role in community life and development. Modern residents of Eilat work to balance preservation of traditional elements with adaptation to changing needs and circumstances. The community’s approach to managing these aspects reflects a thoughtful consideration of both historical significance and future requirements. Visitors to Eilat can observe how the community successfully integrates respect for its heritage with progressive planning for the future. This balance between tradition and innovation represents one of the defining characteristics of modern Eilat.

For visitors exploring Eilat, these elements provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community’s distinctive character. The accessibility and presentation of these features make it possible for tourists and other visitors to gain authentic insights into Eilat. Local guides and community members often share additional information that enhances the visitor experience in Eilat. The community’s welcoming approach to tourism ensures that visitors can appreciate these aspects while respecting local customs and preferences. Many visitors to Eilat report that understanding these elements significantly enriches their overall experience of the destination.

Looking toward the future, Eilat continues to develop strategies for maintaining and enhancing these important community characteristics. Community planning processes in Eilat regularly consider how to preserve essential elements while accommodating growth and change. The involvement of residents in these planning discussions ensures that future development in Eilat reflects community values and priorities. Sustainable approaches to managing these aspects help ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate and benefit from them. The long-term vision for Eilat includes continued attention to these foundational elements of community identity and character.

The geographic advantages and natural characteristics of Eilat remain fundamental to its development potential, environmental sustainability, and quality of life for residents and visitors. Geographic considerations continue to influence planning decisions, infrastructure development, and community growth strategies in Eilat. The community’s ongoing relationship with its natural environment reflects both practical needs and deeper values about environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Climate and Weather

The climate patterns and weather conditions in Eilat represent important factors in understanding the local environment, seasonal rhythms, and quality of life for residents and visitors. Weather patterns influence agricultural activities, outdoor recreation, tourism seasons, and many other aspects of community life in Eilat. The community has developed various strategies for adapting to and making the most of local climate conditions, from seasonal festivals to infrastructure design. Understanding climate patterns helps visitors plan their activities and appreciate the seasonal variations that add richness to the Eilat experience.

Climate Eilat has a hot desert climate (Köppen: _BWh_) with very hot, dry summers and warm, similarly dry winters. This aspect of Eilat represents a significant element in understanding the community’s character and development. The information provides valuable insights into the distinctive features that define Eilat within its regional context. Understanding these characteristics helps visitors and residents appreciate the unique qualities that make Eilat a noteworthy destination.

Winters are usually between 11–23 °C (52–73 °F). The development and evolution of these features in Eilat reflect broader patterns of growth and change in the region. Local residents and community leaders have worked to preserve and enhance these important aspects of Eilat’s identity. Visitors to Eilat can observe how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and character of the community. The ongoing maintenance and development of these features demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving its distinctive identity.

Summers are usually between 26–40 °C (79–104 °F). There are relatively small coral reefs near Eilat; however, 50 years ago they were much larger. The broader context of Eilat within its regional setting provides additional perspective on these important characteristics. Community members and visitors alike benefit from understanding how these elements fit into the larger picture of Eilat’s development. The integration of these features with other aspects of community life creates a comprehensive picture of what makes Eilat unique. Ongoing research and documentation help preserve knowledge about these important aspects of Eilat for future generations.

In contemporary Eilat, these characteristics continue to play an important role in community life and development. Modern residents of Eilat work to balance preservation of traditional elements with adaptation to changing needs and circumstances. The community’s approach to managing these aspects reflects a thoughtful consideration of both historical significance and future requirements. Visitors to Eilat can observe how the community successfully integrates respect for its heritage with progressive planning for the future. This balance between tradition and innovation represents one of the defining characteristics of modern Eilat.

For visitors exploring Eilat, these elements provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community’s distinctive character. The accessibility and presentation of these features make it possible for tourists and other visitors to gain authentic insights into Eilat. Local guides and community members often share additional information that enhances the visitor experience in Eilat. The community’s welcoming approach to tourism ensures that visitors can appreciate these aspects while respecting local customs and preferences. Many visitors to Eilat report that understanding these elements significantly enriches their overall experience of the destination.

Looking toward the future, Eilat continues to develop strategies for maintaining and enhancing these important community characteristics. Community planning processes in Eilat regularly consider how to preserve essential elements while accommodating growth and change. The involvement of residents in these planning discussions ensures that future development in Eilat reflects community values and priorities. Sustainable approaches to managing these aspects help ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate and benefit from them. The long-term vision for Eilat includes continued attention to these foundational elements of community identity and character.

Climate considerations in Eilat continue to play important roles in community planning, agricultural practices, tourism development, and daily life for residents and visitors. Understanding and adapting to climate patterns helps the community make informed decisions about various activities and developments in Eilat. The community’s approach to climate adaptation demonstrates resilience and forward-thinking planning that benefits both current residents and future generations.

Demographics and Population

The demographic composition and population characteristics of Eilat provide insights into the community’s social structure, cultural diversity, and development trends. Population data helps community leaders and residents understand changing needs and plan for future growth and development in Eilat. The diversity of backgrounds, ages, and experiences among residents contributes to the rich social fabric that defines contemporary Eilat. Demographic trends also influence economic development, educational planning, and community service provision in Eilat.

Demographics Historical populationYearPop. This aspect of Eilat represents a significant element in understanding the community’s character and development. The information provides valuable insights into the distinctive features that define Eilat within its regional context. Understanding these characteristics helps visitors and residents appreciate the unique qualities that make Eilat a noteworthy destination.

±% 1955500— 19615,300+960. The development and evolution of these features in Eilat reflect broader patterns of growth and change in the region. Local residents and community leaders have worked to preserve and enhance these important aspects of Eilat’s identity. Visitors to Eilat can observe how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and character of the community. The ongoing maintenance and development of these features demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving its distinctive identity.

0% 197213,100+147. 2% 198318,900+44. The broader context of Eilat within its regional setting provides additional perspective on these important characteristics. Community members and visitors alike benefit from understanding how these elements fit into the larger picture of Eilat’s development. The integration of these features with other aspects of community life creates a comprehensive picture of what makes Eilat unique. Ongoing research and documentation help preserve knowledge about these important aspects of Eilat for future generations.

In contemporary Eilat, these characteristics continue to play an important role in community life and development. Modern residents of Eilat work to balance preservation of traditional elements with adaptation to changing needs and circumstances. The community’s approach to managing these aspects reflects a thoughtful consideration of both historical significance and future requirements. Visitors to Eilat can observe how the community successfully integrates respect for its heritage with progressive planning for the future. This balance between tradition and innovation represents one of the defining characteristics of modern Eilat.

For visitors exploring Eilat, these elements provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community’s distinctive character. The accessibility and presentation of these features make it possible for tourists and other visitors to gain authentic insights into Eilat. Local guides and community members often share additional information that enhances the visitor experience in Eilat. The community’s welcoming approach to tourism ensures that visitors can appreciate these aspects while respecting local customs and preferences. Many visitors to Eilat report that understanding these elements significantly enriches their overall experience of the destination.

Looking toward the future, Eilat continues to develop strategies for maintaining and enhancing these important community characteristics. Community planning processes in Eilat regularly consider how to preserve essential elements while accommodating growth and change. The involvement of residents in these planning discussions ensures that future development in Eilat reflects community values and priorities. Sustainable approaches to managing these aspects help ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate and benefit from them. The long-term vision for Eilat includes continued attention to these foundational elements of community identity and character.

Demographic trends and population characteristics in Eilat continue to evolve, reflecting broader social and economic changes while maintaining the community’s distinctive character and values. Population dynamics influence resource allocation, community service planning, and development priorities in Eilat. The community’s approach to managing growth and change while preserving its essential character demonstrates thoughtful planning and community engagement.

Economy and Industry

The economic landscape and industrial activities in Eilat encompass various sectors and enterprises that contribute to local prosperity, employment opportunities, and community development. Economic diversity helps ensure resilience and stability for Eilat, providing multiple sources of income and opportunity for residents. The business community in Eilat includes both established enterprises and emerging ventures, creating a dynamic economic environment. Economic development efforts focus on building on existing strengths while exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation in Eilat.

Economy In the 1970s tourism became increasingly important to the city’s economy as other industries shut down or were drastically reduced. This aspect of Eilat represents a significant element in understanding the community’s character and development. The information provides valuable insights into the distinctive features that define Eilat within its regional context. Understanding these characteristics helps visitors and residents appreciate the unique qualities that make Eilat a noteworthy destination.

Today tourism is the city’s major source of income, although Eilat became a free trade zone in 1985. The development and evolution of these features in Eilat reflect broader patterns of growth and change in the region. Local residents and community leaders have worked to preserve and enhance these important aspects of Eilat’s identity. Visitors to Eilat can observe how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and character of the community. The ongoing maintenance and development of these features demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving its distinctive identity.

#Tourism Eilat Sports Center, a $3 million project, was completed in 2013. Eilat offers a wide range of accommodations, from hostels and luxury hotels to Bedouin hospitality. The broader context of Eilat within its regional setting provides additional perspective on these important characteristics. Community members and visitors alike benefit from understanding how these elements fit into the larger picture of Eilat’s development. The integration of these features with other aspects of community life creates a comprehensive picture of what makes Eilat unique. Ongoing research and documentation help preserve knowledge about these important aspects of Eilat for future generations.

In contemporary Eilat, these characteristics continue to play an important role in community life and development. Modern residents of Eilat work to balance preservation of traditional elements with adaptation to changing needs and circumstances. The community’s approach to managing these aspects reflects a thoughtful consideration of both historical significance and future requirements. Visitors to Eilat can observe how the community successfully integrates respect for its heritage with progressive planning for the future. This balance between tradition and innovation represents one of the defining characteristics of modern Eilat.

For visitors exploring Eilat, these elements provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with the community’s distinctive character. The accessibility and presentation of these features make it possible for tourists and other visitors to gain authentic insights into Eilat. Local guides and community members often share additional information that enhances the visitor experience in Eilat. The community’s welcoming approach to tourism ensures that visitors can appreciate these aspects while respecting local customs and preferences. Many visitors to Eilat report that understanding these elements significantly enriches their overall experience of the destination.

Looking toward the future, Eilat continues to develop strategies for maintaining and enhancing these important community characteristics. Community planning processes in Eilat regularly consider how to preserve essential elements while accommodating growth and change. The involvement of residents in these planning discussions ensures that future development in Eilat reflects community values and priorities. Sustainable approaches to managing these aspects help ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate and benefit from them. The long-term vision for Eilat includes continued attention to these foundational elements of community identity and character.

Economic development in Eilat continues to adapt to changing conditions while building on existing strengths and exploring new opportunities for growth and prosperity. Economic diversification and innovation contribute to long-term stability and resilience for the Eilat community. The ongoing collaboration between business, government, and community organizations helps ensure that economic development serves the broader interests of Eilat residents and visitors.

Planning Your Visit to Eilat

When planning a comprehensive visit to Eilat, travelers should consider the numerous aspects that make this destination unique within Israel, including the rich cultural heritage, distinctive geographic setting, welcoming community atmosphere, and diverse range of experiences available to visitors. The local characteristics, historical significance, and community amenities provide visitors with extensive opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful cultural engagement.

The regional context of Eilat offers valuable insights into broader cultural and geographic patterns while maintaining its distinctive local character and community identity. Visitors can experience authentic community life, explore significant local traditions, appreciate unique architectural and natural features, and gain understanding of the historical and contemporary factors that define this remarkable Israel destination.

Whether interested in comprehensive historical heritage exploration, detailed geographic feature appreciation, immersive cultural experiences, authentic community life engagement, or extensive regional discovery, Eilat provides multiple perspectives and opportunities for meaningful interaction with Israel destinations. The combination of significant local attractions, comprehensive community resources, important regional significance, and welcoming local hospitality creates extensive opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange, educational exploration, and memorable travel experiences.

Visitors planning extended stays in Eilat will find that the community offers both the amenities necessary for comfortable accommodation and the authentic experiences that create lasting memories of Israel travel. The balance between preserving traditional character and embracing contemporary developments ensures that Eilat continues to offer relevant and engaging experiences for travelers seeking authentic destinations that provide both historical significance and modern convenience.