Escape to Eilat: the best activities in Israel’s top resort town

Located beyond Eilat’s port area, the Dolphin Reef offers an awe-inspiring atmosphere and experience for animal and nature seekers. Not only can you observe the dolphins from the floating piers and observation points, but you can also snorkel and dive among them. This ecologically unique site for both Israel and the world, houses a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, where onlookers can witness them living first-hand in their natural habitat: playing, hunting and socializing. 10,000 square meters of open-ended sea allow the dolphins to come and go at will – none of them are captive.

The Coral Beach Underwater Observatory Marine Park offers a myriad of activities connected to a spectacular underwater universe, incorporating underwater observatories, a nature museum, 40 fish tanks, a sea turtle/stingray pool and a shark pool. There's even a darkroom specifically designed to showcase the fascinating flashlight fish: a bioluminescent fish that carries a glowing bacteria beneath their eyes, enabling them to "turn on and off" at will by raising or lowering a small flap of muscle. 100 meters from the shoreline is the underwater observatory containing two observation decks located below the surface, and one located above. Climb 90 steps to the Peace Terrace for expansive views of Israel, Jordan and Egypt. Science-lovers will ooh and aah at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve’s Oceanarium: a virtual-reality, science-fiction movie with interactive moving seats and a large screen.

Ice Park & Mall is an enormous glass-domed structure containing a mall and arcade/theme park. International and local designer stores offer VAT-free prices, while an Artist Market sells handcrafted jewelry. Whether your travels to the Middle East have you missing a true northern winter or you’re just plain sick of the blazing Eilat heat, come chill out in the mall’s one-of-a-kind indoor skating rink.

Located on the North Beach, this destination dining restaurant comes from the hands of two successful chefs, Inbar Shapira and Lior Raphael, formerly of restaurant Hamasger 5—a place known for its attention to detail and beautifully-plated dishes.  Whale lives up to the same standards, offering an element of surprise with its refined simplicity and seasonal ingredients, brimming with freshness and creative takes on classic dishes. The ever-changing menu guarantees that no matter when you come in, you will be intrigued by the craftsmanship in every dish.

The southernmost city in Israel, Eilat, has been blessed with a spectacular coral reef. The Eilat coral reef, the northernmost reef in the world and a unique Israeli attraction, is the beating heart of the one-mile long nature reserve that stretches across the gulf of Eilat. Diving or snorkeling near the reef, you will see colorful coral gardens home to a variety of multi-hued tropical fish: parrotfish, butterfly fish, giant shellfish and a wide selection of intriguing species that only come out in the dark. About a ten-minute walk from the Egyptian border, you’ll find the southernmost scubadiving club in Israel, a small venue with plenty of peace and quiet. The club offers an introductory underwater excursion for those who have no previous diving experience.

From day to night, Mosh’s Beach is the hottest beach spot in Eilat. With multiple restaurants and the finest beach service, this beach is where all visitors should head when looking for a beach escape in Eilat. Facing the Jordan mountains and sitting meters from the Red Sea, Mosh’s Beach truly is a romantic and unique getaway. With a beautiful sea, tasty food, and awesome music, Mosh’s is the place to head for an all around amazing experience in Eilat.

Eilat’s Bazaar offers a diverse – sometimes bizarre – mix of trinkets, handmade clothing, jewelry, henna tattoos, hair-braiding and printed T-shirts. The stalls are ideal for perusing during an evening stroll and there are plenty of food and beverage kiosks to keep you well fed and watered.

The Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat allows visitors easy access to the reef, as well as essential beach services, including a shop, showers, toilets, sunshades, deck chairs and sun loungers. This stunning spot is the perfect place to check out the captivating coral reef in a comfortable setting. With small pools and bridges built over the reef - from which the coral reef and the colorful fish swimming around it can be seen - one can appreciate the many different species and types of plants and fish.

Adventuring through rock formed passages less than two meters wide yet hundreds of meters high, the Eilat Mountains offer visitors a unique and stunning desert experience. Whether hiking or biking, advanced or beginner, an experience awaits every visitor. In great weather conditions, one can see Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia from the top of mountain, making this experience uniquely Middle Eastern!

This wild coast is reminiscent of the beaches that have not yet been touched by man and have remained with beautiful mountains and blue water. The Beach entrance is marked by ropes with buoys because it is a part of the Coral Beach strip. It is also possible to enter the water by two iron bridges leading directly into deep water for those who want a quick and sand-free approach. Although it is a natural beach, the beach is clean, well-maintained and inviting. While Princess beach does not feature any organized facilities, it does feature unobstructed beauty, and is definitely worth checking out.

Located in a beautifully secluded garden in one of Eilat’s most veteran neighborhoods is a charming market restaurant and wine bar by the name of Pedro (the only restaurant in Eilat to include a wine bar, featuring a large selection of labels, including local wines from the Red Sea Winery). Chef Tal Hershkivitz who runs the kitchen introduces his diners to fascinating culinary experiences as he takes them on a voyage into the wonderful worlds of flavor, color and enchanting aromas: Moroccan-style ravioli with fish, an original take on Israeli couscous, their signature Tournedos Rossini, and more. If the aromas alone don’t instantly win you over, you can give me a call.

Royal Beach Hotel by Isrotel Exclusive Collection has its own private beach overlooking the Red Sea in Eilat. It features 3 outdoor pools, a sun terrace and a wellness centre. Free WiFi is available throughout.

Rooms at the Royal Beach have views of the pool or the sea, and most have a balcony. All are equipped with air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities.

The on site restaurant serves a range of Israeli and international cuisine. Guests can relax in the contemporary lounge area where there is live piano music, or enjoy a drink from the pool view bar.

Isrotel Luxury Exclusive Royal offers a private shuttle service from Eilat Airport. The Underwater Observatory Marine Park is 9 km away.

When in Eilat, dine like a Brazilian with churrascaria, a Brazilian barbecue where plenty of meaty possibilities are served right in front of you; it’s a meat-fest of sorts for hungry diners hanging out at the Red Sea. The effervescent vibe is intoxicating, especially on Fridays when Brazilian dancers pump up the energy. Dine family-style with over 11 types of meat showcased to your delight, or go all out and order the premium version with over 14 varieties of meat. You can also just weigh your possibilities by ordering meat  by the weight to take home with you.

5 minutes from Eilat's attractions, the Isrotel Agamim Hotel offers peace and quiet in tasteful settings. Enjoy relaxation by the poolside while listening to chill out music or a live saxophone player. Free WiFi is available throughout.

The rooms are elegant and spacious. Some rooms are located on the ground floor with direct access to the pool and with their own private terrace.

The hotel’s facilities include a spa where you can let yourself be pampered with a massage, gym, hammam, and a bar. There are no special activities for children.

Breakfast is served till 12:00, so there is plenty of time to rest in the morning. Breakfast includes cheese, salad and fresh pastries as well as granola, fruit and omelet, prepared on request.

Isrotel Yam Suf is 20 metres from the Red Sea. It features 3 swimming pools, and free parking. Free WiFi is available throughout.All rooms at the Yam Suf have a comfortable seating area with tea/coffee maker and cable TV. Some rooms also have a furnished balcony overlooking the hotel's private beach and the swimming pools.Isrotel Yam Suf Hotel also features a restaurant serving buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.There is also a fitness centre with free entrance to the gym, while the spa and massages are available at extra costs.The hotel is just a short walk from the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, ideal for diving lovers. Manta Diving Centre is next to the Isrotel and here guests can rent diving equipment and attend courses.

Less than 5-minute walk from both the sea and Hayam shopping centre in Eilat, Club Hotel Eilat has over 10 acres of grounds including a water park with 6 swimming pools, a children's pool, a water slide and tropical gardens with waterfalls. Free private parking is available on site.

Air-conditioned suites and studios at Club Hotel feature a fully equipped kitchenette and a seating area. Some also offer a private hot tub on the balcony. Most have panoramic views of the sea, mountain, and city.

Guests can relax in the gym or at the spa including 15 treatment rooms, a sauna and 4 hot tubs. Massages can also be booked. The staff provides entertainment activities for children and adults, both during the day and at night. 3 games rooms and table tennis are also available.

The on-site restaurant serves Israeli cuisine at breakfast and dinner. Guests can enjoy lunch and have snacks and drinks at the lobby restaurant, at the poolside bar or at the kid's club restaurant.

Eilat's beach is just 70 metres away, while the lagoon and port are 15 minutes' walk away.