Sun, Sea, and Sands: A 4-Day Eilat Itinerary on the Red Sea
In Eilat, the desert ends and the Red Sea begins. Israel’s southernmost city sits on the Gulf of Aqaba, ringed by rose-gold mountains that glow at sunset. Founded in the 1950s as a strategic port, Eilat evolved into a year-round beach resort with world-class reefs, duty-free shopping, and easy day trips across borders.
Come for the coral—clear, warm water and shallow reefs make this one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the region. Add in Timna Park’s surreal sandstone pillars, a lively seafront promenade, and a kitchen steeped in Middle Eastern flavors, and you’ve got a compact escape that balances nature and nightlife.
Practical notes: Eilat is a VAT-free zone (great for shopping). The sun is fierce; pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and lots of water. For Petra day trips, bring your passport and budget for Jordanian border fees; crossings can be subject to security or weather changes, so verify details with your tour operator shortly before departure.
Eilat
Eilat is a compact city where you can snorkel in the morning, wander a desert canyon by afternoon, and be clinking glasses by the marina come nightfall. Expect balmy weather, mellow beaches, and that unmistakable Red Sea palette: lapis water and copper mountains.
- Top sights: Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Dolphin Reef, Underwater Observatory Marine Park, Timna Park, Red Canyon.
- Signature activities: snorkeling and scuba diving, glass-bottom boat cruises, desert jeep tours, Petra day trips.
- Good to know: The city is duty-free; popular areas include the North Beach promenade and the Coral Beach strip near the reefs.
Where to stay: For resorts, look at big-name beachfronts like Hilton Eilat Queen of Sheba, Isrotel Royal Beach, Dan Eilat, or Isrotel Yam Suf (near the reefs). For family-friendly apartment stays, browse options close to the promenade or Coral Beach.
- Search apartments and villas on VRBO Eilat.
- Compare resort and boutique hotels on Hotels.com Eilat.
How to get there: Fly into Ramon Airport (ETM), about 20–25 minutes north of town. Taxis run roughly 100–150 ILS (~$27–$40); shuttle buses operate to central stops. Domestic flights from Tel Aviv are ~50 minutes and often $50–$120 one-way. Seasonal international services pop up in winter.
Day 1: Arrival, First Dip, and Marina Night
Afternoon: Touch down at Ramon Airport, transfer to your hotel, and ease into Eilat at Mosh Beach or Dekel Beach—laid-back spots with beanbags and sweeping views of Jordan’s mountains across the water. If you need a pick-me-up, grab iced coffee and a boureka at Aroma Espresso Bar (North Beach) or a pastry at local favorite Uga Uga.
Evening: Stroll the North Beach promenade—street performers, market stalls, and the marina all light up after sunset. Dinner ideas: Pago Pago (floating seafood and sushi with marina views; order the sea bream and a sashimi platter) or Pastory (house-made pasta with Red Sea seafood; their linguine vongole and tiramisu are standouts). Nightcap at Three Monkeys Pub (live bands, classic beers) or 5th Avenue (craft cocktails, late-night DJ).
Day 2: Full-Day Adventure to Petra (Jordan)
Today is devoted to Petra—rose-red rock facades carved by the Nabataeans. Early departure, late return; your guide handles border logistics and timing.
Book: Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat
Expect a pre-dawn pickup, a short drive to the Arava border, and a guided walk through the Siq to the Treasury, the Theater, and Royal Tombs. Tours typically include lunch in Wadi Musa and free time to explore or climb to viewpoints.
Timing & costs: ~12–13 hours door-to-door. Budget roughly $200–$300 per person plus border/visa fees (~$60–$75, paid locally; amounts can change). Bring your passport, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat. Most tours run daily, but border operations can vary—confirm a day in advance. Back in Eilat by evening; grab a casual bite on the promenade or call it an early night.
Day 3: Reefs and Boats—Underwater Eilat
Morning: Get to know the reef with a guided intro dive—no certification needed. You’ll learn basics on land and then descend along coral gardens teeming with butterflyfish, parrotfish, and the occasional moray.
Book: Introductory Dive in Eilat
Plan 2–2.5 hours total, with ~20–40 minutes underwater depending on comfort. Typical pricing runs ~$80–$120. Not into diving? Snorkel at Coral Beach Nature Reserve; the entry jetties make it easy for beginners and protect the reef.
Afternoon: Refuel beachside at Bar Beach (hummus, fish skewers, cold beers) or enjoy shaded salads and grilled fish at the Dolphin Reef beach café. Then swap fins for windows on a glass-bottom boat to spy corals and fish without getting wet.
Book: Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat
It’s a ~2-hour excursion leaving from the marina; expect ~$25–$40 per person. Keep an eye out for lionfish, damsels, and the blues and purples of hard coral.
Evening: Sunset is prime on the promenade or at Lighthouse (Migdalor) Beach. Dinner at Rak Dagim (grilled denis or sea bass with a parade of Israeli salads) or return to Pastory if you fell for their seafood pasta. Sweet finish: crepes or waffles near the marina, or a pistachio gelato from one of the promenade kiosks.
Day 4: Timna Park and Departure
Morning: Head into the otherworldly landscapes of the southern Negev—pillars, arches, copper mines, and ancient Egyptian carvings tell a story carved in sandstone. A jeep tour gets you off-road without the hassle of self-driving.
Book: Timna park Jeep tour adventure
Allow ~3–4 hours. Expect dramatic stops like Solomon’s Pillars and the Mushroom, plus a primer on the region’s geology (part of the vast Syrian–African Rift). Typical pricing: ~$70–$100 per person.
Afternoon: Return to town, pick up duty-free treats at Ice Mall or Mall Hayam, then depart for Ramon Airport. If time allows, a quick lunch at Pago Pago (sushi sets) or a fast Israeli bite—shakshuka and salads—at Branja will set you up for the trip home.
Optional Swap or Add-Ons
- Desert at sunset: If you prefer golden-hour photos, consider a mountain jeep tour in place of Timna. Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains (3 hours, often timed for sunset) is a favorite.
Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains on Viator - Red Canyon walk: Short ladders, tight turns, and glowing sandstone—great for families with supervision. Go early for shade.
- Underwater Observatory Marine Park: Kids love the shark pool and turtle exhibits; the tower puts you at reef level without getting wet.
Food & Drink Shortlist (current favorites)
- Breakfast/Coffee: Branja (hearty Israeli breakfasts, shakshuka, fresh juices), Aroma Espresso Bar (good espresso, sandwiches), Cafe Greg (family-friendly brunch).
- Lunch by the water: Bar Beach (mezze, fresh fish), Dolphin Reef café (salads, grilled seafood under palms), Mosh Beach (casual pita, salads, cocktails).
- Dinner: Pago Pago (floating restaurant; sushi and seafood towers), Pastory (Italian-seafood; house-made pasta), Rak Dagim (classic fish grill with salad spread).
- Nightlife: Three Monkeys Pub (live music nightly), 5th Avenue (cocktails and DJs on weekends).
Local tips: Reefs are fragile—never stand on coral and use reef-safe sunscreen. For Petra, carry small cash for tips and border fees; dress modestly and wear sturdy shoes. Hydration is non-negotiable: even winter days in the desert can be dry and sunny.
For flights in and out of Eilat, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays, scan VRBO Eilat and Hotels.com Eilat for the best locations near the marina or reefs.
In four days, you’ll taste the best of Eilat: coral-rich snorkeling, a window into Nabataean glory at Petra, and windswept desert panoramas at Timna. Warm water, warm nights, and that burnished mountain horizon—you’ll be planning a return before your tan fades.