Eilat: Discover the Red Sea Resort you Never Knew Existed

Eilat is popular with domestic holidaymakers, but it’s always been tricky to reach from the UK. From December, all that will change, with Monarch and Pegasus Airlines set to open routes from London to Israel’s southernmost beach resort. With as many sunshine hours as other beach-break favourites like Sharm and Greece, this seaside town has a lot to offer British sun-seekers. Here’s our FAQ guide to whet your appetite…

How do I get there?

Eilat is a 45-minute drive from Ovda Airport (where Pegasus will fly into). Pre-book a shuttle transfer for 15€ per person at Eilat Shuttle. The resort shares its Red Sea coastline with Egypt and Jordan, and is 350km from Tel Aviv.

What’s the weather like in Eilat?

In the summer, temperatures hover around 40°C, but humidity levels are surprisingly low, so it’s bearable! Winter typically sees average temperatures of 21-25°C – ideal for winter sun.

And the beach?

The beaches in Eilat run along the Red Sea from the Jordanian border to the Egyptian border, around Eilat Bay. At the northern end you’ll find the swanky hotels with padded sun loungers and waiter service, while the southern end has the best coral reef.

Apart from sunbathing, what is there to do?

With its extensive coral reef, there are plenty of snorkelling and scuba-diving opportunities in Eilat. If that’s not your thing, visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park (main picture), which has a glass tunnel 12 metres below sea level with spectacular views of the coral. There’s also Dolphin Reef, home to a group of bottlenose dolphins. Visitors can observe the dolphins from the floating piers or snorkel with them in the sea. For more land-based activities, head to Timna Park (below), 19 miles north of Eilat. This horseshoe-shaped gorge – known as the Red Valley – is where the world’s first copper mine was founded. There are more than 20 different walking trails, as well as a visitors’ area, a lake and a 4D light-and-sound show.

What about food and drink?

Many of Eilat’s hotels offer all-inclusive board with the usual buffet fare. During Shabbat every Saturday, when Jewish people are not allowed to cook, the menu may be limited and you’re unlikely to see freshly cooked eggs or toast at breakfast. Restaurant-wise, the choice is varied. For top steaks and innovative pasta dishes, try Pedro’s, while Baruch The Fisherman is your best bet for fish – Baruch himself heads out to sea every day and the menu changes depending on the latest catch.