Sightseeing
Strikingly beautiful Eilat is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. Ancient relics, serene temples, and scenic views are wonderfully intertwined with a great cosmopolitan population.
Eilat is the southern-most city in Israel, and home to 47,800 people. The city enjoys sunshine almost all year round, boasting crystal clear waters. Draped in bronze hues at sunset, and dazzling tranquil beaches, it is easy to get lost in this phenomenal odyssey. Rich in ancient temples, and underwater observatory offering a unique experience to any traveller.
Cheap flights to Eilat are now available for a limited period of time, so get ready to be captivated by this timeless city. Eilat is home to the Eilat Airport (ETH), which is approximately a 5-minute drive from the city center. Eilat Airport serves a multitude of airlines - including Arkia Airlines. Popular international flights to Eilat departure from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Eilat is approximately 14 hours and 15 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Strikingly beautiful Eilat is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. Ancient relics, serene temples, and scenic views are wonderfully intertwined with a great cosmopolitan population.
A kaleidoscope of colours fill the palm of tourists’ hands, as they stare down at sophisticated, elegantly crafted hand paintings. The art of hand painting has been perfected through the years.
The food industry in Eilat is equally diversified, where Italian, Western, and European style cooking is enjoyed. Perfectly blended dishes to try are ramona gnocchi, linguini gmabri and risotto.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Israel |
|---|---|
| Currency | Israel New Shekel (ILS) |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 0.29 Israel New Shekel (ILS) |
| Language | English, Jewish and Arabic |
| Hub Airport | Eilat Airport (ETH) |
| Airline | Arkia Airlines |
| Time Zone | GMT + 2:00 hours |
| Travel Adaptor | Type H |
November to March is the winter season, and the coldest one, as snow reaches the northern region - covering the beautiful mountains with a mantle of pure, white snow. Heavy rainfall occurs around the shoreline, whilst in-land, Eilat experiences pleasant conditions. Eilat is splendid in the summer (June - August) when temperatures are high, evenings are mild, and there is very little chance of rain. It is the perfect place and time to bask in the sun, enjoy some of the many attractions the city has to offer, or simply relax. Temperatures are pleasantly mild throughout autumn (September – October) and spring (April – May), which is the best time to plan a journey. During these months, the temperatures are cool in the evenings. It is a great time to experience the nightlife and wander around the city by foot.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (°C) | 10°C | 11°C | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 21°C | 16°C | 11°C |
| High (°C) | 20°C | 21°C | 25°C | 30°C | 34°C | 37°C | 38°C | 38°C | 36°C | 32°C | 26°C | 21°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 2 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
Eilat is bold, crowded and enormously outgoing. The city is rich in natural beauty and attractions, brimming with astonishingly beautiful mountains and turquoise beaches. With much to explore in the underwater observatories, the sea life is a sanctified addition to the sprawling culture of the city.
Eilat is a popular tourist destination, boasting hotels, restaurants and spectacular attractions. The feeling has always been very laidback and peaceful. Anxious holiday seekers, eagerly explore the city, seeking sanctuary and distress from the busy city. Allow yourself to stroll on Aqua beach, with its sapphire hues, taking in the serene atmosphere around you. Watch the sunset over the horizon and observe soft streaks of orange in the sky, as if it were a landing strip.
Sun hats, sarongs, flip-flops and shorts are the most worn clothing in the summer months. Get ready to mingle with the friendly locals, and be amazed by the beautiful hand paintings.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Eilat online at Travelstart!
South African Passport holders do not need a visa to visit Eilat, Israel if you’re planning on staying less than 90 days.
• Ensure your passport as a validity period of at least 6 months,
• Ensure your passport has 3 blank pages available for entry stamps.
• The South African Embassy in Israel is situated in Tel Aviv. Sason Hogi Tower 17th Floor, 12A Abba Hillel Silver Street, Ramat-Gan 52506. Phone: +972-3-5252566.
All travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations, as vaccinations are required. There are no real health risks associated with travel to Eilat, Israel.
• If you are visiting the desert and Mediterranean region, scorpion bites are a major concern. If bitten by a scorpion, get emergency medical treatment immediately.
• The dry climate can cause excessively high temperatures, so sunburn is a concern. Make sure you bring lotion with a high sun protection factor.
• Try not to spend too much time in the sun, and wear a sunhat.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A & B, typhoid and rabies.
• Make arrangements for travel insurance.
• Obey the laws of the city you are visiting.
• Stay away from public and political demonstrations.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Eilat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | R100.00 | R100.00 | R162.38 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R25.00 | R25.00 | R99.23 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R22.33 | R22.39 | R45.11 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tarriff) | R10.00 | R10.00 | R14.07 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R37.50 | R38.00 | R113.67 |
Next to the Coral Reef Nature reserve is a lovely hotel, recently refurbished. A gigantic pool area, fitness room, spa and restaurant are available when you decide to book into this conveniently located hostel. Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, and with an elegant beach backdrop, you are sure to enjoy your stay at this highly rated home away from home.
Just a stone’s throw away from the city centre is this little conservative hotel. Adequately spaced, with high tech air-conditioners and standard rooms at affordable rates, this hotel will not leave a hole in your pocket.
Less than a kilometre from the city centre, a stylish hotel boasting excellent grandeur. Reasonably priced and in walking distance to North Beach, this trendy little abode offers a gym, spa, outdoor pool, restaurant and bar.
• Taxi is the most popular way to get around in Eilat. It is inexpensive and it will get you around faster.
• Shuttles are available daily. These travel the route to Aqaba, and are available from 7am to 6pm.
• You can also rent a car from a number of car rental agencies within Eilat
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