Eilat
Israel’s Red Sea Resort City & Southern Gateway
Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city, located on the Red Sea coast at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. It’s known for year-round sunshine, coral reefs, desert landscapes, and tourism. For Olim, it offers a distinctive mix — resort lifestyle, remote location, and specialized real estate market.
Location & Access
Geography: Eilat lies at the edge of the Negev desert, at Israel’s only Red Sea coastline.
Borders & proximity: Shares borders (sea or land crossings) with Jordan (Aqaba) and Egypt (Taba).
Access routes: Main road connections via Route 90 (northwards through the Arava) and Highway 12.
Airport: Has a domestic airport; the new Ramon International Airport services both domestic & international flights.
Climate: Hot, dry desert climate. Summers are very hot; winters are mild.
Tourism-driven economy: Much of the city’s life revolves around hospitality, resorts, diving, and leisure.
Diverse population: Mix of locals, hotel staff, retirees, foreign workers, and Olim.
Religious amenities: Multiple synagogues (Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Edot Hamizrah), Chabad, etc. Eilat offers kosher services and observant-friendly lodging.
Nature & recreation:
Coral reefs / Marine life: Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a major attraction.
Desert excursions, hiking, desert night sky viewing.
Cultural institutions: Eilat City Museum tells the story of the city’s development.
Sports & facilities: Eilat Sports Center (“The Red Egg”) is a local arena for sports, performances, etc.
Advantages & Challenges of Living in Eilat
Pros
Resort lifestyle: Beaches, diving, marine life, tropical ambiance.
Sun year-round: Lots of sunny days, making it appealing for those wanting year-round warmth.
Less competition: Compared to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, etc., there may be more space or value in certain property types.
Tourism-driven opportunities: Businesses in hospitality, rentals, diving, entertainment.
Unique location: Border adjacency gives access to Egypt/Jordan (tourism, travel).
Cons / Considerations
Remoteness: Far from Israel’s central hubs. Commuting for work or services may be inconvenient.
Higher cost of shipping / goods: Due to distance from economic centers, some goods cost more.
Seasonality: Tourism fluctuation — off-season business may slow.
Heat & environment: Very hot summers, arid climate, limited rainfall.
Market volatility: Because much of demand is tourism-based, property market can fluctuate more with tourism economic cycles.