Orientation And Practical Information

Located at the southernmost tip of the Negev desert, Eilat is a 5km strip of coastline at the precarious intersection of four Middle Eastern powers: Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia; at night you can see the lights of all these countries. The city is divided into three major sections: the town itself, on the hills above the sea; the hotel area and Lagoon Beach to the east; and the port to the south. Farther south lie Coral Beach and Taba, the Egyptian border since 1989.

Just outside the main entrance to the central bus station, HaTmarim Boulevard runs southeast (left) toward the megahotels and Lagoon Beach, passing several commercial centers. Opposite the bus station at HaTmarim, the Commercial Center houses the post office, international phones, and major banks. Continuing toward the water on HaTmarim, Rekhter Center is next on the right with the Municipal Tourist Office, pharmacies, small markets, and cafes. The last center on the right, Etzion Center, frames the Etzion Hotel with eateries and camping supply stores.