On the left side of HaTmarim Blvd. toward the lagoon are two new open-air, multi-story shopping and eating complexes. The first one, Red Canyon Center, resembles a giant, futuristic Bedouin tent. The second, Shalom Center, resembles a square white spaceship on a tiered landing pad. HaTmarim Blvd., ends here, perpendicular to Ha’Arava Road and adjacent to the Eilat Airport.

Yotam Street runs parallel to HaTmarim Blvd. (about 3 blocks from the bus station). The New Tourist Center (which has no tourist information) is just off the intersection of Yotam St. and Ha’Arava Rd. A right on Ha’Arava Rd. takes you out past the HI and port, to Coral Beach and Taba.

Since you’ll need only a shirt, shorts, bathing suit, face mask, snorkel, and canteen, consider leaving your pack in the parcel storage at the bus station (terminal open Sun.-Thurs. 6am-6pm, Fri. 6am-3pm; NIS4.30 per bag per day). Most hostels also have lockers, which are more convenient and cost NIS2-3 every time you open and lock them. Because Eilat is notorious for petty theft, locking up your bags is necessary, especially if you foolishly opt to sleep on the beach.