Clubs

Spiral (tel. 37 66 40), in the Red Sea Tower at the Eilat Marina just over the bridge. Pronounced “SPEE-ral.” Unquestionably the best disco in Eilat. Overlooking the water, this 2-story nightclub has an enormous video screen, unparalleled lighting,and an excellent sound system that blasts disco, funk, and acid. Must be 18 to get in (17 in summer). Admission NIS20, Fri. NIS25, includes 1 beer or soft drink. Maccabee NIS7; light fare upstairs for under NIS8. Open 10:30pm-about 5am, depending on crowd size.

Sheba’s, at the King Solomon Hotel (tel. 37 41 11). Ultra-modern, maximum-reflection atmosphere with laser sound and light show. Music a mix of disco, pop, and new wave. High-energy performing bartenders and strong drinks. Admission NIS30, includes 1st drink- Maccabee NIS8. Open Mon.-Sat. 1 lpm until empty.

Sinbad’s, at the Sport Hotel (tel. 37 33 33). Designed as the interior of a galleon ship, resembles nothing of the sort. Generally a younger crowd bopping to classic 60s rock, disco, and new wave. Admission NIS12, includes 1 soft drink. Maccabees NIS6. Open 10:30pm-3am.

The tourist office has information about evening shows and concerts at the Phillip Murray Cultural Center (tel. 33 22 57) on HaTmarim Blvd. near the bus station. Many of these jazz, classical, rock, and theater performances are worth the price of admission (season runs from Sept.-June; nothing happens July and Aug.). The center also has a television, reading room, and rotating art exhibits (open daily 5-1 lpm).

For juveniles, there is the Luna Park (tel. 37 60 95) in front of the Queen of Sheba Hotel. Each ride costs NIS5; kiddie thrills are NIS4. Rides include Bumper Cars and a “Super-X Simulator.” What’s an X? (Open Mon.-Sat. 6pm-around midnight.) For a four-hour camel trek into the desert, there’s the new Camel Ranch (tel. 37 66 63, after 7pm 37 86 38) next to the Texas Ranch. Two tours per day: 9am-lpm and 5-9pm (NIS70). The tour includes free tea or coffee and a Bedouin meal prepared by the guide. A more uplifting experience is the Airodium, a vertical wind tunnel, behind the Riviera Hotel: “You simply fly!”

Seasonal events in Eilat include the week-long Hebrew Rock Music Festival in early August on Eilat Beach and the acclaimed mid-August Red Sea Jazz festival, featuring 10 performances on four stages every day in the port area; local and international performers and workshops. Ask at the GTIO for more information.