Quick Answer: Eilat is one of the few cities in Israel where activity doesn't stop on Shabbat — most restaurants on the promenade and in the marina are open, major attractions (Underwater Observatory, Dolphin Reef, Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Ice Mall) are active, all public beaches are accessible, and even internal city buses run at a reduced frequency. Malls are also open on Shabbat — Ice Mall 09:30–23:00, Big Eilat 11:00–22:30, and Mall Hayam 11:00–24:00 (according to mall websites, checked October 2026) — though not all stores open before Shabbat ends. Closed: banks and government offices, national supermarket chains, and intercity bus lines (390 to Tel Aviv), which do not run on Shabbat until late afternoon or after Shabbat ends — check the schedule on the Egged website. For kosher guests — restaurants with Rabbinate kosher certification close before Shabbat begins, so the common solution is to cook in advance in a holiday apartment with a full kitchen. Looking for Shabbat accommodation? See villas in Eilat or Shabbat and holiday accommodation in Eilat, and enter your Shabbat dates in the website search to see only available properties.
Updated: October 2026 · Mall and attraction hours checked against official websites in October 2026
Eilat on Shabbat 2026 — The Complete Guide to Itinerary, Kosher Food, and Distances
Heading to Eilat for a weekend and wondering if Shabbat will interrupt your vacation? The short answer: No. Eilat is the only Israeli destination where almost all tourist activity continues on Shabbat — from restaurants on the promenade to the Coral Beach Nature Reserve. However, there are important differences between different audiences: what suits a secular family is different from what suits a kosher couple looking for a nearby synagogue.
This guide covers everything: what exactly is open and what is closed, what to do on Shabbat with children, what to do as couples, how to handle kosher food and synagogues, and what distances are important to check before booking an apartment. There are no specific prices in the article — prices vary by season and attraction, so check official websites before you go.
Why is Eilat Different from the Rest of Israel on Shabbat?
Eilat has a special status in Israel's commercial laws. Eilat Municipality allows commercial activity on Shabbat, in accordance with the city's tourist nature. The result: most businesses in the tourist area (North Beach promenade, marina, beach areas) and also the malls are active on Shabbat. Mainly banks, government offices, and national supermarket chains are closed.
Culturally, Eilat is a very diverse city — it has a large secular community, a significant traditional community, and an active religious community (with dozens of synagogues and a large number of hotels with kosher Shabbat meals). This guide is written with all audiences in mind.
What's Open in Eilat on Shabbat — The Full List
Restaurants Open on Shabbat
Most restaurants in Eilat's tourist areas are open on Shabbat. Prominent restaurants that are regularly open:
- North Beach Promenade and Marina — Pago Pago, Cafe Optimist
- Within the city — Pedro (chef restaurant in Ya'elim neighborhood), The Brewery (gastropub in the industrial zone)
- Southern Beaches — Fish Market, The Last Refuge (Coral Beach), and beach restaurants with a quieter atmosphere
- City Center — a variety of restaurants and eateries in the central promenade area
Advance reservations are mandatory on Friday evenings and Shabbat during peak season (July-August, holidays) — restaurants fill up. Exact operating hours vary; check each restaurant's website or Google before you go.
Attractions Open on Shabbat
Almost all attractions in Eilat operate on Shabbat — most close in the afternoon, so plan them for the morning. Hours according to official websites, checked October 2026:
Table: Eilat Attractions Open on Shabbat — Hours and Points to Note
| Attraction | Open on Shabbat? | Shabbat Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underwater Observatory Park | Yes | 09:00–16:00 | Open all week |
| Dolphin Reef | Yes | 09:00–17:00 | Usually closed on Sundays |
| Coral Beach Nature Reserve | Yes | 09:00–17:00 (winter) · 09:00–18:00 (summer) | Entrance closes one hour before |
| Timna Park (north of Eilat) | Yes | 08:00–16:00 | Tabernacle tours do not operate on Shabbat |
| Ice Mall Ice Rink | Yes | 10:00–23:00 | Entry up to 45 minutes before closing, from 120 cm height |
| U-Splash Water Park (Kibbutz Eilot) | Yes, seasonally | 10:00–16:00 in September–October | Closed from November to March |
- North Beach and all public beaches — also open on Shabbat
- North Beach Promenade — open for walking, cycling, and sitting on benches
Hours may change on holidays and during events — check the attraction's website on the morning of your visit.
Malls and Commerce
Table: Eilat Mall Hours on Shabbat (checked October 2026)
| Mall | Shabbat Hours | Important to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Mall | 09:30–23:00 | About 150 stores; on Shabbat, each store decides whether to open |
| Big Eilat | 11:00–22:30 | About 70 stores; each store's Shabbat hours may differ from the complex's hours |
| Mall Hayam | 11:00–24:00 | Open until midnight |
Hours according to mall websites and eilat.city, checked October 2026.
- Small grocery stores in tourist areas — open
- National supermarket chains — closed on Shabbat and open only after Shabbat ends. Shop on Friday (check Friday closing hours)
Ice Mall on Shabbat — Which Stores are Open?
Ice Mall is open on Shabbat from 09:30–23:00, but during Shabbat hours, each store and restaurant decides whether to open — as stated on the mall's website. On Friday, most stores and restaurants close about an hour before Shabbat begins, and attractions continue to operate. About an hour after Shabbat ends, all stores, restaurants, and attractions return to regular hours.
- Ice Rink — operates on Shabbat 10:00–23:00. Entry up to 45 minutes before closing, and from 120 cm height.
- Chain stores — some publish full Shabbat hours; for example, the Victoria's Secret branch in Ice Mall advertises Shabbat 10:00–23:00.
- Our tip: Want to buy something specific? Call the store on Saturday morning. For large purchases — after Shabbat ends, when everything is open, is the safest time.
Big Eilat on Shabbat — Which Stores are Open?
Yes, Big Eilat is open on Shabbat: the complex operates on Shabbat from 11:00–22:30 and closes one hour later on Shabbat than on Sundays–Thursdays (according to eilat.city and karamel.co.il, checked October 7, 2026). The complex, at 20 HaSatat Street, has about 70 national chain stores in fashion, homeware, electronics, and pharmacy.
Table: Big Eilat Operating Hours by Day (eilat.city, checked October 2026)
| Day | Complex Hours |
|---|---|
| Sun–Thu | 09:30–21:30 |
| Fri | 09:00–14:30 |
| Sat | 11:00–22:30 |
- Which stores are open on Shabbat? The complex is open, but we did not find a source that publishes a list of stores that open on Shabbat, and each store's Shabbat hours may differ from the complex's hours.
- Supermarkets — National supermarket chains in Eilat are closed on Shabbat and open only after Shabbat ends. Do your food shopping for Shabbat on Friday.
- Our tip: Looking for a specific store? Call them before you go, or arrive after Shabbat ends.
Transportation on Shabbat
- Eilat city buses — run at a reduced frequency. Eilat is one of the few cities in Israel where public transportation lines also operate on Shabbat.
- Intercity bus lines (390 and 393 to Tel Aviv, 444 to Jerusalem): Do not run on Shabbat until late afternoon or after Shabbat ends — check the schedule on the Egged website. Price, departure stations, and travel times — in the guide Traveling to Eilat by Bus.
- Taxis — operate normally, Gett app is available
- Car rental — some companies are open on Shabbat, mainly airport branches
- Flights from Ramon Airport — Arkia operates flights also on Shabbat (Israir does not fly on Shabbat) — check the updated flight schedule
Beaches and Sea Activities
All public beaches in Eilat are open on Shabbat without restriction: North Beach (most family-friendly), Princess Beach (quieter), Dekel Beach, Coral Beach. Lifeguards are active on Shabbat during peak seasons. Snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve — one of the most popular activities on Saturday morning, before the beaches fill up.
What's Closed on Shabbat in Eilat
- Intercity bus lines — 390, 444, 393 do not run on Shabbat until late afternoon or after Shabbat ends (check the schedule on the Egged website)
- Banks, post offices, government offices — closed
- Some national food chains — closed
Eilat on Shabbat for Kosher Guests
This is the most important section for religious and traditional guests. Here's what you need to know:
Kosher Restaurants and Shabbat
Restaurants with official Rabbinate kosher certification close before Shabbat begins (on Friday evening) and open only after Shabbat ends (on Saturday night). This means that on Shabbat itself, no kosher restaurant is open in Eilat. Common solutions:
-
Pre-cooking in a holiday apartment — a common solution. Booking an apartment or villa with Livo, an Israeli holiday rental platform? Check the property page for kitchen amenities (stove, oven, refrigerator) before booking. You shop on Thursday-Friday (some from kosher chains), cook on Friday, and eat on Shabbat at home.
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Shabbat package at a kosher hotel — several hotels in Eilat (such as Herods, Herods Palace, Leonardo Club) offer a "Shabbat hospitality" package with a Friday night dinner, Shabbat morning meal, and even a third meal. Some of them also accept outside guests (not just residents) with advance reservations.
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Shabbat catering — kosher caterers in Eilat offer full Shabbat packages delivered to the apartment on Friday before Shabbat. A worthwhile option for those who don't want to cook.
Synagogues in Eilat
Eilat has dozens of synagogues of all denominations — Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Chabad, Yemenite, and Bukharan communities. The main concentrations:
- Shachamon neighborhood — has several synagogues within the neighborhood (in small commercial centers and public buildings)
- City Center — several older synagogues near the commercial center
- North Beach — small synagogues in residential buildings and shopping centers
- Chabad Eilat — active for every prayer, and sometimes also offers an open Shabbat meal for guests
Important to know: Before booking an apartment, verify the distance to a nearby synagogue if this is important to you. Religious guests during Shabbat season usually prefer to stay in Shachamon or near the city center, where walking distances are short. Livo's villas and properties in the neighborhood are concentrated on the Villas and Properties in Shachamon page — check the location on each property page before booking.
Prayers and Times
- Kabbalat Shabbat begins at the official candle lighting time in Eilat (Friday evening)
- Shacharit prayer — on Shabbat morning, usually 7:00-9:00
- Second Shabbat meal — around 12:30-13:30
- Mincha + Third Meal + Maariv — before Shabbat ends
Eilat on Shabbat with Family — A Ready-Made Itinerary from Friday to After Shabbat Ends
This itinerary is built around an apartment or villa with a kitchen, where you cook on Friday and rest during the hot hours. For accommodation options, see Holiday Properties for Families in Eilat.
Friday (Arrival Day)
- 12:00-14:00 — Arrival in Eilat. Check-in to apartment or villa, unpack, shower after the drive
- 14:30 — Supermarket for Shabbat shopping. Important to shop today — some stores will close before Shabbat. Shufersal or Rami Levy are recommended
- 16:30 — Cooking for Shabbat (if applicable) or a walk on the promenade before the heat subsides
- 19:00 — Shabbat begins (in summer, the time is slightly different) — candle lighting, dinner
- 21:00 — Evening promenade. Even on Shabbat, the promenade is active — cafes are open, lights, atmosphere
Shabbat Morning (Saturday)
- 7:30 — Coffee and pastries in the kitchen. A quiet breakfast at home
- 8:30 — Early beach. Head to Princess Beach or Dekel Beach before the crowds. The water is calm, the sand is cool, the beach is almost empty
- 11:00 — Return home. Children in the pool, adults in the living room with a book. Shabbat meal around 12:30
Shabbat Afternoon
- 13:30-16:00 — Siesta at home. In summer in Eilat, there's no choice — the heavy heat hours require rest at home
- 16:00 — Air-conditioned attraction. Ice Mall with the ice rink — open on Shabbat until evening. Note: The Underwater Observatory is open on Shabbat but closes at 16:00, so it's suitable for morning hours.
- 18:30 — Evening promenade. Sunset on the North Beach promenade is one of the most beautiful experiences in the city
After Shabbat Ends
- 19:00-20:00 — Havdalah at home
- 20:30 — Dinner at a restaurant (if relevant to your kosher needs) or a light meal at home
- 21:30 — Promenade and Music Fountain. In the city center, there's a music fountain with light and sound shows on Saturday evenings
Eilat on Shabbat for Couples — The Romantic Angle
For couples on a short weekend in Eilat, Shabbat is an opportunity — less hustle, more slow pace. Suggested itinerary:
- Friday afternoon: Check-in to a suite with a jacuzzi, coffee on the balcony, sunset on the promenade
- Friday evening: Dinner at a restaurant on the promenade (book in advance — it's the busiest time of the week), return to the suite
- Shabbat morning: Slow breakfast in the suite, quiet beach (Princess Beach or Dekel Beach, not North Beach during peak season)
- Shabbat afternoon: Jacuzzi, rest, couples' spa experience (some spa complexes in Eilat operate on Shabbat)
- Shabbat evening: Sunset on the penthouse roof or on the promenade, special dinner after Shabbat ends
Couples looking for a premium experience are invited to check out /livo-premium — Livo's concierge service for VIP vacations in Eilat, including special packages for anniversaries, honeymoons, and marriage proposals.
Distances in Eilat — Frequently Asked Questions Guests Forget to Ask
- Distance from a villa in Shachamon to North Beach: 10-15 minutes drive
- Distance from a villa in Shachamon to Coral Beach Nature Reserve: 5-10 minutes drive
- Distance from an apartment on North Beach to the promenade: 3-5 minutes walk
- Distance from an apartment on North Beach to a nearby synagogue: 5-10 minutes walk
- Distance from Eilat city center to Timna Park: About 25-30 minutes drive
- Distance from Ramon Airport (ETM) to Eilat: About 15–20 minutes drive (approx. 18–20 km)
Important: Before booking an apartment or villa, verify the answers to questions relevant to you — "What is the distance to the nearest synagogue?", "Is the kitchen kosher?", "Is there adjacent parking?", "How long is the walk to the beach?". Want help before booking? Send us your question, number of people, and dates on WhatsApp — and we'll help you find out, or call 050-780-1370.
Where to Stay on Shabbat in Eilat — Why a Holiday Apartment Wins
Villas for Rent in Eilat · Accommodation for Shabbat and Holidays in Eilat
For a Shabbat weekend in Eilat, a holiday apartment or villa is better suited than a hotel for most guests, especially:
- Full kitchen for Shabbat cooking — kosher or non-kosher food, just like at home
- Privacy during Shabbat — no reception, no noisy corridors, real quiet
- Adjacent parking — with children and luggage, this is crucial, especially on the promenade where parking is difficult to find
- Arrival and departure times — check the property page for check-in and check-out times, to arrive on Friday before Shabbat begins
At Livo, you'll find villas and holiday apartments in Eilat. Want your own pool for Shabbat hours? The Villas in Eilat with a Private Pool page shows properties marked by Livo with a private pool. The listings there are not filtered by dates, so enter dates in the website search to see only properties available for your Shabbat. Each property's cancellation policy is set by the host and displayed on the property page before booking.
Undecided between a villa and several hotel rooms for Shabbat? See Villa or Hotel in Eilat — How Much Does It Really Cost, with a calculation example per person per night.
Found a property and want to verify the distance to a synagogue, a kitchen for Shabbat cooking, or parking before booking? Send us your Shabbat dates and number of people on WhatsApp — and we'll help you check the details before booking, or call 050-780-1370.
Common Mistakes Before a Weekend in Eilat
- Not coordinating Shabbat shopping — not all supermarkets are open on Shabbat. Do your shopping on Thursday or Friday before noon.
- Booking a restaurant on Friday evening without advance reservation — almost impossible. Restaurants fill up. Book one to two days in advance.
- Arriving at noon on Friday in summer — huge traffic jam on Road 90. Better to leave very early or on Thursday.
- Planning an active Shabbat day in summer during 11:00-16:00 — impossible. The heat is deadly. Plan a siesta at home.
- Not checking distances — traditional guests who like a synagogue within walking distance forget to check, and discover their villa is a 20-minute drive from the nearest synagogue.
Summary: How to Prepare for a Successful Shabbat Weekend in Eilat
- Choose the right property — according to your needs (family / couple / religious / secular)
- Shop for Shabbat on Friday before noon, when there's still time and all stores are open
- Book a restaurant in advance — especially for Friday evening and Saturday evening after Shabbat ends
- Plan a slow-paced itinerary — don't exhaust the children or yourselves
- Check the details before booking — distances, kitchen, and parking; you can ask us on WhatsApp or by phone at 050-780-1370
Search for a holiday apartment or villa for a Shabbat weekend on Livo →
Additional helpful guides:
FAQ
What's open in Eilat on Shabbat?
Most activities in Eilat continue on Shabbat: restaurants on the promenade and in the marina, the malls, Ice Mall (most of the complex), the Underwater Observatory, Dolphin Reef, Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Timna Park, and all public beaches. Eilat is defined as a tourist city, and most businesses in the promenade areas are also active on Shabbat. Exact operating hours vary between businesses — check the official attraction websites before you go.
Which stores are open in Ice Mall on Shabbat?
Ice Mall is open on Shabbat from 09:30–23:00 (according to the mall's website, checked October 2026). During Shabbat itself, each store and restaurant decides whether to open, so not all stores are open; about an hour after Shabbat ends, all stores, restaurants, and attractions return to regular hours. The ice rink operates on Shabbat from 10:00–23:00 (entry up to 45 minutes before closing, from 120 cm height). Want to buy something specific? Call the store before you go.
Is Big Eilat open on Shabbat?
Yes. The Big Eilat complex (20 HaSatat Street) is open on Shabbat from 11:00–22:30, according to eilat.city and karamel.co.il (checked October 2026). The complex has about 70 national chain stores, and each store's Shabbat hours may differ from the complex's hours — looking for a specific store? Call them before you go. National supermarket chains in Eilat are closed on Shabbat and open only after Shabbat ends.
Which attractions in Eilat are open on Shabbat?
According to official websites (checked October 2026): The Underwater Observatory Park is open every day including Shabbat from 09:00–16:00; Dolphin Reef is open Friday and Saturday from 09:00–17:00 (usually closed on Sundays); Coral Beach Nature Reserve is open on Shabbat from 09:00–17:00 in winter time; Timna Park is open Sun–Sat from 08:00–16:00 (Tabernacle tours do not operate on Shabbat); the Ice Mall ice rink operates on Shabbat from 10:00–23:00. U-Splash Water Park in Kibbutz Eilot operates until the end of October and is closed from November to March.
Are there kosher restaurants open in Eilat on Shabbat?
Restaurants with official Rabbinate kosher certification close before Shabbat begins and open after Shabbat ends. For kosher guests who want hot food on Shabbat itself — the common solution is to cook in advance on Friday in a holiday apartment with a kitchen (check the property page for kitchen amenities), or a meal at hotels that offer pre-booked kosher Shabbat packages with closed meals.
Do buses run in Eilat on Shabbat?
Eilat is one of the few cities in Israel where internal public transportation operates on Shabbat, albeit at a reduced frequency. Intercity bus lines to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Be'er Sheva do not run on Shabbat until late afternoon or after Shabbat ends — check the schedule on the Egged website. Taxis operate normally.
Are Eilat's beaches open on Shabbat?
All public beaches in Eilat are open on Shabbat without restriction: North Beach, Princess Beach, Dekel Beach, Coral Beach. Lifeguards are active on Shabbat during peak seasons. Coral Beach Nature Reserve (managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority) is open on Shabbat subject to the hours published on the official website.
What is the distance from a property in Shachamon to a nearby synagogue?
The Shachamon neighborhood contains several synagogues within the neighborhood itself, within 5-15 minutes walking distance from most properties. Traditional guests attending Kabbalat Shabbat can walk to the evening prayer from any villa in Shachamon. In Eilat city center and North Beach, there are additional synagogues at a similar distance.
What is the distance from North Beach promenade to kosher hotels?
Most Orthodox and kosher hotels in Eilat are located on the North Beach promenade itself, within 2-5 minutes walking distance from each other. Livo guests who want a kosher Shabbat meal at a nearby hotel — this is possible if the meal is booked in advance (some hotels accept outside guests for Shabbat meals).
What to do in Eilat on Shabbat with children?
The recommended itinerary for families: morning at a quiet beach (Princess Beach or Dekel Beach) early in the morning before the heat, return to the apartment or villa for lunch and a siesta, afternoon at Ice Mall, or before noon at the Underwater Observatory or Dolphin Reef (both are open on Shabbat and close at 16:00–17:00), and a quiet evening at home or on the promenade. With small children — a siesta at home with a private pool makes the difference between an enjoyable vacation and an exhausting one.
Can I consult with someone before booking Shabbat accommodation in Eilat?
Yes. Write to us on WhatsApp or call 050-780-1370 with your dates, number of people, and what's important to you for Shabbat (e.g., distance to a synagogue or a kitchen for cooking), and we'll help you choose.
Does Livo offer villas near synagogues in Eilat?
Livo, an Israeli holiday rental platform, offers villas and holiday apartments in Eilat. In the Shachamon neighborhood, there is a Chabad synagogue (on Nahal Zarchan Street). The distance to a synagogue and whether the kitchen is suitable for Shabbat cooking vary from property to property — write to us on WhatsApp or call 050-780-1370 with the property and dates, and we'll help you check before booking.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 7, 2026