Quick Answer: A perfect 48-hour weekend in Eilat is possible. The right time to leave: Thursday afternoon. Must-do experiences: Coral Beach Nature Reserve, dinner at the port, North Beach at sunset, and one main attraction. A vacation apartment with a kitchen saves on meals and provides full privacy compared to a hotel.
Last updated: June 2026 · Written in collaboration with local Livo hosts
About a four-hour drive — and you're already at the sea, sun, and 25 degrees. An Eilat weekend is one of the best options for an Israeli vacation. But these 48 hours require proper planning to make them worthwhile.
When to Go — And Why It Matters
Thursday afternoon — The best choice. You arrive in Eilat by 20:00, take an evening stroll at the port, get a comfortable first night's sleep, and have a full Friday and a full Saturday. 3 effective days.
Friday morning — The common choice. You'll lose up to 3 hours on Road 90. You arrive at noon — you have 36 hours. Okay, but not ideal.
Saturday evening / Sunday morning — A return trip awaits you in traffic with tens of thousands of other travelers. Leave before 10:00 or after 15:30.
Traffic Jams — Where and When
- Driving to Eilat (Thursday-Friday): Congestion between 15:00-19:00. Bypass with Waze — sometimes it directs you to Road 6.
- Driving from Eilat (Sunday): Between 9:00-13:00 is peak heavy. Leave before 8:30 or wait until after 15:00.
48 Hours — Sample Itinerary
Friday
9:00 — Early Check-in (if available) / Coral Beach Nature Reserve Before check-in — head straight to the reserve. 9:00 AM = no queue, perfect light for snorkeling.
12:30 — Supermarket + Food Stop at the supermarket — buy groceries for meals at home. Save at least 300 ₪.
14:00 — Check-in and Rest Pool, balcony, nap — for the hot midday.
17:30 — North Beach (Sunset Hour) The sea at sunset is a phenomenon. Snorkeling is also recommended at this time — soft, beautiful light.
20:00 — Evening at the Port Restaurants, live music on weekends, atmosphere. Pago Pago (at the marina) or The Last Refuge (at Almog Beach, south of the city) for an experience on the water.
Saturday
8:30 — Early Morning at the Beach Before the crowds. The sea is calm, comfortable space, clear water.
11:00 — Dolphin Reef Book in advance — visitor numbers are limited during peak hours.
14:00 — Apartment Pool / Rest Between 12-16 — aggressive sun. This is the time for a private pool, cold coffee, and comfort.
17:00 — Jeep Tour or Port Summer: Jeep tour to colorful canyons for sunset (starting from 180 ₪/person). Winter: The port — less hot and beautiful.
19:30 — Last Dinner If there's one meal you're paying for — this is the evening. As it should be.
21:30 — Soft Check-out Pack half, get organized, sleep well — drive back the next morning.
Apartment or Hotel — Specifically for a Weekend
| Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Couple without children | Boutique hotel at the port |
| Family with children | Vacation apartment with a pool |
| Group of friends (6+) | Private villa with a pool |
| Romantic couple | Vacation apartment with a view balcony |
| Limited budget | Studio at Livo — Last-minute properties |
What Not to Forget to Pack
Must-haves:
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (buy in Eilat — about 15% cheaper without VAT)
- Water shoes / Crocs (Coral Beach Nature Reserve — stony ground)
- At least 2 swimsuits (one is always wet)
- Light jacket for the evening (November-March: 10-17°C at night)
- Earplugs (hotels at the port — sometimes noisy)
Not essential:
- Food — there are supermarkets identical to those nationwide
- Baby food — available
- Snorkeling gear — rent at the reserve or buy at Decathlon
Where to Stay — Our Recommendations
Livo offers hundreds of vacation apartments in Eilat — for couples, families, and groups. Instant booking, flexible cancellation, and real-time updated weekend prices. If you are flexible with your dates — check last-minute properties 24-48 hours before — sometimes there are discounts of 25-35%.
FAQ
How much does a weekend in Eilat cost?
The budget varies by season, group size, and type of accommodation. With a vacation apartment and a home kitchen, you save significantly on meals compared to eating out. Peak seasons (Passover, Sukkot, summer vacation) are 50-80% more expensive than mid-seasons — plan accordingly.
When is the best time to leave home for an Eilat weekend?
Thursday afternoon is better than Friday morning — fewer traffic jams, more time. Leaving on Friday: head out at least two hours before Shabbat to get settled and reach the beach.
How long is the drive from Tel Aviv to Eilat?
4-4.5 hours in normal traffic. On Thursday afternoon — up to 5.5 hours with traffic jams. Leaving before 14:00 or after 20:00 is significantly faster.
What's better — a hotel or a vacation apartment for a weekend?
For a couple: a comfortable boutique hotel. For a family: a vacation apartment with a kitchen saves on meals and provides privacy. With children — an apartment with a private pool is almost always the right choice.
What not to forget for an Eilat weekend?
Sunscreen SPF 50+, water shoes for Coral Beach Nature Reserve, a little cash for the market, an extra swimsuit (one is always wet), a light jacket for the evening (10-17°C on winter nights).
What to do in 48 hours in Eilat?
Optimal itinerary: Day 1 — Coral Beach Nature Reserve in the morning, rest at midday, North Beach for sunset, dinner at the port. Day 2 — Beach in the morning, Dolphin Reef at midday, jeep tour or port in the evening, a lavish dinner. In 48 hours, there's enough time for one main attraction + sea + restaurant.
Is it worth flying to Eilat for a weekend?
Flying to Eilat saves 8 hours of driving round trip. If you booked in advance or during the off-season — flying gives you valuable time instead of hours on the road. For a short weekend, it's usually significantly worthwhile, especially for families with young children.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 1, 2026