An Eilat vacation on a budget — it's definitely possible. The sea doesn't cost money. The sun is free. The only question is how to plan correctly.
Accommodation — The Biggest Tip
1. Book on weekdays (Sunday-Thursday)
There's a 30-50% difference between weekend and weekday accommodation. If you work remotely — a full week's trip during the week can save thousands of shekels.
2. Vacation apartment with a kitchen > Hotel
A hotel including breakfast costs 150 ₪ per person. A kitchen in a vacation apartment starts from 30 ₪ per person. A difference of at least 200 ₪ per day for a family of 3.
3. Check Last Minute prices in Eilat
Properties not booked 48-72 hours in advance are often offered at a 20-35% discount. Livo has a dedicated last-minute section.
4. Avoid holidays and peak season
Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah — accommodation prices jump 1.5-2 times. January-February and September-October are ideal times: cheaper, less crowded, warm sea.
5. Alternative neighborhoods
Shachamon and P7 are 20-30% cheaper than central Eilat and North Beach. With a car — a 15-minute difference from the city center.
Transportation
6. Traveling by private car
4 passengers, 4 hours drive from the center — approximately from 300 ₪ for round-trip fuel. A domestic flight for the same 4 passengers: from 1,200 ₪ + car rental. The private car wins.
7. For couples — consider flying without car rental
Eilat is a small city. If you're staying in the center — you can get by on foot and with buses. Car rental (from 150 ₪/day) is not always worthwhile.
8. Intercity buses
Egged operates an intercity service. Approximately 5 ₪ per ride (4.90 ₪). Center to North Beach — 8 minutes. Coral Beach — 15 minutes.
Food
9. The 1 restaurant per day method
Homemade breakfast, lunch at the beach (sandwiches from the supermarket), and one good dinner at a restaurant — the smartest approach. Saving from 200 ₪ per day for a couple.
10. Shufersal and Yeinot Bitan are in Eilat
No need to bring from home — the major supermarket chains are present in Eilat, and groceries are VAT-exempt.
11. Utilizing Eilat's VAT exemption
Shopping for goods (packaged food, clothes, electronics) in Eilat is VAT-exempt (18%). Restaurant services are not necessarily cheaper — it depends on the chain owners. It's advisable to buy groceries at the supermarket and prepare meals during your vacation.
Attractions
12. Free beaches
North Beach, Dekel Beach, Princess Beach — completely free. Blue water, sandy beach, showers, and restrooms.
13. Snorkeling with purchased equipment
Basic snorkeling mask at Decathlon: from 70 ₪. Renting a full set at the Coral Reserve: 50 ₪ — after 3 days, purchased equipment is cheaper.
14. Eilat Mountains — a free trip
Road 12 climbs to the Eilat Mountains and along the Egyptian border — red-orange mountains like those seen in Mars photos. Costs nothing. Take a bottle of water.
15. Port Promenade
An evening walk at Eilat Port — free, beautiful, and full of atmosphere. Upscale restaurants on the side (not mandatory) and live music on weekends.
16. Coral Reserve — not during peak hours
Arrive at the reserve at 9:00 AM (before the tourist rush). A bit quieter, same experience.
17. Combination tickets
At the Underwater Observatory, there are combined tickets (for example, with a Coral 2000 cruise). Ask at the entrance.
Sample Budget — 4 Nights for a Couple
| Expense | Without Planning | With Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | From 2,800 ₪ | From 1,600 ₪ |
| Food | From 2,000 ₪ | From 1,000 ₪ |
| Attractions | From 1,000 ₪ | From 500 ₪ |
| Transportation | From 600 ₪ | From 350 ₪ |
| Total | From 6,400 ₪ | From 3,450 ₪ |
Saving ~from 3,000 ₪ — almost half — without giving up anything.
FAQ
When is the cheapest time to travel to Eilat?
January-February and June — these are the cheapest months. Accommodation prices are 30-40% lower than peak. The sea is warm (21-26°C) and there's sun. Avoid Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Hanukkah.
Is it better to travel to Eilat by car or by flight?
A domestic flight costs from 150 ₪ one way — but a rental car in Eilat will add from 150 ₪ per day. If you are 4 passengers and traveling by private car — it's probably cheaper to drive. For a couple — flying is usually more worthwhile.
How to save on food in Eilat?
A vacation apartment with a kitchen saves from 300 ₪ per day. Homemade breakfast, lunch at the beach, and one dinner at a restaurant — the 1 restaurant per day method saves money and still provides an experience.
Are there free attractions in Eilat?
Yes: North Beach, Dekel Beach, Princess Beach, a walk at the port and promenade, a trip to City Park, the Eilat Mountains (Road 12), and watching the sunset from the bay — all are completely free.
What is the average budget for a couple's vacation in Eilat?
A 4-night vacation for a couple on a budget: accommodation from 1,600 ₪, food from 1,200 ₪, attractions from 600 ₪, transportation from 400 ₪ — a total of approximately from 3,800 ₪. With a vacation apartment with a kitchen and free attractions, it can be reduced to 2,800 ₪.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 1, 2026