2 Best Sights in Eilat and the Negev, Israel

Running northeast from the intersection of Durban and Arava streets, North Beach is what comes to mind when most people think about Eilat. This part of the beach is convenient if food and drink are on your agenda. Here you’ll find kiosks selling drinks, ice cream, and other snacks, and along the Promenade are many more options for fuller meals. Adventurous types can go paragliding or rent a paddleboat. Across the bridge—opposite the Queen of Sheba, Royal Beach, Dan, and Herods hotels—lies a beautifully landscaped series of beaches.

Walking south, you'll pass several mellow beaches, including Kochav Hayam and HaZahav, before you come to Royal Beach, where white-shirted attendants rent space on private platforms. Very expensive drinks can be ordered from the nearby Royal Beach Hotel and vendors sell popsicles and sodas. Head past the marina, where you can enjoy a ride in a glass-bottom boat, and you’ll encounter family-friendly beaches with names like Tarshish, Leonardo, Rimonim, and HaPnina, where hard-core sunbathers oil themselves for maximum exposure. North Beach comes to a natural end by Le Meridien Hotel, whose beach is the only private one. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.

Attracting a younger crowd, South Beach retains a bit of a funky vibe. Stretching for 11 km (7 miles), South Beach is actually much longer than North Beach, but Eilat Port (look for the gaudy gambling boats moored there) cuts it in two pieces. North of the port sits Dekel Beach, with a shaded Bedouin tent, tanning raft, snorkeling station, and beach bar. It's great for families during the day, and often hosts private parties in the evening. Past Dolphin Reef sits Almog Beach, a relaxation haven with a full bar and restaurant, low-slung tables, and ample parking. Farther down the shore, Aquasport Beach is a standout; local scuba divers and water-sports enthusiasts know this is the laid-back alternative to better-trodden coves, and the vibe is free-spirited and decidedly chilled-out. There's a scuba school suitable for all levels of skill and experience. Amenities: food and drink; showers; water sports. Best for: swimming, snorkeling.