Aqaba Border Area

אקבה

The waterfront promenade near Eilat's border with Jordan and Egypt offers views across the Red Sea to the Jordanian city of Aqaba and Sinai Peninsula. The area is historically significant and provides perspective on the region's unique geopolitical setting.

Things to do

• Border Viewpoint at Aqaba Gateway — Stand at the northernmost point of the Red Sea where Israel, Jordan, and Egypt converge, offering unobstructed views of Aqaba's waterfront and the Sinai Peninsula across the water.
• Red Sea Snorkeling from Eilat Shore — Enter the water directly from the promenade to encounter coral reefs and tropical fish within meters of the Jordanian border, accessible year-round.
• Eilat-Aqaba Peace Park Walk — Stroll along the waterfront promenade designated as a peace area, featuring information plaques about regional history and cross-border cooperation initiatives.
• Photograph the Triple Border Landscape — Capture the unique sight where three nations' territories are visible simultaneously—Israeli desert, Jordanian hills, and the Sinai Peninsula to the south.
• Visit Eilat Museum of Glass Art — Located nearby on the promenade, this museum showcases contemporary glass art while providing views of the Aqaba border and strategic geographic position of the city.
• Watch the Sunset from Border Overlook — Position yourself at the waterfront in late afternoon to observe the sun setting over the Aqaba skyline across the border, a popular local ritual.

Food to try

• St. Clare Fish Restaurant — A waterfront establishment serving fresh grilled fish with a direct view of Aqaba, specializing in sea bream and grouper prepared with Mediterranean herbs.
• Hummus Salatim — Traditional Palestinian-style hummus topped with pine nuts, olive oil, and locally sourced tahini, widely served in Eilat's border-area cafés.
• Falafel from Local Street Vendors — Freshly fried chickpea patties served with tahini sauce and vegetables, a staple quick meal sold along the promenade near the border checkpoint area.
• Shakshuka at Eilat Market Restaurants — Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce, a regional breakfast favorite available throughout Eilat's waterfront dining establishments.
• Fresh Red Sea Grouper Sayadieh — Local white fish served over spiced rice with caramelized onions, a traditional preparation reflecting the area's maritime heritage and cross-cultural influences.

Local customs & good to know

• Photography Restrictions Apply — Avoid photographing military installations, checkpoints, or the Jordanian/Egyptian sides of the border; stick to public promenade areas and inform yourself of current security guidelines.
• Cross-Border Respect and Sensitivity — The border area is sensitive geopolitically; be respectful of security personnel, avoid discussions of politics, and understand this is an active international boundary.
• Summer Heat Requires Planning — Visit the waterfront early morning or evening as temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F) in summer; winter months (November-March) offer comfortable exploration conditions.
• Hebrew and Arabic in Daily Use — While English is spoken in tourist areas, basic Hebrew phrases are appreciated; many local menus and signs include Arabic reflecting the region's multilingual character.