9 Best Shopping in Eilat and the Negev, Israel

The two sections of this shopping center are connected by a passage filled with cafés where you can stop and take stock of all the bargains you've found. On a smaller scale than Mul HaYam Mall, it nevertheless has a wide variety of stores. There's a notable absence of tacky souvenir shops.

Although the Negev is still home to the Bedouin people, many of today's Bedouin women are less inclined to stay home weaving. But if you have an eagle eye and a saint's patience, Beersheva's Bedouin Market might yield goods made by elder generations. The market starts at daybreak each Thursday and lasts until early afternoon, but it's best to arrive early. Walk to the back, passing coffee and tea sellers. For sale, if you can find them, are embroidered dresses, woven camel bags, bales of wool, coin headbands (used as dowry gifts), and finjans (Bedouin coffeepots).

This intriguing series of shops carries unusual paintings, sculptures, Judaica, old-style objets d'art, Moroccan furnishings, painted and inlaid mirrors, boxes and frames, gifts, and wall hangings.

A cluster of boutiques offers an excellent variety of high-end Israeli designer women's clothing and accessories. Some of the most internationally renowned Israeli designers—including Ronen Chen, Daniela Lehavi, and Naama Bezalel—display their airy knit dresses, classy leather bags, and sassy shoes in adjacent showrooms, which make for a great local shopping experience that's a far cry from the ubiquitous large shopping malls found in Eilat. Once or twice a year, the shops put on a fashion show on the promenade out front.

For all-natural, deliciously scented cosmetics, soaps, and skin-care products, visit this shop. The products use local herbs and goat and camel milk, making them great souvenirs of the region. Groups of eight or more can arrange a tour of the factory and workshop area.

With two locations in Eilat, this shop has an excellent reputation for high-quality gold and diamond pieces. The location at the Royal Beach Hotel has an especially good selection.

Israeli-made soaps, shampoos, and candles are the specialty of this chain. The salt scrubs, infused with mineral oils, are especially luxurious, and the verbena-coconut body lotion is a perfect salve for sunburned skin.

One of Eilat's prime shopping destinations, Mull HaYam Mall is noted for its made-in-Israel products. Here you can stroll along with the chattering crowd, pick up a lottery ticket, or enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange or carrot juice. Then check out such stores as Intima for soft and sexy lingerie, Gottex for famous swimwear, Honigman for women's casual wear, and Fox for cheeky clothing for adults and children. The more than 90 stores also include a bookstore and drugstore, and there are several coffee shops.

Look for Breitling and Cartier timepieces at this shop, considered one of Israel's premier sources for watches. Both locations are at the Royal Beach—one inside the hotel and one on the promenade below.