With its stunning 900 km coastline along the Red Sea and an additional 200 km along the Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt is a paradise for beach lovers and divers alike. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, thrilling water sports, or an affordable escape, there’s a seaside destination for everyone. Seeking vibrant nightlife or peaceful tranquility? Planning a friends’ retreat or a family adventure? Opting for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious experience? Egypt’s diverse coastal resorts cater to all preferences.
Here are 7 of the best seaside resorts in Egypt, perfect for your next beach escape.
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Dahab
- Dahab has a unique and unparalleled charm.
- This former Bedouin village has gained international fame in the diving world, thanks to its renowned Trou Bleu, also known as the “Blue Hole.” This underwater excavation measures 25 meters wide and a staggering 120 meters deep. While there may not be much to see inside, the experience of descending into the deep blue and discovering an arch around 55 meters with a tunnel opening onto the sea is truly intoxicating. The locals have always steered clear of the site due to a haunting legend that tells of a young girl who drowned there to escape an arranged marriage, and her ghost is said to linger in the Blue Hole.
Activities:
- The Blue Hole is a magnet for freedivers, experienced divers, and thrill-seekers, despite Egyptian regulations theoretically limiting dives beyond 40 meters.
- With approximately 250 windy days per year, Dahab is an ideal destination for sailing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
El Gouna
- To the north of Hurghada, an Egyptian version of Venice emerges, with its canals, lagoons, and a lavish marina in a village that was created from scratch by a billionaire.
- The hotel options are well-organized, including the availability of spacious villas and apartments.
- This destination offers a wide range of water sports activities, such as parasailing and even golf.
- You might even have the chance to encounter bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
Activities:
- Explore the Abu Nuhas reef, which is home to four fascinating shipwrecks, including the magnificent Carnatic with its mesmerizing display of glass fish and soft coral. Don’t miss the chance to witness the cargo of tiles within the depths of the Chrisoula K.
- At the UCPA center, you can partake in kiteboarding and diving courses suitable for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts.
Sharm El Sheikh
- This seaside town located near the airport offers the advantage of door-to-door access. For miles, all-inclusive hotels are facing the Red Sea, with their share of swimming pools, nightclubs, bars, and also child-friendly activities.
Activities:
- Ras Mohammed National Park and its drop-offs are among the most beautiful spots in Egypt. Many wrecks in the Straits of Tiran or at the entrance to the Suez Canal.
Hurghada
- The captivating coastal town, spanning over forty kilometers, has long been a magnet for tourists. It is not just a designated tourist area but a vibrant city with a lively atmosphere. You’ll find numerous bars and nightclubs to enjoy nightlife.
- A must-visit is the charming old district of Dahar.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Al Mina Mosque, which welcomes both women and men.
- Take a stroll through the Fish market and afterward, treat yourself to a refreshing drink at the nearby Marina.
Activities:
- Diving
Safaga
- Located approximately 45 minutes south of Hurghada, Safaga is an authentically Egyptian port city that retains its charm and remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. Divers are particularly drawn to this destination, forming lasting friendships and returning year after year.
- The bay offers dive sites suitable for beginners, while the offshore coral reefs of Panorama Reef, Abu Kefan, and Middle Reef are renowned for their stunning beauty.
- To the north of Safaga, the upscale hotel complex of Soma Bay beckons spa enthusiasts seeking relaxation, indulgent massages, rejuvenating hammam experiences, and golfers looking to tee off. We highly recommend arranging a car with a driver to embark on a day trip along the banks of the Nile, where you can visit the magnificent Denderah Temple. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Activities:
- Sailing and kitesurfing
Marsa Alam
- One unique feature of the Egyptian coral reef is its fringing nature, meaning that the reef is directly attached to the coastline. As a result, you won’t find any dreamy white sand beaches in this region. The environmental regulations now prohibit the destruction of the reef to build hotels or create artificial beaches. If you come across long wooden pontoons extending over the water, they are simply there to provide access to swimming areas with the help of ladders.
- However, there are rare marsas (Arabic for “bays”) in this area. The first hotels naturally settled there due to the magnificent and easily accessible reefs from the beach. Some bays, such as Abu Dabbab, Mubarak, El Nabaa, and Shouna, are adorned with seagrass, the preferred food of green sea turtles. Even young visitors can witness these turtles up close with snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel). It’s important not to touch them, as it can harm the protective mucus layer that shields them from parasites.
Activities:
- Camel rides in the desert
- Visiting the Abada Bedouins who bake delicious bread in the sand, and exploring the wonders of astronomy during nighttime outings.
- Elphinstone Reef is accessible to seasoned divers. Opportunity to see hammerhead sharks, longimanus, and tiger sharks.
Wadi Lahami
- As you embark on the journey through southern Egypt, the road unfolds before you, meandering leisurely between the serene blue of the sea and the majestic ochre of the desert mountains, which the setting sun gracefully bathes in a gentle pink hue. Why venture so far? To find tranquility, to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the authentic desert, where the landscape remains unspoiled by excessive accommodations, gaudy lights, and bustling nightclubs.
- In this peaceful retreat, you’ll discover Wadi el Gemal National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park offers captivating excursions that unveil the wonders of the natural world, showcasing an impressive array of bird species that grace the skies with their presence. As you explore the park’s trails, you’ll be captivated by the rich biodiversity and the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Activities:
- The Fury Shoals reefs are accessible by semi-rigid boats, offering superb spots such as Sha’ab Claudio with its maze of caves. Not to be missed is the excursion to Sataya Reef, where a group of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) reside, providing the opportunity to swim alongside them.
- Head south to Shalateen (135 km). At the gateway to Sudan, the camel market in this desert town is impressive.
