Egypt is a popular tourist destination because of its huge tourist attractions like the Valley of the Kings and Pyramids of Giza. The nation’s coastline is home to some amazing and rarely visited beach destinations, including bohemian bungalow camp resorts and some of the best diving in the world.
Egypt’s North Africa location means its north coast lies on the Mediterranean. However, the climate in North Africa is more sensitive to changes in seasons. For instance, summer should be reserved for visiting the beaches of Alexandria and Marsa Matruh. Further south, there are plenty of opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy a variety of water sports all year. Here’s a guide to the top spots to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the Egyptian beaches, even in winter.
Red Sea Riviera
Most tourists arrive by plane. They usually fly via Hurghada International airport, but there is also a smaller airport in Marsa Alam. An overland trip would be more convenient if you have been to Egypt, especially Luxor. There are two options: a Pullman bus that runs from the Nile to its coast or a ferry that takes you to Hurghada on the Sinai peninsula.
Hurghada
Hurghada, long a major Egyptian resort town, has more than 100 hotels and resorts. Most of these resorts are located along 40km of sandy coastline. There are some public beaches in the area. However, all of them charge an entrance fee. It is best to book a hotel that has its beach. You can relax on your beach chair, have towels and drinks, or even snacks, provided that no other people are using it.
Day trips to nearby islands are possible through your hotel. They offer an exclusive experience on unmarred beaches and offer an unforgettable experience. Madhya Island can be reached in just an hour. If you’re lucky, you might even see a dolphin on your way.
You can take a break from the sand and surf at El Dahar, Hurghada’s historic town. You’ll find many stalls selling a variety of handicrafts and jewelry as well as spices, perfumes, and other products. If you are looking for something to eat, there will be street food stalls, Bedouin bars, and coffee shops that offer fresh sugarcane juice, tea, and coffee.
El Gouna
The gated community El Gouna is located just north of Hurghada. It is known as “The Venice of Egypt,” It is made up of a series of islands linked by canals and bridges. The community is home to luxurious accommodations, fine-dining restaurants and the world-famous theater, Sea Cinema. Gouna is a town that caters to the wealthy. If you are looking for a luxurious vacation, then one of Gouna’s hotels or resorts will do.
If you are looking for adrenaline-pumping watersports like parasailing, diving, kite surfing and parasailing, this is the city to go to. But if you feel more relaxed, you can always relax by the pool at your resort or one of El Gouna’s many spas.
Marsa Alam
For many years, this small fishing village was a remote outpost. However, as divers began to take more interest in the beautiful coral reefs, infrastructure for tourism slowly increased.
Marsa Alam is now a paradise for divers, with beautiful white-sand beaches like Abu Dabab. You’re likely to spot at least one of the hundreds upon hundreds of turtles who graze on seagrass if you venture close to the shore.
Wadi El Gamal National Park is south, which houses 450 species of coral and 1200 species of fish. Divers and snorkelers may be able to spot one of the last endangered dugongs (a relative of the manatee).
South Sinai
South Sinai has transformed from a small string of villages that divers loved to become a tourist destination. The east coast of the peninsula, along the Gulf of Aqaba, is where most of the tourist cities are located. Its weather is warm and sunny all year. South Sinai is a popular tourist destination, with the eight-hour journey by bus from Cairo or Eilat taking more than eight hours.
