The Red Sea has been famous for millennia, and is one of the most historical, colourful and spiritual areas on Earth. It’s also an area that is rich in wildlife and natural beauty.
Here are some of the best tourist attractions in Sharm el Sheik, El Gouna, Luxor, Dahab, Makadi Bay, and Hurghada.
1. Mount Sinai, Sharm el Sheik
The climb to the summit of this iconic mountain can take several hours, and wearing the right footwear is advisable. The climb is really worth it if you time your climb when the Sun is beginning to set. Guides are available to make the experience easier. You will also be able to experience some of the local culture, including Bedouin hospitality and camel riding.
2. Sharm el Sheik’s Ras Mohamed National Park
The combination of very colourful fish, a large amount of coral, and a beautiful view of the sea make the Ras Mohamed National Park one of the best areas in the Red Sea region to visit for snorkelling. Several snorkelling areas are available at any one time, and you can also eat your lunch on a boat during the trip.
3. Tiran Island, Sharm el Sheik
A nice place to dive, though the boat trip can be testing for those who suffer from seasickness. Expect to see a mind-blowing number of chromis, and possible sightings of turtles, dolphins and flying fish.
4. Bibliotheca Alexandrina, El Gouna
The Alexandria Library is world renowned, and there is a branch of this prestigious library in El Gouna. The library utilizes multimedia, and there’s a Culturama show, which, as the name suggests, offers a history of Egypt and its culture. The Bibliotheca building itself is also one of the most striking in the Red Sea area.
5. Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna
This is one of the most popular shopping areas around the Red Sea, and it’s in a very picturesque location. It’s best to visit the marina on a Friday when there are street shows.
6. Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, Luxor
A visit to Egypt wouldn’t really be complete without savouring some of the country’s rich history and seeing its important monuments. Trips are available to see both the temple at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, which are two of the most notable historical sites in the world. Even the sometimes overly forward street vendors shouldn’t spoil your tour.
7. Coral Reefs, Dahab
Apart from enjoying the brilliant colours of the coral and the fish, snorkelling and going diving in the coral reefs at Dahab will provide other memorable experiences for nature lovers. Other inhabitants of the reefs include turtles, rays, eels and barracudas. If you are keen to go go deep underwater in Egypt view my guide to liveabroad diving.
8. Blue Hole, Dahab
Not for the faint of heart, swimming in the Blue Hole is designed to be an exhilarating experience, both in terms of the dive and the sea life and coral encountered. Guides are available to particularly reassure more inexperienced divers.
9. Makadi Bay
Makadi Bay is one of the most luxurious resorts in Egypt, and possesses beaches of white sand and brilliant blue waters. In the bay area you can enjoy camel or horse riding. There are also many bars in Makadi Bay which have live music on offer. The bay itself is a short distance from Luxor, St. Anthony and St. Paul Monasteries, and Giftun Island National Park.
10. Beach of Magawish Resort, Hurghada
The dolphins are the big attraction here, whether snorkelling or diving. You will be given safety advice, but, with the right guides, you will be able to experience the friendly dolphins close-up. You’ll also be given information about the different types of fish that inhabit the waters, too.
