Resorts in Egypt - the Red Sea

What to see on the Red Sea?

The Red Sea lies between the north-eastern coast of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite some conflicts between the countries that surround it, the Red Sea is remarkably calm and inviting.

When we talk about the Red Sea in Egypt, we mean two areas: the eastern African coast (Egypt proper) and the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula. We have left out the western coast of the Sinai Peninsula, as it is not as attractive as those mentioned above.

Eight countries surround the Red Sea, but Egypt is the country where the most happens and where the most beautiful resorts and beaches are. For comparison, Israel has 6 miles of beaches and Jordan about 30 miles, while Egypt has 900 miles of coastline with various cities and towns.

Where should you go on the Red Sea?

It all depends on where you stay. In our opinion the main destinations are: Hurghada, El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, Quseer and Marsa Alam.

Let us start with the last place, Marsa Alam. You can reach this town by plane, with flights organised by tour operators. You will find many comfortable resorts here, excellent food and, above all, peace and quiet.

A little to the north of Marsa Alam you will find one of the newest and most attractive places, Soma Bay. You probably know the Sheraton, Westin or Movenpick hotels - it is in Soma Bay that you will find top-tier hotels.

Travelling further north from Soma Bay is one of the largest resorts after Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt - Hurghada. This town is very popular with people who like comfort and organised holidays. You can fly to Hurghada from practically any major city in Europe, and the year-round guarantee of good weather makes it inviting.

Hurghada is just five hours by road from Cairo and four hours from Luxor. Practically anyone can enjoy a holiday in Hurghada and, at the same time, visit Karnak in Luxor in a single day, or set off to Cairo to see the pyramids. The roads in Egypt are completely safe and guarded.

El Gouna lies 20 minutes from Hurghada. In this town you will find everything you need, just like in Soma Bay - wonderful European and American resorts, pubs, bars and discos. Nothing to do but enjoy the beautiful beaches, the coral reef and the hot African sun.

In each of these places you will find water sports, quad bikes and boat trips. The Red Sea is known as one of the main diving centres, so deep diving is popular and adapted to the needs of tourists.

Let us move for a moment to the Sinai Peninsula.

The largest and most popular is of course Sharm El Sheikh, at the very tip of the Peninsula. It is without doubt the most developed part of the Peninsula. Sharm is famous for many European and American resorts, but also for Egyptian hotels that are in no way inferior to the former.

What is more, in Sharm lovers of diving will find advanced diving centres with rich equipment for experienced divers as well as for beginners. You can fly to Sharm El Sheikh from any major city in Europe, as well as from Asia and the Middle East.

There is one more place - Taba, which is more of a resort for Egyptians and Israelis, and is essentially the cheapest resort on this coast.