Top 19 Spellbinding Places To Explore In Egypt

One of the world’s oldest vacationer hotspots, this African gem is filled with legendary treasures and gorgeous historical websites. From iconic historical past to boho seashore vibes, listed below are my favorite spots to share…

1. Alexandria

This was such a picturesque historic port metropolis! I additionally thought it was a good-looking gem with a shocking mix of Greco-Roman ruins, trendy structure, bustling markets, seaside promenades and welcoming sandy seashores alongside the Mediterranean coast. I liked its vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe which mixes historical historical past with modern life – to me it felt Mediterranean and cosmopolitan as Marseille or Athens.

It was as soon as a really modern metropolis identified for its époque buildings and grand squares. Although its charms have light a little bit, I nonetheless thought it was an unbelievable place!

Located on the Mediterranean coast – sharing the identical stretch of coast as Tunisia and Libya – within the north of the nation, serving as a key port metropolis simply to the northwest of the Nile Delta. It was based by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest metropolis with a wealthy historic legacy and a present inhabitants of over 5 million individuals.

I drove two hours from Cairo and spent three days right here delving into historical past on the historical Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, admiring the trendy Bibliotheca Alexandrina, strolling alongside the Corniche waterfront, explored the royal Montazah Palace gardens, tried the Citadel of Qaitbay, an impressive-looking Fifteenth-century fortress.

• Location: Northern coast of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for delicate temperatures and to keep away from the summer time warmth).
• Map Location and Directions

 

My favorite highlights…

• Sitting an vintage espresso homes, sipping espresso, and puffing on a water pipe whereas looking over the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Cairo

The capital metropolis is a vibrant and energetic place! I’ve to be sincere it was very gritty in some areas however there have been additionally pockets of true mesmerizing magnificence. There was a shocking mix of historical and trendy structure, together with the majestic Pyramids of Giza, the historic Cairo Citadel, and the intricate Islamic artwork and carvings of the Al-Azhar Mosque, set towards a backdrop of the sprawling, vibrant cityscape.

The vibe right here was chaotic however as soon as I obtained over the chaos, the tradition shock, and in-your-face touts (that approached me loads!) I assumed town was extraordinary, with age-old traditions splendidly preserved in each nook.

It was located on the banks of the Nile River, within the northeastern a part of the nation. Founded in 969 AD it has a a historical past of over a thousand years and a present inhabitants of round 10 million individuals, making it one of many largest cities in Africa and the Middle East.

• Location: Northern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for comfy climate and fewer crowds at main points of interest).
• Map Location and Directions

3. The Red Sea Coast

This is a a lot liked vacationer vacation spot! I additionally thought it was stunning with pristine sandy seashores, glowing turquoise waters dwelling, vibrant coral reefs, and upscale resorts all set towards a backdrop of pristine desert landscapes. It felt each enjoyable and rejuvenating, with a wonderful mixture of luxurious resort consolation and adventurous out of doors actions.

The Red Sea Coast stretches alongside the japanese shoreline of Egypt, bordering the Red Sea, from the Suez Canal within the north all the way down to the Sudanese border within the south. It was traditionally important as a commerce and exploration route however now it’s a well-liked vacation vacation spot – among the finest diving and snorkelling experiences on this planet with clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and numerous marine life.

I discovered that the preferred resorts have been Sharm el-Sheikh, which is dwelling to its luxurious resorts and buzzing nightlife; Hurghada which was a hotspot for diving and water sports activities; El Gouna which is dubbed the Venice of the Red Sea with its community of canals and upscale facilities; and Marsa Alam which has beautiful seashores and numerous marine life.

• Location: Eastern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for heat waters, excellent for diving and snorkeling)​.
• Activities on supply: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and seashore leisure​.
• Map Location and Directions

4. Pyramids at Giza

I used to be in awe of those historical monumental constructions constructed to be tombs! I assumed they have been jaw-dropping resulting from their monumental scale, exact alignment, and the enduring Great Sphinx that guards them, all masterpieces of historical engineering set towards the stark backdrop of the Egyptian desert. To me they felt mystical and mysterious enveloping guests in a way of historical historical past.

The Pyramids at Giza are positioned on the Giza Plateau, simply exterior Cairo within the Western Desert round 8 miles) from town centre. They have been constructed through the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt round 2580–2560 BC as monumental tombs for Pharaohs. They type a part of the complicated that features the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of many Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

I took a taxi from Cairo on a day journey and marvelled on the grandeur of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, explored the mysterious Sphinx, entered the smaller pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, visited the Solar Boat Museum which housed an historical cedarwood boat and caught a spectacular sound and lightweight present within the night.

• Location: Western outskirts of Cairo, within the northern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for nice climate with out the acute summer time warmth)​.
• Activities on supply: Exploring the Great Pyramid, visiting the Sphinx and guided historic excursions​.
• Map Location and Directions

5. Luxor

• Location: Southern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Winter (for cooler temperatures, best for exploring temples and tombs).
• Activities on supply: Touring the Valley of the Kings, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and having fun with a sound and lightweight present at Karnak.
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights…

• Went on an unbelievable scorching air balloon journey and noticed breathtaking aerial views of the Nile Valley.

6. The Nile River

One of the world’s most well-known rivers is an impressive gem! I assumed it was really breathtaking with a serene stream by way of lush landscapes and historic cities, bordered by iconic constructions just like the temples of Luxor and Aswan, and that includes picturesque riverbanks. I liked its tranquil and timeless environment.

The finest approach to discover one of many world’s most well-known rivers is by a cruise lasting quite a lot of days. The gorgeous Nile is full of fascinating wildlife, and a visit to this Egyptian delight provides you with an fascinating perception into the agricultural components of the nation.

I took every week’s lengthy cruise right here beginning at Luxor and ending in Aswan. We made stops at Esna to see the Temple of Khnum, Edfu for the Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo to go to the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris, and led to Aswan with visits to the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and a visit to the traditional temple complicated of Abu Simbel.

I additionally found the Nubian villages, the dramatic surroundings of the Nile cataracts and took an unbelievable felucca journey at sundown in Aswan to spherical off a jaw-dropping journey!

• Location: Runs from the southern to the northern a part of the nation, ending within the Mediterranean Sea.
• Best time to go to: Winter (for comfy climate throughout river cruises)​
• Activities on supply: River cruises, felucca crusing, visiting riverside temples, and having fun with a sundown on the water.
• Map Location and Directions

7. Hurghada

I liked this well-liked vacationer vacation spot on Egypt’s Red Sea coast! I assumed it was a gem with a mixture of trendy and conventional structure alongside pristine sandy and rocky seashores and a shoreline dotted with vibrant coral reefs. Attracting seashore lovers, scuba divers, and snorkelers and party-goers, it had a glitzy vacation resort vibe with a couple of boho resorts and eating places thrown in!

In Hurghada, you may dive into the colourful underwater world at Giftun Islands, discover the desert landscapes on a quad bike, chill out at Mahmya Beach, take pleasure in vibrant nightlife at Papas Beach Club, and study marine life on the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, providing a mix of pure magnificence and thrilling actions.

I took a personal automotive from Cairo which took six hours and stayed right here for a soothing week, I dived into the colourful underwater world at Giftun Islands and Omo Gamaar, explored the desert landscapes on a quad bike, relaxed at Mahmya Beach, and loved vibrant nightlife at Papas Beach Club.

If you plan to discover the reefs, try Careless Reef, Giftun Islands, and Omo Gamaar. You may swim with the dolphins off the coast of the Aden Beach Resort.

• Location: Northeastern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for heat waters and good situations for seashore actions).
• Activities on supply: Snorkeling at Giftun Island, scuba diving, windsurfing, and having fun with a desert safari by jeep​.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Going diving at Careless Reef which was only a quick boat journey from Hurghada’s fundamental marina and seeing mind corals, fireplace corals and fairly regal angelfish and butterfly fish dart out and in of the colorful reefs.

8. Aswan

I assumed metropolis was an exquisite gem! I assumed it was jaw-dropping with the serene Nile River, surrounded by sandy banks and granite rocks, and adorned with historic Nubian villages and historical Egyptian structure. I liked its peaceable and laid-back vibe and its slow-paced way of life.

It’s nestled on the primary cataract of the Nile River within the southern a part of the nation, close to the border with Sudan. It’s an essential metropolis traditionally and culturally and serves as a gateway to Africa and a hub for commerce and communication. One of Egypt’s oldest cities and has a present inhabitants of round 1.5 million individuals.

I took a practice from Luxor which took three hours and spent three days right here that was sufficient to squeeze in exploring the traditional Temple of Philae, taking a tranquil felucca journey on the Nile, visiting the Aswan High Dam, wander by way of the colorful stalls of the Aswan Souk, marvel on the Unfinished Obelisk, discover the luxurious Aswan Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island, uncover the traditional Ruins of Abu, go to the historic Tombs of the Nobles, and take a ship journey to the culturally wealthy Elephantine Nile Island.

• Location: Southern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Winter (for cooler climate, appropriate for exploring historic websites)​
• Activities on supply: Visiting Philae Temple, crusing to Elephantine Island, touring the Nubian Museum, and seeing the High Dam.
• Map Location and Directions

9. Dahab

I assumed this small city on the Red Sea Coast was so distinctive! I found it was very easy-on-the-eye with serene golden sandy seashores and shimmering waters bordered by swaying palms and the country allure of Bedouin-style structure with a rugged mountain backdrop.

It was the vibe although I used to be most taken with, it had a really relaxed, bohemian vibe attracting an eclectic mixture of backpackers, scuba divers, snorkelers, journey sports activities fanatics and even hippies looking for extra budget-friendly choices than the extra glitzier resorts alongside this stretch of shoreline. It was rather more peaceable and fewer commercialised and wasn’t filled with vacationers.

I flew into Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport and took a 90 minute taxi journey from there staying for a blissful week and dived the well-known Blue Hole (a gaping sinkhole carved right into a reef), windsurfed alongside the breezy shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, explored the colorrful coral reefs of the Lighthouse Dive Site, trekked by way of the rugged Sinai Desert to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery and simply kicked again and relaxed on the laid-back environment of the beachfront cafes and the colourful native market.

• Location: Eastern a part of the Sinai Peninsula, alongside the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for optimum diving situations and fewer vacationers).
• Activities on supply: Scuba diving on the Blue Hole, windsurfing, and snorkeling​.
• Map Location and Directions

10. Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai is gorgeous for its rugged, reddish-brown granite peaks, sweeping desert vistas, and the breathtaking dawn views that illuminate the traditional, sacred panorama with golden mild.

If you keep within the Cairo space, this will probably be a 1-2 day journey. However, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is certainly well worth the journey and has a unique really feel from the remainder of the nation.

Mount Sinai is a well-liked attraction. It has big non secular significance and is talked about many instances within the Book of Exodus, the Bible, and the Quran.

In Christianity, it’s the place the place Moses acquired the Ten Commandments. Hiking this holy mountain is a well-liked exercise, and plenty of even select to hike by way of the night time or keep in a lodge to get up early (2 or 3 am) and watch a dawn of biblical proportions.

• Location: Southern a part of the Sinai Peninsula.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for comfy mountain climbing situations and to keep away from excessive temperatures).
• Activities on supply: Hiking to the summit for dawn, visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery, and pictures of panoramic views​.
• Map Location and Directions

11. Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Saint Catherine’s Monastery is slightly below Mount Sinai. It’s an historical and important vacationer web site that has UNESCO World Heritage Site standing and is, in truth, the oldest working monastery on this planet. St.Catherine’s is an uncommon and unusually stunning constructing juxtaposed towards acres of dry, arid landscapes.

You can discover the water properly the place Moses met his spouse, see the ancestor of the well-known burning bush, and have a look at the cage of outdated monks’ skulls. Macabrely, you can too see what is alleged to be the preserved hand of the actual Saint Catherine.

• Location: Southern a part of the Sinai Peninsula, on the base of Mount Sinai.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for delicate temperatures, excellent for exploration).
• Activities on supply: Touring the monastery, mountain climbing close by trails, and visiting historic artifacts.
• Accommodation: Bedouin Camp, St. Catherine’s Monastery Guesthouse, and Catherine Plaza Hotel.
• Map Location and Directions

12. Siwa Oasis

Located off the crushed observe between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea (within the Libyan Desert) it has its personal distinct Siwan tradition which differs from the mainstream Arabic tradition.

The Siwans communicate their language, and this space is understood for its scorching springs, effective jewelry, and attractive dates and olives. Take a visit right here and sit back for some time, swim, or attempt your luck at sandboarding.

• Location: Western a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Winter (for comfy climate, avoiding the extraordinary desert warmth).
• Activities on supply: Visiting the Temple of the Oracle, swimming in pure springs, exploring Shali Fortress, and desert safaris.
• Accommodation: Adrere Amellal Eco-Lodge, Siwa Shali Resort, and Taziry Ecolodge.
• Map Location and Directions

13. White Desert

The fabled White Desert of Egypt is a really fascinating space. It may be discovered 28 miles north of the city of Farafra. The desert has an otherworldly magnificence with weird, ghost-white rock formations sprouting from the desert sands.

The unusual constructions are big chalk formations created by occasional sandstorms within the space. For a surreal expertise, take a four-wheel drive by way of the desert or keep in a single day.

• Location: Western a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Winter (for delicate temperatures, best for tenting and exploring distinctive rock formations).
• Activities on supply: Camping, exploring distinctive rock formations, guided desert excursions, and pictures.
• Accommodation: Al-Farafra Hotel, Desert Rose Lodge, and tenting in conventional Bedouin tents.
• Map Location and Directions

14. The Fjord Bay (Taba)

This vibrant little city is positioned on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Despite its small dimension, it will possibly get busy as a result of it’s used as a border crossing into Israel.

Many points of interest round Taba embrace Red Sea Water World Taba Heights, Castle Zaman, Canyon Motor Sports, and the gorgeous Salah El-Din Castle.

The panorama is beautiful, and you’ll be continuously amazed by the scenic places. Fjord Bay is a brief drive from Taba.

It is a pure bay that has change into a well-liked spot for swimming, diving, mountain climbing, climbing, boating, and plenty of different out of doors actions. The bay is surrounded by rolling hills which gently sweep all the way down to the gorgeous aqua-blue water. It is a picturesque location that you simply received’t neglect.

• Location: Northeastern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, close to the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for optimum snorkeling and diving situations).
• Activities on supply: Swimming, snorkeling, boat journeys, and visiting Salah El-Din Castle​.
• Accommodation: Taba Hotel & Nelson Village, Strand Beach & Golf Resort Taba Heights, and Mövenpick Resort Taba.
• Map Location and Directions

15. Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples are one among Egypt’s most immediately recognisable historic sights.

The historical Egyptians constructed huge rock temples between 1264 BC and 1244 BC. Known because the Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun, they’re one among six rock templates in-built Nubia through the reign of Ramesses II.

The scale of the Abu Simbel Temples is unbelievable. They have a timeless magnificence that continues to draw thousands and thousands of holiday makers annually.

• Location: Southern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Winter (for comfy temperatures and to coincide with the Abu Simbel Festival in February)​.
• Activities on supply: Exploring the temples, attending the Sun Festival, and guided historic excursions.
• Accommodation: Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel, Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, and Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort.
• Map Location and Directions

16. Nuweiba

Nuweiba is a coastal city on the East coast of the Sinai peninsula. It’s a gorgeous metropolis for holidays, surrounded by the pristine aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba and the brilliant crimson sands of Sinai.

There are many stunning sights to see in Nuweiba, together with the Coloured Canyon, a slim path surrounded by fantastically colored rock formations.

You will probably be amazed by the color variations within the rocks, which vary from darkish purple to brilliant yellow. Bedouin tour guides will provide help to by way of the canyons and clarify the importance of the canyon of their tradition.

Another must-see expertise close to Nuweiba is Ain Khudra, a pure oasis close to the city. It is usually used as a mountain climbing vacation spot and place to meditate.

The stunning palm timber and tranquil water pool are gorgeous. Many unbelievable pure rock sculptures and carvings encompass this space.

There are additionally loads of places to dive off the coast of Nuweiba, together with Duna Reef and Coral Island. The coral is plentiful, and you’ll benefit from the numerous marine flora.

• Location: Eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, alongside the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for heat climate and seashore actions with out the summer time warmth).
• Activities on supply: Snorkeling, seashore leisure, and camel rides alongside the coast.
• Accommodation: Coral Resort Nuweiba, Elaria Beach Resort, and Habiba Beach Lodge.
• Map Location and Directions

17. Berenice (Baranis)

Located within the Red Sea Governorate, Berenice was based as a buying and selling port in 275 BC and shortly turned an essential financial centre within the area.

One of essentially the most thrilling places close to Berenice is the Temple of Semiramis, constructed by Trajan and Tiberius. This massive Roman temple is in glorious situation and is among the most spectacular sights within the area.

The temple’s outer partitions are adorned with numerous artworks, together with depictions of Emperor Tiberius earlier than the god Min and the deity of the Green Mines (positioned close by).

The coast of Berenice has many pristine pure bays and coves to take pleasure in. You may discover the gorgeous island of Zabargad, beforehand mined for a semi-precious gem named olivine.

This space gives breathtaking views and loads of marine life. It’s additionally an incredible place to go snorkelling, diving, or enjoyable on one of many many seashores.

• Location: Southeastern coast of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for optimum diving and fewer vacationers).
• Activities on supply: Scuba diving, exploring coral reefs, and enjoyable on the seashore.
• Accommodation: Lahami Bay Beach Resort, Wadi Lahami Azur Resort, and tenting in Bedouin-style lodging.
• Map Location and Directions

18. Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is one other beautiful resort city on the Red Sea. It’s famend for its pristine seashores and quite a few coral reefs. Abu Dabab Bay is among the hottest places for guests to Marsa Alam.

It is a U-shaped pure bay with crystal clear water and loads of wildlife, together with turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.

The Wadi el-Gemal National Park is simply south of the city. It is a big park with a various panorama, together with islands, deserts, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. You can spend many days exploring this nationwide park and marvelling at its spectacular magnificence.

• Location: Southeastern coast of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for nice climate and marine actions like diving)​.
• Activities on supply: Diving with sea turtles at Abu Dabbab, snorkeling, visiting Wadi El Gemal National Park, and kitesurfing.
• Accommodation: Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort, and Gorgonia Beach Resort.
• Map Location and Directions

19. Rosetta

Rosetta (additionally known as Ar Rashid) is a metropolis positioned on the western financial institution of the Nile River, 65km Northeast of Alexandria. Founded within the ninth century, Rosetta has an fascinating historical past, unbelievable structure and vibrant tradition.

Rosetta is usually identified for being the birthplace of the Rosetta Stone, which was used to translate historical Egyptian into Ancient Greek. Because of this—and its magnificence, after all—it’s a high attraction on this nation.

Rosetta is a wonderful metropolis with wonderful Islamic structure and plenty of beautiful public areas. You will take pleasure in wandering the winding streets and admiring the traditional mansions of Rosetta.

Many three or four-story houses lined the streets with stunning rustic brickwork and detailed mouldings.

• Location: Northern a part of the nation.
• Best time to go to: Spring and Autumn (for delicate climate, best for exploring historic websites).
• Activities on supply: Visiting the Rosetta Museum, exploring Ottoman-era buildings, and boat journeys alongside the Nile.
• Accommodation: Cleopatra Hotel Rosetta, native guesthouses, and Nile-view lodges.
• Map Location and Directions

It’s all the time a good suggestion to examine up-to-date authorities journey security recommendation earlier than you journey.

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