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Resort Guides
Hurghada
Hurghada was at one time just a simple fishing village. But now, with the crystal clear water, untouched reefs and a multitude of ship wrecks, it has become one of the best Egyptian tourist destinations. With more than 20 km of hotels along the beach, Hurghada can satisfy the needs of every visitor, from scuba diving to windsurfing to desert safaris. It is also a beach resort, where thousands of Europeans and others come with their families to enjoy the sun and fun. Many of the hotels offer so many activities and facilities that one may never need to leave the resort. Often, the larger resorts have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theatres. When you are not in the sea you can shop in the boutiques, relax in the luxury holiday villages or visit the Roman Mons Porphyries remains at nearby Gebel Abu Dukhan. Restaurants are mostly along the main road. Whilst in Hurghada, do not miss the museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea. Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs. They are particularly frequented by the young, but certainly many others of all ages.
Transfer approximately 15 mins and 15 Egyptian Pounds from Hurghada airport.
Luxor
To say that the Luxor area is a major attraction for tourists in Egypt would be an understatement. It has been a tourist destination since the beginning of tourism. Today Luxor is well equipped to accommodate tourists with many hotels and in general a tourist industry ready and willing to serve the people from many countries that descend on this area of the Nile Valley every year. Along Sharia al-Mahatta Street you will find the colorful signs of restaurants and cafes, as well as bazaars where the usual variety of Egyptian souvenirs can be found. Today it is famous for its temples and the nearby Valley of the Kings. The culinary scene is less diverse than in Cairo or Alexandria, but there is no shortage of places to eat. Luxor is a living museum with vast numbers of ancient Egyptian monuments. It is also highly oriented to tourists, and might be thought of in the same regard as a theme park, where the attractions just happen to be real monuments. All types of global cuisine are on offer in Luxor, you will find great nightlife, and an endless amount of ancient Egypt sightseeing tours.
Transfer approximately 20 mins and 15 EGP from Luxor airport.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is known all over the world for its crystal clear waters and spectacular dive sites. Situated near the Tropic of Cancer, Marsa Alam has a true tropical feeling, with its mangroves, palm trees, and its long beaches with fringing barrier coral reefs. It is an up and coming resort which is fast becoming very popular. The resort is centred on most of the luxury hotels close to the stunning waters of Coraya Bay. At present the majority of dining and entertainment is centred on the hotels but they provide lots of entertainment to ensure all the guests enjoy their holiday. Daytime activities tend to centre on water sports including some fantastic dive sites or if you are feeling particularly lazy the beaches are a great place to relax. There is no nightlife to speak of except for the numerous bars and restaurants that can be found within most hotels, which are excellent. Shopping is limited to hotel minimarkets and boutiques but there is an almost daily trip from most hotels to El Quesir for the bustling market.
Sharm el Sheikh
The region of Sharm el Sheikh is actually a series of bays with innumerable and extraordinary coral reefs. It is located on the east shore at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Sharm el Sheikh has developed into a luxury holiday resort most treasured by divers and sun-lovers. There is plenty to do in Sharm el Sheikh. Though the main activities are water sport activities and diving, the terrific interior of the Sinai desert invites the adventurous offering fascinating trips such as hiring quad runners and motorbikes, or partaking in a guided excursion into the desert. Another exciting adventure is a ride out into the desert on camel or horseback or exploring the Sinai by jeep. Fun Town is an amusement park your children will love or choose the Bowling Centre which has got also an ice skating area. An evening stroll along the promenade gives you an insight of what the beach bars of the hotels have to offer for the evening. Some hotels entertain their guests with belly dancing performances or popular Russian Shows. After the shows you can dance throughout the night in one of the discos. Bargaining is a part of life in Egypt and virtually everything is open to negotiation.
Transfer approximately 20 mins and 15EGP from Sharm El Sheikh Airport.
Taba
Taba, the border town between Egypt and Israel, is well known for its picturesque bays and coves and one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the Red Sea. It is a picturesque, year-round resort ideally situated in one of the most beautiful spots on the Sinai Peninsula. The village resort and hotels meld smoothly into the breathtaking natural backdrop of untamed desert, cinnamon mountains, and vibrant sea. While Taba has plenty to offer those wishing to lie back and relax, there is even more in the way of unique adventures and thrilling activities. In addition to activities within the resort such as quad safaris and diving, in just a few hours guests can be standing before the Great Pyramid at Giza, the haunting canyon Treasury of Petra, or the solemn Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
Weather in Egypt
Most of Egypt is subtropical area. Northern winds cool the climate along the Mediterranean, but the interior areas are very hot. The temperature sinks quickly after sunset because of the high radiation rate under cloudless skies. The great thing about Egypt is you really don't have to plan for rain as it rarely seems to happen. Rainfall averages about 2 inches a year.
If you go to Egypt in the summer be prepared for very hot weather. Throughout the Red Sea Riviera humidity is almost non-existent, constant breezes help to make the warm to hot temperatures more than bearable. Temperatures tend to be more reasonable during the winter months when you would want to escape the cold and rain in the UK. In the coastal region average annual temperatures range from a maximum of 37° C (99° F) to a minimum of 14° C (57° F). Wide variations of temperature occur in the deserts, ranging from a maximum of 46° C (114° F), during daylight hours, to a minimum of 6° C (42° F) after sunset.
There are 5 days between March and April where a typical feature of Egypt's weather called the "khamseen" occurs. It is a hot sandy spring wind that blows across the country and to the Red Sea. The "khamseen" can occasionally become a real sandstorm, although it blows sporadically
Hurghada, a coastal town in The Red Sea, is celebrated for its consistent tropical weather. Sharm is hot in the summer and warm and agreeable in the winter. Sharm benefits from a nice breeze that blows in from the ocean even on the hottest days. The area of Marsa Alam, due to the vicinity to the Tropic of Cancer, has a slightly more humid weather than the rest of the Red Sea.
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Beaches
Egypt's Mediterranean coast is associated with leisurely summer holidays where the vacationers lounge on the white sandy beaches and swim in the cool, choppy waters of the Mediterranean. Egypt offers some wonderful beaches and whether you see the sand as ideal for sunbathing or want to use it as a chance to do something more active such as wind-surfing, the beaches of Egypt always offer something for everyone. You will be tantalized by the white sandy beaches and endless desert landscape, which contrast with the crystal clear blue water of the Sinai peninsula.
Sham el-Sheikh has become one of Egypt's best known and most visited beach resorts. Na'ama Beach is a long sandy bay and just 5 km north of the main town... Shark's Bay is in a growing resort community with lots of activities on offer, along with several diving centres. Sharm El Maya is a picturesque bay in a natural harbour and home to many small boats. This beautiful sandy beach has a profusion of palm trees providing natural shade for the sun loungers.
Hurghada beaches can satisfy the needs of every visitor, from scuba diving to windsurfing. The majority of the beaches are owned by the many of the quality of hotels in Hurghada. Some of them are world renowned for being some of the world best diving sites. At almost every beach, there are many options beyond swimming and sunbathing. Snorkelling equipment, pedalos, glass boats taking trips out to corals.
Top 10 Attractions
Abu Simel - Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser about 290 km southwest of Aswan. Not only are the two temples at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world but their removal and reconstruction was an historic event in itself, if UNESCO had not acted they would have disappeared under the waters of the Nasser Lake. The nearby temple of the wife of Rameses II is also a part of the Abu Simbel complex -- and an archaeological must-visit.
Luxor Museum - Inaugurated in 1975, the museum is housed in a small, purpose-built building. The ranges of artefacts on display are far more restricted than the country's main collections in the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo. This was; however, deliberate, since the museum prides itself on the quality of the pieces it has, the uncluttered way in which they are displayed, and the clear multilingual labelling used. Among the most striking items on show are grave goods from the tomb of Tutankhamen and a collection of 26 exceptionally well preserved New Kingdom statues that were found buried in a cache in nearby Luxor Temple in 1989. The royal mummies of two pharaohs - Ahmose I and Ramesses I - were also put on display in the Luxor Museum in March 2004.
Luxor Temple - Luxor Temple is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the River Nile in the city today known as Luxor (ancient Thebes). Of particular interest here are the Roman stuccoes than can still be seen atop the Egyptian carvings below; in Roman times this area served as a chapel, where local Christians were offered a final opportunity to renounce their faith and embrace the state religion.
Medieval Cairo - More than 16 million people call Cairo home and it is chaotic, exotic, smelly, dusty and also beautiful. Perhaps the most interesting section of Cairo is Medieval (Islamic) Cairo. Medieval Cairo is a warren of streets just bustling with life. There are mosques at every corner, Coptic churches, huge medieval gates and bazaars selling everything from motorbike parts to perfumes. Highlights include the Citadel and the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar. The major mosques worth visiting include: the Mosque of Mohammed Ali; the Ibn Tulun, one of the largest mosques in the world; and the Al-Azharmosque which houses the oldest university in the world (from 970AD).
St Catherine's Monastery - St. Catherine's has a rich history indeed. Saint Catherine Monastery has been one of the world's greatest religious pilgrimages for over fifteen centuries. It is a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art, including Arab mosaics, Greek and Russian icons, Western oil paintings, paintings on wax, fine sacerdotal ornaments, marbles, enamels and chalices. Among its treasures is a library of ancient manuscripts and icons second only to the Vatican's itself. Walking down the 3.700 steps in the morning gives a very nice view to the Monastery. Still nowadays, the Monastery is a religious place for monks. Approximately only 10-20 monks are living in the Monastery.
Temples of Karnak - The spectacular Temples of Karnak are not to be missed when you travel to Egypt. Karnak was the most important place of worship in ancient Egypt. The site is huge, measuring 1500 x 800 meters, and is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban Gods. If you don't have the energy to cover all that ground then don't miss the Hypostyle Hall in the Great Temple of Amun. There are several performances of the sound and light show.
The Nile - The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching north for approximately 4,000 miles from East Africa to the Mediterranean. The romance of a Nile Cruise has sustained an industry of well over 200 steamers. A Nile Cruise used to be the only way tourists could get to the tombs and temples of Luxor. You can get excellent package deals usually ranging from 4-7 days. Get as much information as you can about the vessel before you go. If you are booking in Egypt, try and see the vessel before you purchase your ticket. Most boats start off in Luxor, sailing down to Aswan, with stops at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo.
The Pyramids - The Pyramids of Egypt are the fascinating, breathtaking and picturesque tourist sites of Egypt, bound to make the experience of your holiday trip astounding and unforgettable. The building of the pyramids is still a mystery tale for the world. By visiting the pyramids in chronological order you can also witness the land marked with historical sites.
The Sphinx - The sphinx is about 73.5 metres in length. It was originally sculptured from a limestone outcrop, and for most of its history, the sphinx has been at least partly covered in sand. The sphinx is one of the best known monuments on earth and dates back over 4,500 years.
Valley of the Kings - The Valley of the Kings (Biban El Moluk) situated on the ancient site of Thebes is where the pharaoh's were buried and hoped to meet their Gods in the afterlife. This is where you will find Tutankhamen's tomb which was discovered almost intact in the 1920's. You can go inside the tomb, but you'll have to visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to see the treasures he was buried with. Tutankhamun was actually quite a minor king in the scheme of things and there are many larger and more impressive tombs to discover in the Valley of the Kings.
Shopping
Egypt is a wonderland of shopping opportunities. There are the famous bazaars such as the Khan el-Khalili, but then there are also thousands of unusual stores scattered about the country, especially in Cairo, some products are better purchased from the local areas from which they are produced, such as Alabaster in Luxor. Cairo provides a huge variety of everything from antiques to fine clothing and especially jewellery. Egyptians are famous for their jewellery, and probably have been throughout history. Examples are abundant on statues and paintings or reliefs of queens, but also any number of noble and even common women. Jewellery was often made of gold, but somewhat later, silver was used. Besides turquoise, which was mined early on in the Sinai, other popular stones included lapis lazuli, and carnelian, and amethyst. Egypt provides a unique shopping experience with a host of shopping options, but these options can best be appreciated by those who have the skill and daring to fruitfully negotiate. Haggling is acceptable when it comes to shopping, and the vendors expect shoppers to do so. They start by quoting high prices, but the shoppers, through skilful negotiations, can bring them down. The buyers need to focus on the maximum amount they are willing to pay and should not budge, as the sellers will usually relent and sell the product at the price set by the buyers. Another aspect that should be kept in mind while shopping in Egypt is the currency in which the price is quoted by the seller. Most of the time, the prices are quoted in pounds, and, hence, it is advisable to make sure whether it is the English or Egyptian pound and then develop an agreement with the seller.
Getting Around
Bus - Buses range from luxury to overcrowded and grim! But they service all towns in Egypt. In general, the faster more luxurious buses will run between major cities and tourist destinations. Tickets can be bought at bus stations and often on the bus itself.
Train - Trains are an excellent way to travel within Egypt. There are air-conditioned express trains as well as ordinary trains which tend to be a bit slower. Note that trains do not go to the Sinai or the main beach destinations of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh.
Car - The major car rental agencies are represented in Egypt; Hertz, Avis, Budget and Europe car. Driving in Egypt, especially the cities can be a bit hazardous to say the least. Congestion is a huge problem and very few drivers actually follow any traffic rules, including stopping for a red traffic light.
Taxi - You can find many black and white taxis. These will take you where you want to go, but negotiate the price before you get inside the car.
Plane - Air flights work only between few cities and are expensive. Expect to pay 5-15 times more than bus or train but save on time. This is generally a good option when traveling long distances, for example to visit the pyramids.
Nightlife
Egypt is known for its active nightlife and offers a wide variety of ways to spend the evening. One of the characteristic features of nightlife in Egypt is the belly dancing, which is mostly performed by Russian dancers. There are exclusive restaurants on boats on the Nile, which host belly dancing performances for their onboard guests.
The majority of hotels provide entertainment along with babysitters - if you fancy a night without the kids!
A nice way to spend an evening is on one of the Nile cruises where you can also enjoy dinner and dancing. The coast is upbeat and really comes alive after sunset. Although Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is available in areas likely to be visited by tourists such as the hotels, restaurants and cafes. Naama Bay has an especially lively nightlife and is popular with young Europeans looking for water sports by day and dancing all night.
Eating Out
Egyptian cuisine is excellent, combining many of the best traditions of Middle Eastern cooking. Elegant restaurants in major hotels and elsewhere, offer delicious Oriental selections. Otherwise, main cities and towns usually offer a wide choice of restaurants serving international cuisine.
Some popular dishes include;
Shaw Erma: slices of pressed, spit-roasted lamb, with seasoning.
Hamam: pigeon. It can be served with wheat stuffing, or stewed with onions, tomatoes, and rice in a tajine, an earthenware pot.
Umm 'Aly: Bread pudding made with milk, coconut, cinnamon & roasted nuts.
Eating out falls into two camps; at a local level, there are cafes and diners, and loads of street stalls, which sell one or two simple dishes. More formally and expensively, restaurants cater to middle-class Egyptians and tourists. The latter have menus (most cafes don't) offering a broader range of dishes, and sometimes specializing in foreign cuisine. They will also invariably add a service charge and taxes to your bill, which usually increases the total by seventeen percent. You are also expected to tip - Basically, you tip in proportion to the size of the bill; below ten percent in expensive places, more where the sums involved are trifling. In juice bars and diners, customers simply put 10-25pt on a plate by the exit.
Popular places to eat include:
Kamanga is a lounge, cafe restaurant, and club, bringing something new and fresh to Sharm; it's extensive and international food menu and cocktail menu offers not only regular favourites but new and innovative dishes as well as catering for vegetarians.
Little Buddha, a sushi restaurant, bar and lounge in one, is already climbing the charts as the best place to drink, dine and dance in Sharm. The menu is a fusion of cuisines; it is mainly influenced by Far Eastern fare. The sushi served here is delicious.
Hard Rock Cafe - Knock the Sinai sand from your sandals and settle into the Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh for a tall cool one to quench your parched throat. The restaurant's huge guitar and sky dome act as an oasis beckoning every desert denizen to a welcome good time. HRC Sharm is located in the centre of Naama Bay with all development in the last few years building around the Hard Rock Cafe. The inside of the Cafe is stocked with a pyramid-full of rock 'n' roll memorabilia fit for a Pharaoh. Whether by camel, by car, or by the driving winds, be sure to blow into the Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh for a great meal and a grand time!
Mexican Bar - The Mexican Bar is fairly easy to find as there is a big statue of a Mexican man on the roof. It is located next to Naama Bay Hotel with attractive Cantina style decor. There is a disco from midnight every night! Oasis Roof - The hottest nightspot in town, a spectacular rooftop venue overlooking Naama Bay open from Sunset till midnight offering a wide range of Mexican and International dishes, cocktails and a wide range of international spirits. Warm and relaxing atmosphere under the Sinai stars with live bands on a weekly basis.
Sports
Water sports are very popular in Egypt. Diving and snorkelling are the most popular activities in Egypt; the underwater life comes in a variety of colours and shapes.
Diving
There is a huge choice of diving centres in Sinai and along the Red Sea coast with something for everyone.
Sharm el-Sheikh, Gordon Reef and Jackson Reef are home to sharks and open-water fish. The under water gardens of the Red Sea coast are a divers paradise. Over 1,000 species of sea life and over 400 varieties of coral thrive in its clear blue waters. The Red Sea is divided into areas and each having different diving spots. The tropical sun, warm water and crystal visibility make the Red Sea a superb diving destination.
Snorkelling
Egypt's under water seascapes of Technicolor coral reefs and tropical fish are seen at their best close up, but you don't have to be a diver to sample the spectacular view. Snorkelling is a safe, simple alternative if diving is a bit too daunting. You don't need bulky equipment or much instruction and you can go virtually anywhere. All the best views are along the red sea coast, in Sharm el-Sheik and Dabah.
Wind surfing
Egyptian seas boast perfect conditions for wind surfing in some truly idyllic settings. Whether you're a first timer or a full blown fanatic, there are sites and schools everywhere to suit your level of experience.
Yachting
Egypt's quickly growing into a major regional hub for yachting. The best place for yachting is on the Red Sea. Yachts are available in Sharm el-Sheikh and Dubah.
Fishing
The Nile does not only have stunning scenery, it is also the natural habitat for some of the biggest freshwater fish in the world. As well as its freshwater lakes and rivers, the salty Red Sea is teeming with big game. Every year, Hurghada plays host to an international fishing tournament, attracting off season fisherman from all over the world, in search of their own prize specimens.
Golf
Imagine yourself, surrounded by the Sinai Mountains and the glorious Red Sea, leaning over the ball on the eighteenth hole, anticipating a cold beer on the 19th and watching the sun go down. Sharm el Sheik hosts a beautiful 18-hole golf course situated at the Movenpick Golf.
For the Family
More and more kids are coming to Egypt with their parents. Certainly they are always interested in the Pyramids, but their focus on antiquities may not be as high as many adult visitors. They have a tendency to enjoy boat rides, and particularly ridding camels, swimming in the nice pools found in almost all hotels, and now there is even more for them to do in Egypt. There is lots of entertainment and things to do in Egypt, the majority of entertainment is provided by the hotels.
Titanic Aqua Park - Titanic Aqua Park is located in Hurghada. The park is only 8 km south of the airport and 17 km from the center on Hurghada. It is open from 10:00 A.M. till sunset. There are loads of water rides, slides and attractions. There is a restaurant and bar on the premises. The park is fantastic fun for all the family.
Dream Park - In the last two years, Dream Park has undergone many wonderful changes. Some changes include worldwide industry standards in ride safety, as well as staff certification requirements to operate the rides. The first area you will encounter in Dream Park is the 'Movie Adventure Land'. There is nothing that represents movies except decorations, but the rides are enough to make you feel the experience of an action movie. The 'Spill Water' ride is enough to get you wet on a hot summer day, but excessively wet. The Dark Ride in Dream Park is not the place to be if you are looking for something like the tunnel of love. Instead, you will be spun, twisted and flipped in the dark. It is a roller coaster, where all direction is lost, does tricks and spins, even in the dark. In Movie Adventure Land there is a 3D simulator. In 'Techno Zone' there are three rides, a suspended coaster, a shooting rocket and a crazy pineapple! In the 'Ancient Area', you will find really classic rides like the traditional bumper cars and rapid riverboats. There is a shooting gallery. And in the children's area there is a nursery and a lot of rides for the kids, from the 'carousal' to a miniature shooting tower. Dream Park is very well organized and clean. There is a variety of restaurants found everywhere in the park. You can buy burgers or steak, Chinese or traditional Egyptian plates. You will find enough action for one day there, especially if you need a change from monuments and antiques. After all, Egypt is not only about the pharaohs. There are other things to do besides sight seeing.
Ice Skating - Believe it or not there is an ice ring in Sharm el Sheik. It is real ice, making it a pleasant way to escape the heat during the day. The rink is 300 m2, which is large enough to get some speed up.
Go Karting - Go Karting is a great activity for both inexperienced and experienced drivers. Take in the excitement of driving fast against each other, as electronic timing devices onboard the go karts record all your movements. Afterwards, you get print outs of your times and positions.
Glass Boat - The Discovery Glass bottomed boat leaves from the pier in front of the Sun 'n Fun at the Hilton fayrouz hotel. The boat goes around the bay for about an hour or so and it's a great way for people who don't dive and snorkel to see the beauty of the underwater world and marine life of the Red Sea. The glass boat departs from most hotels in Hurghada.
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