Egypt is not only a place for a budget vacation for those who just want to “warm their belly” in the sun and drink alcohol immensely, using the all-inclusive system. This is a country with an ancient culture, the cradle of ancient and European civilization. There is a well-developed tourist infrastructure, good hotels, decent food, normal service and amazing excursions. Pyramids and ancient temples, mysterious monasteries, bright colors of coral reefs, harsh mountains and sand dunes - all this is Egypt. Many tourists have been here more than once and may well give advice to other people who are just going to this Arab country. In this article we will take advantage of their stories about which resorts in Egypt are considered the best. But first, remember what we know about this country and its features.
What resorts in Egypt do we know?
This state has always been considered inexpensive enough for a beach holiday. In addition, tourists note that Egypt is extremely interesting for layers of cultures and eras. Ancient Egyptian, early Christian and Arab medieval sights are equally attractive to travelers. Therefore, many tourists choose resorts in such a way that from there it was not too far to go on excursions to wherever they want. The most popular places among foreigners are numerous settlements on the Red Sea. Two resort areas compete here - Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. The first of them is often called the queen of the beaches. It is also convenient to visit the historical sites of Egypt. But Sharm is the main resort of the Sinai Peninsula. It is famous for its coral reefs, excellent diving and natural beauties. There are several resorts on the Mediterranean Sea, which only now travelers have begun to pay attention.
Hurghada
Traditionally, most beach goers flock here. After all, this is the largest resort in Egypt - Hurghada. In addition, it is also an international center for water sports. There are not too many coral reefs on the beaches of Hurghada, but they are gentle and sandy. This resort is preferred by family tourists. Although it is very popular among young people. It is in Hurghada that the most famous night clubs in Egypt are located. In addition to hotel beaches, there are municipal, but at the same time very interesting ones. People specially go there on excursions. Among the most developed sections of the coast, tourists call Mojito, Old Vic and Dream Beach. Entrance there is paid, but they are very comfortable. And at Mojito after sunset foamy discos are organized with the participation of famous DJs in the world and Europe. It has its own Disneyland and the Thousand and One Nights Palace, where there are show performances about the life of the pharaohs and Ancient Egypt. Jeep and ATV safaris are very popular in Hurghada. From here it is good to go on excursions to Cairo and Giza to see the capital of the country and the famous pyramids.
El gouna
Of the best Egyptian resorts on the Red Sea, this stellar tourist resort is the northernmost. It is located thirty kilometers from Hurghada, and from there often travel to El Gouna for boat trips. The resort was built specifically for wealthy people, and was designed by the Disneyland architect. Due to the abundance of artificial canals it is often called the "Egyptian Venice." The fact is that this resort is located on sandy islands, connected to each other by bridges. Tourists note that El Gouna consists of the most fashionable holiday complexes. As befits the "millionaire" district, there are no huge buildings. All housing in El Gouna is a cozy and extremely comfortable houses and villas on the shores of sea lagoons. Between them, guests move in boats, as well as on bridges and passages. There are streets, a square, as well as a Museum of the sea. In El Gouna, a lot of nightly entertainment - discos, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants with shows and attractions. At the resort you can relax all year. Guests can choose between the beaches in the lagoons and the open sea, where they also go by boat.
Makadi and Safaga
These resorts of Egypt are located several tens of kilometers south of Hurghada. Tourists describe Makadi Bay as beaches with golden fine sand and clear sea. The coral reef here is located about 50 meters from the entrance to the water, and many hotels stretch a pontoon to it. Hotels on this coast are mostly decent, with 4 and 5 stars, and are often built in the style of oriental palaces. These are Grand Makadi, Nabila, and Sanvin. True, there is no infrastructure here, except perhaps a few bazaars between the hotels. Outside the hotels there are only desert and mountains, no cities, no villages. But in Makadi very beautiful sunsets. And all the entertainment, as a rule, is concentrated on the territory of hotels. Safaga is located further south. Tourists who come here primarily appreciate the very good ecology of the region. There are many sandy islands of unprecedented beauty, from which coral shallows go inland. Safaga bays were chosen by windsurfers. The beaches in this resort city of Egypt are magnificent, equipped with elegant bamboo umbrellas. The village itself is beautiful, with snow-white houses and mosques. Hotels are mostly expensive and with excellent service. And the sands of Safaga are considered healing. They recommend lying to people with sore joints and skin problems.
Soma Bay and Marsa Alam
Now we will talk about the resorts that have become popular recently. Soma Bay is an Egyptian resort on the Red Sea, which is located a little south of Safaga, in a very picturesque bay surrounded by mountains and desert. It belongs to young settlements, built specifically for tourists on the Soma Peninsula. Travelers appreciate the pristine coral reefs, peace and quiet. Soma Bay hotels are luxury. Many of them have their own spa centers, and the Les Residence Residence Cascades hotel also has a thalassotherapy salon. Lovers of water sports like yachting, windsurfing and kiteboarding love these places. And sixty kilometers from the resort are quarries of the era of Ancient Rome - Mons Claudianus. Tourists often go there on excursions. According to reviews, the most popular hotels in Soma Bay are Imperial Shams, Amway Blue Beach, and Movenpick. Tourists attribute the coast of Marsa Alam to the best resorts of Egypt on the Red Sea. It is located almost 300 kilometers south of Hurghada, not far from the places where the Great Silk Road once passed. Therefore, excursions to Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Tsarits, as well as to Lake Nasser are quite cheap from here. The resort of Marsa Alam is one of the youngest, it began to be mastered recently. Therefore, it has the cleanest water, coast, pristine corals, as well as a variety of plants and animals. Divers and other diving enthusiasts like to go here to snorkel.
Sharm El Sheikh
Most tourists call it the most promising resort in Egypt. “Tsar’s Gulf” - as its name translates from Arabic - really offers a vacation of the appropriate level. There are many shopping centers, upscale hotels, and prices are very affordable. In addition, those who come to Sharm El Sheikh and the resorts of the Sinai Peninsula do not have to pay for an Egyptian visa. The climate in these places is dry and warm, in winter it is not as windy as in Hurghada. In a word, you can relax here all year. The resort itself, unlike Hurghada, was built specifically for tourists. Therefore, this entire zone, which stretches 35 kilometers along the coast, is protected. Charm is very safe. Hotels and apartments are concentrated near the bays, which are separated by a desert and the road that minibuses go along. Tourists write that for not very big money you can always get from one place to another. Near the resort is one of the best marine reserves with coral reefs - Ras Mohammed. Many scuba diving enthusiasts flock there. On the other hand, some hotels have their own coral reefs, the number of colorful fish is not inferior to the reserve. The most interesting places of Sharma are the Old Market with an Arabian bazaar, the Naama Bay area with a promenade and the amazing Soho Square.
Dahab
The name of this resort in Egypt translates as "Gold Coast". He is chosen not so much for coral reefs (there are not so many of them on the local coast), but because almost all of his hotels are on the first line. The entrance to the water is very gentle, so Dahab is loved by families with children. Not far from this place is a cult attraction for divers - Abu Galum, or the Blue Hole. This is a deep depression in the Gulf of Aqaba, which was formed as a result of a meteorite fall. And from Dahab they take on an excursion to the famous Colored Canyon, which, although inferior in size to that in Colorado, but, as tourists assure. impressions leaves unforgettable. This resort is sandwiched between the sea and the mountains and stretches along the bay for several tens of kilometers. The best hotels for travelers are Happy Life Village, Tropitel Oasis and Le Meridien Resort.
Nuweiba
On the shores of this resort come divers and lovers to travel to other countries. Nuweiba is located in the Gulf of Aqaba, two hundred kilometers from Sharm El Sheikh. But it is located close to the ferry to Israel and Jordan, and Saudi Arabia can be seen from there with the naked eye - it is on the other side. This resort has developed from a Bedouin village, and still the northern part of the town is a very colorful place, living mainly in fishing. Walking on camels and jeep safaris, the opportunity to take a boat ride to Aqaba often attract active tourists who believe that real Egypt is preserved here, and not an artificial image from the advertising brochure. The best place for snorkeling nearby is the Devil's Head. Great underwater photos are obtained here.
Taba
Russian tourists often perceive a small but ancient village on the border with Israel as a transit point on the way to Jerusalem or Petra. But in vain. Because those who have been there describe Tabu as one of the most original resorts in Egypt. Photos of him are quite colorful. Within the borders of Taba is the island of Pharaoh, where in ancient times the Phoenician port and customs were located. And in the Middle Ages there was a fortress - the stronghold of the famous Sultan Saladin, the enemy of Richard the Lionheart. The most luxurious Taba hotels are concentrated literally in one place, not far from the Hyatt complex - these are chain hotels such as Sofitel and Strand Heights. And there are many golf courses, and fans of this English game are simply delighted with the resort. But since the mountains here are closest to the sea, it gets dark in Taba very early. And in February, when it is almost summer in Hurghada, it is quite cool here.
Egyptian Resorts in the Mediterranean Sea
In the north of this country are also very interesting places for a beach holiday. Usually they are preferred by the Egyptians themselves. There are fewer people, cleaner water and much lower prices. But in recent years, the number of vacationers in the resorts of Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea has increased significantly. Foreign tourists prefer to stay in Alexandria. There are good equipped beaches, many restaurants with inexpensive seafood, close to various historical places. In this city, it is best to live in rented apartments or apartments. Another popular city on the Egyptian Riviera is Mersa Matruh. There are hotels, and huge recreation complexes, and gently sloping sandy beaches, and secluded bays, and even underwater caves.
Reviews of tourists about the best resorts in Egypt
As we can see, this country can offer you a completely diverse vacation. Therefore, tourists are advised, choosing a resort, pay attention to its features. So, for a vacation with children, family and older people, it is better to choose Hurghada. There are many hotels focused specifically on such guests and their needs. If you are an active tourist and enjoy water sports, then this, of course, is Makadi, Safaga or Soma Bay. Those who prefer diving or snorkeling are suitable for Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh. The latter resort, like Hurghada, will be very attractive for youth companies. Well, those who love something original will find a lot of interesting things for themselves in Taba, Nuweib or the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea.