RED SEA & SINAI PENINSULA
This breathtaking region offers a mesmerizing fusion of sun-drenched beaches, towering desert mountains, and one of the world’s most vibrant coral reef systems. It is Egypt’s ultimate destination for world-class diving, luxury resorts, ancient history, and Bedouin cultural experiences.
Why Visit The Red Sea & Sinai Peninsula?
World-Class Diving: Explore the pristine waters and spectacular, colorful coral reefs, including the famous Blue Hole.
Desert & Mountain Adventure: Hike Mount Sinai for a sunrise view or discover the unique landscapes of the Colored Canyon and Bedouin culture.
Year-Round Sunshine: Enjoy a dry, warm climate and warm sea temperatures perfect for beach relaxation and water sports any time of the year.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (March-May, September-November): This is the ideal time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for diving and hiking, without the intense heat of summer.
Peak Season (December-February): Temperatures are pleasantly mild for sunbathing and desert excursions, making it very popular with European travelers. Book well in advance as prices are highest.
Deep Off-Season (June-August): The intense summer heat means very high temperatures, especially inland. Tourists are fewer, and you can find better deals on accommodation, but outdoor activities are challenging.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Sharm El Sheikh & Ras Mohammed
Sharm El Sheikh is the largest and most developed resort town on the Sinai Peninsula, known for its luxury hotels, lively nightlife, and proximity to incredible diving sites. Just south is the Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected marine reserve that is a must-see for divers and snorkelers.
Your Smart Tip: To truly appreciate the marine life, book a dedicated diving or snorkeling trip to Tiran Island or Ras Mohammed. Early morning trips offer the best visibility and fewer crowds.
Hurghada & The Red Sea Riviera
Located on the mainland’s Red Sea coast, Hurghada is another major resort hub, famous for its accessibility and numerous budget-to-mid-range resorts. It’s the gateway to stunning islands like Giftun Island and the more upmarket, purpose-built resort of El Gouna nearby.
Your Smart Tip: If you want a more authentic, less resort-focused experience, head to the older El Dahar district for local shops and the traditional market.
Dahab & The Sinai Interior
Dahab offers a much more relaxed, bohemian, and backpacker-friendly atmosphere than the major resort cities. It is world-famous for the Blue Hole, a deep-sea sinkhole. The interior is home to St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa), a site of immense religious significance.
Your Smart Tip: Combine a desert safari (quad bike or camel) with a Bedouin dinner in the mountains near Dahab for a truly memorable cultural experience under the stars.
Marsa Alam & The Southern Coast
A rapidly developing destination in the south, Marsa Alam is less crowded and known for its exceptional, pristine diving. It offers a more natural, tranquil experience, with a high chance of spotting dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins at sites like Wadi El-Gamal National Park.
Your Smart Tip: Marsa Alam is a favorite for eco-tourism. Consider staying at one of the smaller, more environmentally conscious resorts to minimize your impact and maximize nature sightings.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The region has a desert climate. Summer (June-August) is very hot with average highs of 34ºC (93ºF) in Hurghada and 37ºC (99ºF) in Sinai. Winter (December-February) is warm and pleasant with averages of 21ºC (70ºF).
The Red Sea’s water temperature remains warm year-round, ranging from a low of 22ºC (72ºF) to a high of 29ºC (84ºF). Rainfall is negligible.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Dress Code: While swimwear is acceptable within resorts and on the beach, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when entering local towns, villages, and religious sites.
Hospitality & Tipping: Egyptians are renowned for their hospitality. Tipping, or baksheesh, is a deeply ingrained custom for almost any service and is appreciated. Always carry small Egyptian pound notes for this purpose.
Photography: Always ask for permission before taking a picture of a local person. Avoid photographing military or police personnel, buildings, and equipment.
Right Hand Rule: Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and passing or accepting things, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($10–$25), mid-range hotels ($40–$80), luxury resorts ($100–$300+). Prices in Sharm El Sheikh can be at the higher end.
Food: Street food/local cafeteria ($3–$7), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($15–$30 per person), all-inclusive resort meals (often included in the stay price).
Transport: Local taxis/ride-shares ($3–$10 per trip), long-distance buses (affordable), domestic flights (starting at $40–$150).
Activities: Snorkeling/boat trip ($30–$60), one-day scuba diving package ($60–$100+), national park entry ($5–$20).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $30–$50 (hostels, street food, local transport).
- Mid-range: $70–$120 (mid-range hotels, local restaurants, guided day tours).
- Luxury: $150–$300+ (luxury resorts, fine dining, private tours).
Getting Around
By Minibus/Shared Taxi: These are the cheapest and most common way to get around within cities and between nearby towns, especially in the Sinai.
By Taxi/Ride-Share: Taxis are readily available. Always agree on the fare before starting the journey or ensure the meter is running. Ride-sharing apps are becoming more common in major cities like Hurghada.
By Domestic Flight: For traveling between the Red Sea and the rest of Egypt (e.g., Cairo, Luxor), domestic flights are the fastest and most efficient option.
Must-Try Food
Seafood (Samak): Freshly caught Red Sea fish (like grouper, sea bass, or mullet) grilled or prepared singary (butterflied and stuffed with vegetables).
Kushari: The national dish—a mix of rice, macaroni, and lentils topped with a spicy tomato sauce, chickpeas, and fried onions.
Ful Medames (Fūl): Stewed fava beans, seasoned with cumin, parsley, and olive oil. A popular, hearty breakfast or snack.
Ta’ameya (Egyptian Falafel): Made with fava beans (not chickpeas like the Levantine version), often served in aish baladi (local flatbread).
Kofta/Kebab: Minced meat (kofta) or meat chunks (kebab), seasoned and grilled over charcoal.
Mahshi: Vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or cabbage leaves) stuffed with a spiced rice mixture.
Hawawshi: Spiced ground beef stuffed inside a pita-style bread and baked.
Fiteer: A flaky, layered pastry often called “Egyptian pizza.” Can be served savory (with cheese/meat) or sweet (with honey, powdered sugar, or custard).
Umm Ali (Omm Ali): Pronounced (Oom-ah-lee). A creamy, bread pudding-like dessert, often made with pastry, milk, sugar, nuts, and raisins.
Roz bi Laban: Rice pudding, often flavored with vanilla and topped with cinnamon and nuts.
Must-Try Drinks
Hibiscus Tea (Karkadeh): Served hot or, more commonly, cold. It is a sweet, deep-red, refreshing drink.
Bedouin Tea (Chai Bedouin): Strong black tea, often sweetened with plenty of sugar and sometimes flavored with desert herbs like habak (similar to mint/oregano).
Fresh Juices: Mango, guava, sugar cane (Asab), and lemon with mint are popular and widely available.
Sahlab: A thick, warm, milky winter drink, typically topped with cinnamon and nuts.
Egyptian Beer (Alcoholic): Local brands like Stella and Sakara are popular and widely available in resorts, bars, and licensed restaurants.
Zibib (Alcoholic): An anise-flavored alcoholic drink, similar to Ouzo or Arak, typically mixed with water.
Ahwa (Coffee): Traditional Egyptian or Turkish coffee—strong, sweet, and often served with cardamom.
Yansoun: Hot anise-seed tea, often drunk for its soothing properties.
Helba: A traditional, sweet, and very aromatic hot drink made from fenugreek seeds.
Tamarind (Tamr Hindi): A tangy, sweet-sour juice made from the tamarind fruit.