The Red Sea coast: a first-timer's guide to Egypt's reefs and resorts

Why visit the Red Sea

The northern Red Sea is warm, clear and full of life, and the reefs start right off the shore. It is also an easy holiday: direct flights from Europe, resorts for every budget, and a dry climate. Many travellers end a Nile trip here; many others come only for the sea.

The main bases

• **Hurghada:** the largest resort town on the mainland, with long hotel strips, the old El Dahar district and the marina. Boat trips go to Giftun Island and reefs offshore.
• **El Gouna:** a stylish, planned lagoon town north of Hurghada with canals, kitesurfing, good restaurants and a relaxed, walkable feel.
• **Sharm El Sheikh:** in South Sinai, famous for Ras Mohammed National Park, the Straits of Tiran and Naama Bay's nightlife. Large resorts line the coast.
• **Dahab:** a laid back former Bedouin village north of Sharm, loved by divers, freedivers and backpackers, with the Blue Hole and the Lighthouse reef.
• **Marsa Alam:** far to the south, quieter and wilder, with dugongs and turtles at Abu Dabbab and access to remote reefs.
• **El Quseir and Safaga:** older ports with quiet hotels and fine reefs.

Things to do

Snorkel from a hotel jetty or join a boat to Giftun Island or Ras Mohammed. Dive the SS Thistlegorm wreck, the Blue Hole in Dahab or the offshore marine parks. Try kitesurfing at El Gouna or Soma Bay. Take a jeep or quad trip into the Eastern Desert to a Bedouin camp, or from Sharm or Dahab join a night climb of **Mount Sinai** for sunrise and visit **St Catherine's Monastery**, a UNESCO site.

Reef care and safety

Use reef safe sun cream, never stand on coral and choose licensed dive centres. Currents can be strong, so follow your guide. Sharks are rarely seen, but listen to local beach closures. Sunburn and dehydration are the most common problems.

Travel advice

Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh are mainstream holiday destinations. Some governments advise against travel to parts of the Sinai Peninsula, particularly North Sinai, and give specific advice for routes in South Sinai. Read your government's current advice before booking anything outside the resorts.

Getting there

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh airports take direct international flights, and Marsa Alam has seasonal charters. From Luxor, Hurghada is about four hours by road. Buses also connect Cairo with the main resorts.

When to go

The sea is swimmable all year. Spring and autumn are perfect; summer is very hot on land, and winter evenings can be cool and windy, especially in Sinai.

Choosing your resort

Families often like Hurghada, Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh for big resorts with gentle beaches and kids' clubs. Couples tend to favour El Gouna or a boutique stay in Sharm. Divers head for Dahab or Marsa Alam, and those wanting quiet nature choose the far south, near Wadi El Gemal National Park. Always check whether your resort has a sandy entry or a jetty over the reef, and bring reef shoes.