Red Sea Governorate: Reefs, Desert and Culture

The Red Sea Governorate caters to a range of travel interests: coral reefs and water sports sit alongside desert landscapes, monasteries and ancient sites. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether you are most interested in the water, nature or cultural attractions. This will help you define your preferred focus before looking for a hotel.

Reefs, Islands and Activities on the Water

Hurghada has impressive coral reefs and an unspoiled coastline, and also offers water sports. From Hurghada, you can take boat trips around the Giftun Islands and watch dolphins. The islands are known for their crystal-blue waters and white sand beaches. In Hurghada, both water-based activities and the coastal landscape take centre stage.

In Marsa Alam, diving, snorkelling and kitesurfing are among the main activities. Boat trips to unspoiled islands are also available. Samadai Reef, also known as Dolphin House, is located in Marsa Alam and is home to dolphins and coral reefs. Another distinctive landscape can be found in the area's remarkable mangrove forests, which lie in shallow, translucent turquoise pools.

South of Marsa Alam, Wadi al Gemal National Park encompasses coastal desert, mountains, valleys, mangroves and seagrass meadows, as well as coral reefs and the Hamata Archipelago. This diversity ranges from arid landscapes to coastal and marine environments. Nature lovers can explore these different features of the park rather than focusing solely on the reefs.

Safaga is known for its excellent dive sites. The town is also known for its white quartz sand, which is believed to have healing properties. This belief should be understood as a traditional notion, not a medical claim. When choosing a focus for your trip, a simple comparison can help: diving is the main attraction in Safaga, while Marsa Alam also offers snorkelling, kitesurfing, mangroves and boat trips.

Monasteries and Ancient Heritage

The historical sites also offer different experiences. St. Paul’s Monastery is located in the eastern desert near the Red Sea and was founded in the 4th century. At St. Anthony Monastery, visitors can see the Cave of St. Anthony while the monastery gates are open, from 6 am to 4 pm. As visiting arrangements may change, check the visitor rules before your trip.

In Hurghada, Mons Claudianus City is a Roman city. Its features include the remains of walls and columns, as well as red marble used by pharaohs and Romans. Hurghada is also home to the Hurghada Museum, the first museum of antiquities in the Red Sea Governorate. Those interested in history can explore both archaeological remains and a museum as distinct points of interest.

Local Encounters and Cuisine

A camel safari through Wadi al-Gemal Natural Protectorate may include meeting local Bedouins and sampling camel cheese and special coffee. The coffee is prepared with ginger and cardamom and traditionally brewed in a long-necked clay pot called a gebena. An encounter and culinary experiences can be part of a safari, complementing nature and water sports with a cultural experience.

When planning your trip, compare the destinations based on what you want your stay to focus on: Hurghada combines water sports with boat trips around the Giftun Islands to watch dolphins; Marsa Alam offers several water sports and mangrove landscapes; and Safaga is known for its dive sites. Monasteries, a museum and ancient remains add historical themes to the mix. Consider which of these interests matter most to you before looking for a hotel for your trip.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga, Quseir, El Gouna, Ad Dahhār, Abu Ghusun, Qism Ras Ghareb, Za‘farānah.

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