Best Beaches in Egypt
When anybody says Egypt, the first thing that comes to mind is pyramids. The pyramids are one of the most popular destinations in the world when it comes to tourism. But one cannot say that pyramids are a relaxing place to visit. If you are looking for discovering the world and learning about history, then in that sense the pyramids are a nice adventure to have. But sometimes, you just need to have some downtime; especially how hectic our lives have become. You will find that the beaches in Egypt are some of the best in the world.
If you are planning to visit Egypt for your vacation time or even if you were interested in the pyramids, don’t forget to visit the following beaches to make the most out of your downtime:
Gouna
It is like paradise in Egypt. It’s only hours away from the chaotic Cairo. You can either stay at one of the 5-star hotels or rent a small apartment. These apartments overlook the beautiful marina. The waters are peaceful and turquoise in color. One can just sit by the beach side and soak the sun or you can also go canoeing and snorkeling.
Taba
Taba features the Fjord, which is a beautiful beach with crystal clear water. One can go diving and explore the marvelous coral reefs along with other mesmerizing marine life. The Fjord is for more experienced divers but the less experienced ones can visit the Fjord Banana as an alternative.
Marsa Allam
Marsa Allam is home to a natural pool beach. It’s called the Marsa Nayzak and was created when a meteor hit the Earth. It is an incredibly beautiful sight. You can also visit the Ras Banas. This is a good option for vacationers with a penchant for adventure. You can dive and swim to discover the coral reefs.
Sahl Hasheesh
Sahl Hasheesh features the Sunken City. It is man-made and dating back to the time of the Pharaohs as the myth goes. The underwater city offers opportunities like diving and snorkeling to discover it. It also has some amazing world class resorts.
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is home to some of the best beaches. The Na’ama Bay is a greatly visited spot but you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity if you want to experience plenty of beaches and wonderful water activities. The sea at these beaches comes to ankle height so it is nice to go paddling.
Ain Sokhna
Escape the city life of Egypt at this beautiful place where the dolphins play at sea. The Ain Sokhna is only 2 hours away from the hustle and bustle of Cairo. This is actually a good combination place if you are at Giza for viewing the pyramids. It offers a small getaway so you can relax and enjoy a cool sunset after learning some history. You can also go windsurfing and kayaking.
So next time, you plan to visit Egypt, don’t just think pyramids. Visit the beaches to truly enjoy your downtime of the year.
Coffee in Egypt
Often called the “World’s First Coffee Capitol”, coffee in Egypt is almost sacred. Coffee houses are the backdrop for socializing, talking politics and doing business. You’ll find a coffee house on almost every block.
You’ll find all types of coffee flavors from Arabic to the types more popular in Western countries. Turkish coffee is by far the most popular. The very strong coffee is made unfiltered with finely ground coffee beans. The ground beans are boiled with sugar and cardamom in a special pot called a cezve or ibrik. Cardamom powder is the main ingredient, but cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla powder are also used. (source: Wikipidia.org)
As we said, cafes are everywhere in Egypt and you’ll find every type from small and cozy, to large and modern. You’ll even find some International chains such as Starbucks. Best yet, they are friendly to tourist and locals alike so don’t be shy to go in.
Egypt Travel Tips
Best Time to Go: September, March, and April offer the best times to hit the beaches in Egypt for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
Safety: It is advised to check the latest information about the situation before your trip. However, Egyptians are mostly very friendly and Egypt is generally a safe country to travel. Women travelers have to be extra careful as sometimes certain locals can cross the line and be harassing. (source: https://divezone.net/travel/red-sea#best_time)
Major Airport: (CAI) Cairo International Airport in Cairo.
Cruise Terminal: The most popular cruise port is in the city of Alexandria.
Power Socket: The power sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. So unless you are coming from the Middle East, Africa, or certain countries in mainland Europe you will need to bring a converter. (Source: https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/egypt/)
Currency: (EGP) Egyptian Pound. You will most likely need some of the local currency. Debit and credit cards are generally not accepted. Even were shops do technically accept card payments, staff are generally untrained, and cannot, therefore, accept any card payments. Hotels and large supermarkets, as well as shopping malls targeted at foreigners, may be the exception. (source: wikitravel.org)
Getting In: Citizens of most countries must have a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. (source: wikitravel.org)
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