Best Beaches To Visit In Egypt: A Guide to the Best Vacations

Egypt’s coastline, stretching along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, offers a diverse tapestry of beaches that appeal to every traveler’s desires. From pristine sands and crystal-clear waters to vibrant marine life and historical sites, Egypt’s coastal regions are a treasure of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Egypt’s beaches offer something unique. The Mediterranean coast is rich in history and culture, inviting you to explore ancient ruins while basking in the sun along its iconic promenades. The Red Sea coast, a marine paradise, offers world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities, showcasing vibrant coral reefs and a variety of aquatic life.

From the bustling shores of Alexandria to the secluded coves of Marsa Matruh on the Mediterranean and from the lively diving scene of Sharm El Sheikh to the pristine beaches of Marsa Alam on the Red Sea, Egypt’s coastline presents a stunning variety of experiences. Explore hidden gems, enjoy the sun, and immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of Egypt’s coastal regions.

Mediterranean Coast

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt is known for its historical significance and cultural attractions, with ancient cities and archaeological sites lining the shore. While not as renowned for its beaches as the Red Sea coast, there are still some beautiful spots to enjoy.

Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city, offers a blend of history and seaside charm. While not known for its pristine beaches, Alexandria boasts a vibrant waterfront promenade, the Corniche, which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Corniche: The Alexandria Corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade stretching along the Mediterranean coast, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and vibrant atmosphere.

The Corniche is lined with palm trees, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, providing a variety of options for relaxation and entertainment. Take a leisurely walk, sit on a bench, and soak up the sun, or indulge in a delicious meal at one of the many waterfront cafes.

For history buffs, the Corniche offers a glimpse into Alexandria’s rich past. The historic Pompey’s Pillar, a towering granite column, stands proudly along the promenade, a testament to the city’s ancient glory. You can also explore the nearby catacombs of Kom el-Shukafa, an underground burial complex dating back to the Roman era.

Stanley Beach: Stanley Beach, a hidden gem along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria, offers a relaxed and authentic beach experience. With its calm waters and gentle waves, Stanley Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and simply soaking up the Mediterranean sun. The beach is also a great place to enjoy a picnic or a stroll along the shore. While the amenities may be essential, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make Stanley Beach a worthwhile destination for those seeking a more laid-back beach experience.

El Montazah Palace Gardens: El Montazah Palace Gardens, a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of Alexandria, offer a peaceful vacation from the busy city. These beautifully landscaped gardens are adorned with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and winding pathways, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Visitors can walk through the gardens, relax on the groomed lawns, or explore the historic Montazah Palace, a former royal residence. The palace, with its ornate architecture and elegant interiors, offers an eye on the lives of Egypt’s royal family. One of the highlights of El Montazah Palace Gardens is the access to a private beach. Enjoy a leisurely swim in

Marsa Matruh

Marsa Matruh, located on the western Mediterranean coast, is a famous summer destination known for its pristine beaches and clear waters.

Agiba Beach, a hidden gem nestled along the Mediterranean coast near Marsa Matruh, offers a truly breathtaking experience. The dramatic cliffs that frame Agiba Beach create a stunning backdrop for the crystal waters below. The clear waters are excellent for swimming and snorkeling, showcasing a vibrant underwater world full of colorful fish and diverse marine life.

If you’re seeking a peaceful and secluded beach experience away from the crowds, Agiba Beach is the perfect destination.

Rommel Beach, a poignant reminder of World War II, is located along the Mediterranean coast near Marsa Matruh. Named after the German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, this beach was the site of a significant battle during the North African Campaign.

The beach is marked by a number of war memorials and cemeteries commemorating the soldiers who fought and died in the battle. Visitors can explore these memorials and learn about the historical significance of Rommel Beach.

El Alamein, a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea, offers a poignant glimpse into the past. Visit the El Alamein War Cemetery and Museum to learn about the pivotal Battle of El Alamein during World War II. Explore the cemetery and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers.

Red Sea Coast

Egypt’s Red Sea coast is well-known for its fantastic beaches, lively coral reefs, and abundance of marine life. It has some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh, located in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, is a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. With its authentic coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and exotic marine creatures, Sharm El Sheikh offers some of the best underwater experiences in the world.

Must-Visit Dive Sites:

Ras Mohammed National Park: A protected marine area on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is a haven for diverse marine life. See its magnificent sharks, graceful dolphins, and colorful coral reefs. The park’s pristine waters offer an unforgettable underwater exploration for divers and snorkelers of all levels.

The Blue Hole, a legendary dive site in the Red Sea, is a challenge for even the most experienced divers. This iconic underwater cavern, known for its sheer depth and stunning beauty, offers an exciting and unforgettable diving experience. However, exploring the Blue Hole requires advanced diving skills and proper preparation.

The Straits of Tiran: A narrow channel between the Egyptian mainland and the Saudi Arabian island of Tiran offers outstanding drift diving opportunities. Explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life, and experience the thrill of drifting through the currents. The Straits of Tiran is a must-visit destination for experienced divers seeking a challenging and rewarding underwater adventure.

Hurghada

Hurghada, located on the mainland, is a popular family-friendly beach destination. With its long stretches of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and many water sports activities, Hurghada offers something for everyone.

Things to Do:

Relax on the Beach: Hurghada, a lively coastal city on the Red Sea, offers stunning beaches perfect for relaxation and recreation. With its long stretches of sandy shores and picturesque views, Hurghada is a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts.

Explore the Coral Reefs: Witness the outstanding beauty of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and majestic sharks as you snorkel or dive through crystal-clear waters. Experience the magic of the underwater world and create unforgettable memories.

Go Snorkeling or Diving: Embark on a boat trip to explore the lively coral reefs of the Red Sea, a marine wonderland teeming with diverse life. Witness the fantastic beauty of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and majestic sharks as you snorkel or dive through crystal-clear waters. Experience the magic of the underwater world and create unforgettable memories.

Enjoy Water Sports: Ride the waves on a windsurf board, soar through the sky with a kite, or speed across the water on a jet ski.

Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam, located in the southernmost part of the Red Sea coast, is a relatively unspoiled destination known for its pristine diving sites and untouched marine life.

Must-Visit Dive Sites:

Cockscomb Reef is a famous diving and snorkeling site in the Red Sea, and it is known for its plenty of marine life. Encounter schools of barracuda, tuna, and jackfish as you explore this vibrant underwater world.

Elphinstone Reef, A remote and challenging dive site in the Red Sea, offers unparalleled underwater adventures. Despite its strong currents and depths, the reef is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks and manta rays. It’s a must-visit for experienced divers seeking a thrilling and rewarding experience.

Abu Dabbab Bay, a tranquil bay on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, offers ideal conditions for snorkeling and swimming. With its shallow waters and lively coral reefs, this bay is perfect for exploring the underwater world and encountering a lot of marine life, including sea turtles and dugongs.

Wadi El Gemal National Park

Wadi El Gemal National Park, located south of Marsa Alam, is a protected area that offers a distinctive opportunity to explore the desert landscape and its diverse wildlife.

Wildlife:

Dolphins: The park is home to a large group of dolphins that can often be seen playing in the shallow waters.

Sea Turtles: Several kinds of sea turtles nest on the beaches of Wadi El Gemal National Park.

Migratory Birds: The park is a popular stopover for migratory birds, making it a birder’s paradise.

Safaga

Safaga, located between Hurghada and Marsa Alam, is a more affordable beach destination that offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Highlights:

Diving and Snorkeling: Safaga boasts a variety of dive sites that are appropriate for all levels of experience.

Relaxing Beaches: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beaches of Safaga.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: Safaga is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.

El Gouna

El Gouna, a planned resort town located south of Hurghada, offers a luxurious and upscale experience.

Highlights:

Luxury Resorts: El Gouna is home to a variety of luxury resorts with world-class amenities.

Golf Courses: Enjoy a round of golf at one of El Gouna’s championship golf courses.

Marina: Explore the marina and enjoy a variety of water sports.

Tips for Planning Your Trip to Egypt’s Beaches

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit the Red Sea coast is from November to April, as the weather is pleasant and the water temperature is comfortable.

• Packing: Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Accommodation: There is a multitude of accommodation options available, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.
• Diving and Snorkeling: If you plan to dive or snorkel, ensure you have the necessary certifications and equipment.
• Currency: The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound.
• Visa: Most of the visitors need a visa to enter Egypt. You can get the visa upon arrival at the airport.

Egypt’s beaches have a multitude of experiences, from historical sites and cultural attractions on the Mediterranean coast to pristine beaches and vibrant marine life on the Red Sea coast. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, Egypt’s beaches have something to offer everyone.