Taba is a port city that features as the northernmost part of the Sinai Peninsula, which belongs to Egypt. It combines in itself nature, history, and different activities. Nestled between the Red Sea and stunning mountains, Taba serves as an excellent gateway for traveling around regional sights, including the nearby borders of Israel and Jordan. Taba is all about this detailed manual on accommodation, dining, outdoor activity, and, above all, cultural experience.
Getting to Taba
Location and Accessibility
Taba is some 20 km from the border with Israel and about 70 km from Sharm El Sheikh. Its strategic position makes it easily accessible from several key locations. The nearest airport to the town is Taba International Airport, which currently has limited flights coming from Cairo. For international travelers, entry would primarily be made via Sharm El Sheikh International Airport via regular bus services that connect to Taba.
Transit Options
– By Bus: The route from Sharm El Sheikh to Taba is also available by bus, operated by different companies, which makes the journey quite easy and affordable.
– By Taxi: You can take a taxi, as well. Taxis are always ready for hire, providing you with options for faster routes, although a bit flexible in price. The fare should be agreed upon in advance.
Car Rentals: Cars can be rented to travel at one’s own pace. The roads are fine, and driving gives a glimpse of the beautiful desert landscapes.
Where to Stay
Luxury Resorts
Taba has several high-class resorts overlooking the Red Sea and the mountains. The most in demand include:
Taba Heights Marriott Resort: Gorgeous resort boasting great service, a beautiful beachfront, spacious rooms, numerous pools, and more restaurants than one would care to count.
InterContinental Taba Heights: Luxury resort, featuring beautifully designed rooms in addition to a private beach and numerous recreational activities, therefore perfect for families and couples alike.
Mid-Range and Budget Accommodations
The less financially endowed traveler has a choice of mid-range hotels in Taba and guesthouses:
– Nuweiba Club Resort: Comfortable with family-friendly amenities, Nuweiba Club Resort is also a short drive from Taba.
– Taba Sands Hotel & Casino: With good value for money, this hotel boasts a casino, restaurants, and direct beach access.
Tourism in Taba: The Natural Wonders
beaches
Taba was considered one of the most majestic places because of its beaches, where golden sands meet the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Among the more popular beaches to pay a visit to are:
– Taba Beach: With sand stretching miles, this is an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing. Water sports are also part of Taba Beach, including windsurfing and kayaking.
– Coral Beach: Noted for the colorful coral reefs found in the water, this beach is perfect for snorkeling and diving. The resultant marine life a snorkeler or diving professional has would be immense.
Snorkeling and Diving
The underwater world of Taba is nothing but breathtakingly beautiful. Several dive centers and snorkeling tours operate in the area, offering trips across the spectacular coral reefs and marine life. The Gulf of Aqaba is famed for the clarity of its waters and the richness of its biodiversity, making it a hot favorite among divers of all levels.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Taba Heights
Taba Heights is indeed a modern resort area offering more than nice beaches: restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots make it an ideal place to rest after an active day.
Historical Sites
No visit to Taba is complete without visiting its rich history:
Pharaoh’s Island: This is a small island upon which is situated the well-preserved fortress built by Knights of St. John in the 12th century. One can take a boat trip toward this island to explore the ancient ruins and practice panoramic gazings around the waters.
– Saint Catherine’s Monastery: Located about an hour’s drive from Taba, the monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The imposing Byzantine architecture lies literally at the foot of Mount Sinai, home to a priceless collection of religious artifacts.
Adventure Activities
Desert Safaris
The Sinai Desert around Taba holds plenty of adventure activities to spend time outdoors. A number of tour operators offer desert safaris in this region, which include:
– Jeep Tours: Following rugged landscapes in the Sinai Desert to remote Bedouin villages for traditional hospitality.
– Camel Rides: Being a tourist at local level, riding camels into stunning sand dunes and rock scenery.
Hiking and Trekking
The Sinai Peninsula is for sure a hiker’s paradise. The most popular trekking routes are:
Mount Sinai: One of the most famous mountains, named Jebel Musa. Jebel Musa is a very famous hike in that area. The challenging summit is well worth the breathtaking view it will offer at sunrise.
Wadi Rum: A popular destination because of its towering sandstone cliffs and bizarre rock formations, Wadi Rum can be hiked cross-country on numerous trails rated from easy to more difficult.
Dining in Taba
Local Cuisine
From traditional Egyptian restaurants to international cuisine, Taba has a lot of varieties for restaurants. Some of the local dishes that one should try are as mentioned below:
– Koshari: A rice, lentil, and pasta package in a pack of tomato sauce, generally topped with fried onions.
– Fresh Seafood: As it’s a city located on the Red Sea coast, it provides fresh fish and seafood, with a lot of local restaurants offering mouth-watering grilled fish and shrimp.
Recommended Restaurants
– Aladdin Restaurant: This is one of the places offering Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine in a warm setting.
– The Beach Restaurant: Actually located by the water, this restaurant has good views and an offering of seafood and international cuisine.
Excursions from Taba
Sightseeing in Eilat, Palestine
Due to Taba being on the border with Palestine, it makes a very good base for day trips to Eilat, a lively town full of beaches, nightlife, and shopping. Border crossings are not a problem, and one can easily take up a whole day exploring the various attractions in Eilat such as the Coral World Underwater Observatory and the Eilat Mountains.
Petra, Jordan
If one desires a little more adventurous day outing, then Petra-part of the New Seven Wonders of the World-is something that beckons. 2.5 hours from Taba, this ancient city carved into the rose-red cliffs of a desert canyon is considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Many tour operators arrange trips there to make it an unforgettable experience.
Tips for Visiting Taba
Best Time to Visit
The best time to travel to Taba is in spring, between March and May, and autumn, from September through November, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Summer months can be very hot, while winter has temperatures that are quite cool.
Local Etiquette
Taba and its surroundings: When visiting local customs and traditions should be respected. Dress modestly, and in case of a visit to religious sites, permission should be sought before taking photographs of people.
Currency and Payments
The local currency is the Egyptian pound, commonly abbreviated as EGP. Major hotels and resorts accept credit cards; however, for smaller transactions it’s advisable to carry cash. You could find some ATMs in Taba; however, make sure to take out just enough to keep you going, because in most of these places they would not accept your card.
Taba is an address that wraps the spirit of adventure, culture, and nature in one gift package. Doing nothing but lounging on beautiful, pristine beaches or going out to see some of the oldest historical sites and indulging in delicious cuisine will make Taba an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit to this enchanted town that stands at the crossroads of Egypt, Israel, and Jordan and take in all the treasures it has to offer.
