Ever dreamed of buying and selling these packed resort seashores for a slice of genuine Crimson Sea paradise? Excellent news – Egypt’s shoreline is hiding some absolute corkers that the majority vacationers haven’t cottoned on to but.
In lower than 5 hours from London, you may be wading within the heat waters that Moses as soon as parted, leaving all of your wintery worries behind. Simply bear in mind earlier than you set off to comply with all of the steps to acquire a visa for Egypt to get pleasure from a worry-free journey! OK, let’s dive in…
Dahab: The Laid-Again Legend
Keep in mind that cool pal from uni who went travelling and by no means got here again? They’re in all probability chilling on a seaside in Dahab. This former Bedouin fishing village has developed right into a delightfully bohemian hangout the place time strikes slower than a sleepy camel. The vibe right here is so laid-back, you would possibly neglect what sneakers really feel like.
The city’s star attraction, the Blue Gap, attracts divers from throughout the globe, however don’t let that idiot you – Dahab’s not only for the underwater crowd. The seafront promenade is lined with cushion-strewn cafes the place you may spend hours alternating between recent mango juice and mint tea and watching kitesurfers dance throughout the waves. Native eating places serve up correctly genuine Egyptian fare at costs that received’t make your pockets weep, and are available night the air fills with shisha smoke and tales from fellow travellers.
Fast Hits:
- Legendary diving on the Blue Gap
- World-class windsurfing situations
- Finances-friendly beachfront stays
- Correct Egyptian meals at native costs
El Gouna: The Subtle Sister
If a Mediterranean architect plotted the right coastal city and shipped it off to the Crimson Sea – that’s El Gouna. This community of lagoons and islands feels extra like a contemporary artwork set up than a seaside city, however in some way it really works brilliantly.
In contrast to its busier siblings down the coast, El Gouna maintains an air of refined calm. The marina buzzes with life however by no means feels crowded, with boats bobbing gently within the turquoise water whereas eating places serve every part from conventional Egyptian koshari to high-end Mediterranean delicacies. Artwork galleries and cultural centres pop up between the waterways, proving there’s extra to Crimson Sea life than simply snorkelling (although the snorkelling is fairly spectacular too).
Fast Hits:
- Gorgeous marina way of life
- Prime-notch kitesurfing faculties
- Vibrant arts scene
- Luxurious however laid-back ambiance
Marsa Alam: The Wild Little one
If David Attenborough did seaside holidays, he’d in all probability decide Marsa Alam. This relative newcomer to Egypt’s tourism scene looks like getting into your individual non-public nature documentary. Right here, dugongs (assume sea cows with higher PR) cruise by seagrass meadows, whereas large turtles deal with the native reefs like their private all-you-can-eat buffet.
The well-known Dolphin Home reef isn’t simply one other vacationer entice both, it’s a real spinner dolphin hangout the place these acrobatic mammals exhibit their strikes each day. One of the best half? You would possibly even have area to look at them with out getting an elbow within the face from an enthusiastic photographer. The seashores right here stretch for miles, with nothing however golden sand and the occasional wandering camel for firm. Even the desert safaris really feel correctly adventurous fairly than like a theme park trip.
Fast Hits:
- Dolphin Home reef encounters
- Untouched diving spots
- Dugong and turtle recognizing
- Real desert adventures
El Quseir: The Time Capsule
Strolling by El Quseir looks like somebody’s turned the clock again a couple of centuries. This former Ottoman port has in some way dodged the mega-resort bullet, retaining its historic allure firmly intact. The outdated city’s slender streets inform tales of buying and selling ships and historical retailers, whereas the Ottoman fort stands guard over the ocean.
Native life right here hasn’t been utterly steamrolled by tourism both. The market nonetheless serves precise locals (think about that!) and eating places cook dinner up correct Egyptian meals with out worrying whether or not it’ll seem on TripAdvisor. Dive websites listed here are like non-public screenings of Discovering Nemo, minus the crowds you’ll discover at extra standard spots. And sure, you might need to level at menu gadgets fairly than depend on English translations, however isn’t that half the enjoyable?
Fast Hits:
- Historic Ottoman structure
- Genuine Egyptian market vibes
- Crowd-free diving spots
- Real native delicacies
Nuweiba: The Desert Queen
Ever fancied sleeping below extra stars than you’ll discover on the Hollywood Stroll of Fame? Welcome to Nuweiba, the place the Sinai mountains play backdrop to your seaside journey. This isn’t your typical seaside city – it’s extra like somebody took one of the best bits of desert life and plonked them subsequent to some spectacular shoreline.
Right here, Bedouin camps exchange concrete inns, and your night leisure comes courtesy of Mom Nature’s most interesting mild present. The snorkelling is true off the seaside, no boat required, and the coral reefs are wholesome sufficient to make marine biologists weep with pleasure. Night meals typically contain fresh-caught fish cooked over open fires, and also you’re extra prone to wake to a desert dawn than your telephone alarm. Wi-Fi is likely to be sketchy, however that offers you the right excuse for a digital detox.
Fast Hits:
- Beachfront Bedouin tenting
- Stellar stargazing alternatives
- Simple-access snorkelling
- Genuine desert experiences
Making Your Alternative & Getting There
It’s fairly clear that there’s no improper alternative right here, it’s all about what flavour of escape you’re craving. Digital nomads seeking to mix work with diving certification will discover their tribe in Dahab. These in search of an upscale expertise with out the stuffiness ought to head straight to El Gouna. Marine biology fans and wildlife lovers will probably be of their ingredient in Marsa Alam, whereas historical past buffs who love a great swim will really feel proper at residence in El Quseir. And for these determined to disconnect from trendy life utterly, Nuweiba presents the right place for a digital disconnect by the ocean.
Most of those gems are reachable by way of Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh airports, although you would possibly have to embrace a little bit of journey to achieve your ultimate vacation spot. However isn’t that a part of the enjoyable?
When to Rock Up
October to April is your candy spot – heat sufficient to swim however cool sufficient to truly get pleasure from leaving your air-conditioned room. Summer season’s correctly scorching, however the sea stays beautiful year-round. Winter evenings would possibly want a lightweight jumper, however that’s a small worth to pay for having these spectacular spots virtually to your self.
These quieter corners of Egypt’s Crimson Beach supply one thing more and more uncommon in trendy journey – locations that also really feel like real discoveries. Positive, they won’t have 24-hour room service or waterparks, however they’ve obtained one thing higher: soul. And actually, isn’t that what we’re all searching for after we journey?
