Egypt's Resorts: Where to Go for the Best Vacation

Admit it, it doesn't matter where you are right now or what season it is outside. The desire to plunge into warm sea waves never goes away. That's why, to brighten up gray weekdays and fill them with light, travelers choose Egypt. 

Tourists from all over the world want to treat themselves to "all-inclusive" or an active family vacation. Moreover, getting to the land of sands and pyramids is not difficult at all. In short, let's not delay, let's figure out where to go in Egypt.

Hurghada

If you've ever vacationed in Egypt (or planned a trip there), you've probably heard of Hurghada. The resort gained its popularity for good reason. It boasts a wide coastline and a gentle entry into the Red Sea, making it an ideal spot for a family vacation.

Among the many beaches, Paradise Beach, located on Giftun Island, is definitely a top choice. To get there, travelers opt for boat excursions and make stops at their favorite spots. If you don't want to travel far, we recommend considering Makadi Beach. Everything here is in the best Instagram traditions: turquoise water and green palm trees. Entertainment includes diving, windsurfing, or an excursion to the Giza pyramids. Fortunately, Egypt's entry rules allow you to visit one of the wonders of the world without hassle. 

What else to see

• Grand Aquarium. In a way, Hurghada's aquarium is a substitute for snorkeling. There are many fish there, and the collection of marine life has been growing since 1989. In general, admiring them will be interesting not only for children but also for adults.
  
• El-Mina Mosque. The largest mosque in the city. It is not only a historical landmark but also a functioning temple. You can enter, but only if your appearance complies with the dress code.

Where to stay 

• More expensive options include Premier Le Reve Hotel and Meraki Resort. All-inclusive. Luxury. And prices per night starting from fifteen thousand.
• You can stay more affordably at Lemon and Soul Makadi Garden or Sunny Days El Palacio Resort. Prices up to ten thousand, but with quality and comfort.

Sharm El Sheikh

It's no secret that Sharm El Sheikh is as beloved by travelers as Hurghada. Most often, people come here to explore the seabed and get acquainted with underwater inhabitants. And those who love to party to loud music don't mind visiting a couple of nightclubs closer to evening. In short, there's entertainment for every taste, and at a good price too. In a word, it's a sin to pass it by.

What else to see

• Soho Square. The best time to visit is evening. You'll get a break from the beaches and shopping here. There are many restaurants around, and after sunset, a dancing fountain is turned on.
  It is located in the Sharks Bay area, near the Savoy Hotel. Although the square was built for guests of nearby hotels, anyone can enter its territory.
  
• The Market. It's very popular with visitors due to inexpensive souvenirs and small open-air cafes. If you decide to drop by, we recommend starting to haggle right away. You might just snag a beautiful item almost for free.
• Naama Bay. If nightlife and excellent service are what you expect from your trip, then head straight to Naama Bay. You can spend the day on the hotel grounds amidst golden sands and mountain views. And in the evening, party with Las Vegas vibes in a club with neon lights and cool music.

Where to stay

• Among five-star hotels with prices starting from 15,000 rubles, the coolest options are Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm and Sultan Gardens Resort.
• If you want to book something simple but not inferior in quality, we recommend Charmillion Club Resort — a four-star hotel with its own beach access. 

Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is an ideal place for those who have already visited popular resorts and don't know where else to go in Egypt. Active holiday enthusiasts will especially love it here: many hotels offer windsurfing and diving. Even if you've never tried these activities, don't worry. Experienced staff will definitely help and make your vacation even more exciting. 

However, there's one catch: infrastructure outside the hotels is practically undeveloped. And there are few Russian speakers — you'll have to rely on your English. To some extent, this is even a plus: more solitude, but when you need to ask something, it will be a bit difficult. Fortunately, we know a couple of online translators that will significantly ease your stay abroad.

What else to see

• Red Sea Desert Adventures. Be sure to book a safari tour if you find yourself in Marsa Alam. Firstly, the excursion will take place along the Red Sea coast, and secondly, it offers new experiences.
• Dolphin House Reef. A true underwater dormitory with its corridors, caves, and diverse inhabitants: turtles, mollusks, fish, parrotfish, and many others. In short, it's all in the best traditions of Thai resorts, though the location is a bit further west.

Where to stay

• Hotel prices in Marsa Alam are reasonable. You can find a good room with a sea view for up to 10,000 rubles. We recommend looking at Radisson Blu Resort El Quseir or Sataya Resort Marsa Alam. These are five-star hotels with private beaches.

Dahab

For a calm pace of life — definitely Dahab. This small resort on the Red Sea coast is very popular with surfers for its special atmosphere. Here, colorful corals are visible to the naked eye, and the waves allow even beginners to ride. If you can neither swim nor stand on a board, you will definitely be taught — there are plenty of schools here.

What else to see

• "Blue Hole". A popular diving spot with beautiful views. It's located just 10 kilometers from the city and attracts all tourists with its enjoyable recreation. 
• Colored Canyon. Formed as a result of an earthquake, it gradually became a local attraction. The rocks shimmer with beautiful shades of red, and there are always plenty of tourists there. But that's not bad — you'll make new friends. 

Where to stay

• The most popular hotels in Dahab include Jaz Dahabeya, Tropitel Dahab Oasis and Happy Life Village. Tourists are drawn to them by their price, excellent location, and high-level service.

Alexandria

An excellent option for those who want to relax with Dubai vibes. Remember the famous Burj Khalifa tower? Well, a company built an entire district in Alexandria in a similar style. So, if you want to relax among skyscrapers and white sandy beaches — go ahead, get your tickets. There's only one downside: there are absolutely no diving spots here, which is why underwater enthusiasts often bypass this place. 

What else to see

• Fort Qaitbay. A must-visit for those who want to delve into the country's history. The ancient city was built under Alexander the Great and is still in excellent condition. 
• Pompey's Pillar — a massive structure nearly 30 meters high. Admit it, it's breathtaking to see something so grand up close. 

Where to stay

• You can spend a five-star vacation at the Hilton Alexandria Corniche. A week there costs about 30,000 rubles. With a bit of luck, there's a chance to book a cheaper room. 

Makadi Bay

Makadi Bay is a luxurious corner of Egypt. Therefore, you will hardly see any locals here. All infrastructure is within the hotel grounds, with few entertainment options outside. On the other hand, those who want to bask in the sun will find such leisure perfectly suitable. Thanks to the shallow entry into the sea, Makadi Bay beaches are popular among families with children. And for those who simply want to have a great time, hotel owners can offer a yacht ride.

What else to see

• Makadi Water World. A large water park in the middle of the desert. There are many cool slides here that will surely appeal to both children and adults. 

Where to stay

• Among interesting vacation options are Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort or Labranda Royal Makadi. You can rent a room there for up to 20,000 rubles and still have a great time at a five-star hotel.

El Gouna

In other words, "Egyptian Venice," where tourists are transported by boats between man-made islands. All the canals of El Gouna are connected by small bridges. So don't worry, you can get from one point to another without much trouble. However, be sure that the first time you'll definitely want to try cutting through the waves on a speedboat.

What else to see

• In fact, the resort itself is an attraction. Thanks to the unusual location of the hotels, excursions from Hurghada are often arranged here. If you want something unusual, there are many kitesurfing and diving schools in the vicinity.

Where to stay

• Choices include Steigenberger Golf Resort and Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna. Both offer excellent views, pleasant prices, and locations on the islands of El Gouna.

Port Safaga

People rarely go to Port Safaga to buy new clothes or enjoy the nightlife. The fact is, there's practically nothing interesting outside the hotels. However, within their grounds, there are plenty of sun loungers and long beaches. That's why travelers dream of visiting here at least once. At the very least, to feel like a movie star amidst palm trees and turquoise waters.

By the way, the underwater world here is quite rich (though wilder). For example, Panorama Reef, not far from Safaga Island, is an ideal diving spot. The corals there form an amphitheater, and they are quite vibrant and unusual themselves. 

What else to see

• Dakhla Oasis. It neighbors the Kharga and Farafra oases, among which Dakhla stands out for its hot springs. Tourists particularly love the one located on the outskirts of Mut city. The temperature there rises to +43 degrees Celsius, and the favorable climate greatly helps in treating sciatica or stomach ailments.
• Mons Claudianus Quarries. Located 44 kilometers from the city and bordering the temple of the god Serapis. Essentially, it is a historical monument and preserved remains of a long-gone civilization. Marble was once quarried here, and now you can see tourists with cameras.

Where to stay

• The five-star Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma is definitely a favorite. It features modern interiors, large rooms, and prices for rooms start from approximately 20,000 rubles.
• Among cheaper options, we found Coral Sun Beach Safaga with its own beach and pool.

Taba

Definitely the place to go in Egypt for beautiful photos and impressive locations. Firstly, the city is located on the border with three countries: Jordan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Secondly, it's peaceful here: no noisy clubs or parties outside the hotels. That's why many families, when choosing where to fly, stop in Taba.

What else to see

• Pearl of Sinai. A small bay surrounded by mountain peaks. In the clear water, you can spot small fish swimming among the corals. And if you walk along the coast, there's a chance to stumble upon colorful seashells. 
• Pharaoh's Island. A preserved piece of history from the time of the Crusades. In the very center of the fort stands a medieval fortress, surrounded by massive walls. In the evenings, the place comes alive with colors thanks to a light and music show. By the way, be prepared for your phone to go a little "crazy" on the island. You'll receive SMS messages from as many as four countries. Such is the magic.

Where to stay

• Steigenberger Hotel & Nelson Village is located among the mountains and has its own beach access. Moreover, you can rent a room from 10,000 rubles.

Sahl Hasheesh

A relatively new resort that is still actively being developed. Sahl Hasheesh translates to "green valley," and all constructions strive to preserve the natural landscape. Those who love modern style and aren't particularly keen on exploring attractions spend their vacations here. There simply aren't any due to the newness of the location. 

A moment of history: once, the city of Isis was located on the site of Sahl Hasheesh. It was named after the goddess Isis and existed for two thousand years, until it sank underwater.

Where to stay

• The five-star Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh and The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh are definitely among the top best hotels. Tourists absolutely love these hotels for the beautiful views from the window. Secretly: closer to evening, the lighting turns on, and the building's walls shimmer with different colors.

Marsa Matruh

For its white sandy beaches and warm climate, the Marsa Matruh resort has been dubbed the "Egyptian Maldives." By the way, it's one of the few located on the Mediterranean Sea. Divers don't visit here often: there are practically no coral reefs (and consequently, no unusual fish either). However, the most adventurous don't hesitate to get close to the bottom to see sunken ships or their wreckage.

What else to see

• Temple of Ramses II. Perhaps the most unusual thing about the temple is its architecture. Unlike many other Egyptian structures, it is carved into the rock rather than built from stacked slabs. And as is customary for ancient constructions, the Temple of Ramses II has its own history and mystical (at first glance) facts. Twice a year (October 22 and February 22), the sun's rays penetrate the inner hall and illuminate the face of Ramses II. They bypass the statues of the god of Darkness Ptah and linger on the faces of the gods Amun and Ra for a full six minutes. By the way, the dates are also not accidental: February 22 is the pharaoh's birthday, and October 22 is the day of his coronation.

Where to stay

• If you want a five-star vacation near Marsa Matruh's most famous beach, you should definitely book a room at Jaz Almaza Beach Resort, Almaza Bay. The property has its own beach, a small promenade, and even a pool bar.
• Rooms at Aros al Bahr Hotel are modest, but the price is around 15,000 rubles per week. Plus, you can walk to the coastline in just fifteen minutes.

Tips for Tourists

1. Unfortunately, Russian cards ("Mir", Visa, and Mastercard) are not accepted in Egypt. It's best to exchange rubles for dollars or euros in advance.
2. There's no need to worry about a visa: it's issued upon arrival at the airport. The cost is 25 dollars.
3. It's a shame that you can't vacation forever, and sometimes you still want to continue your journey. In that case, we suggest finding out where to go in Vietnam. We've just prepared an article in our blog.
4. Egypt has strict rules regarding photography. Taking pictures without the consent of citizens is dangerous and can result in a fine.
5. Swim shoes can greatly simplify your life if you're going to Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.

Now you definitely know where to vacation best in Egypt. All that's left is to choose a resort and not forget to make a list of things for the sea. Have a great trip, dears!