Best Holiday Destinations in Egypt

Egypt is one of the best countries to spend your holidays. This is for many reasons like its amazing weather, the numerous places and things to do, and the historic places to visit. 

In addition, it includes countless water activities, beautiful sites to enjoy, and so much more. We will help you learn about the best vacation spots in Egypt, and tell you all you need to know about each of them.

Holiday Destinations in Egypt

1. Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best holiday destinations in Egypt for many reasons. 

To begin with, its nature is so beautiful with the colorful mountains that you can watch along the Red Sea. The mountain colors gradually change to different shades of brown, red, and yellow, leaving you breathless! 

Plus, if you get into the water, you will be mesmerized by the amazing colors and species of the different fish and coral reefs. That’s why it’s ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world! 

Holidaying in Sharm El Sheikh is incomparable to any other city you have been to; it’s so much fun there! Come on to relish an unforgettable vacation!  

Sharm El Sheikh

Location

It’s located in South Sinai, between the desert of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea.

How to Get There

  • Plane: Starting EGP 1,436; duration 1 hour
  • Bus: Starting EGP 235; duration 8 hours 
  • Car: It’s about 500 km; duration 7 hours.

Internal Transportation

There are different ways of transportation within Sharm El Sheikh; find below the different means:

  • Car
  • Microbus
  • Uber/Taxi.

Highlights 

Here‘s the answer why this fascinating city is one of the most visited destinations in Egypt. You will have thrilling things to do in Sharm El Sheikh where a couple of days is not enough! 

  • Snorkeling 
  • Diving at the Far Garden
  • Playing watersports
  • Riding the banana boat
  • Visiting Saint Catherine
  • Shopping at Naama Bay
  • Going on a boat cruise
  • Dining at the amazing restaurants and cafes
  • Living it up at their nightlife venues
  • Going on a desert safari.

Best Season to Visit

  • Sharm El Sheikh is a perfect winter destination which is from December to February. At this period, the weather is warmer than Cairo, and the water is never hot.
  • You can also visit it during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). It’s ideally warm and the water temperature is just on point.
  • If you love the sunny weather, then you will enjoy Sharm El Sheikh during the summer. It gets really hot through the day, but there’s nothing that a splash in the water cannot cure!

2. Dahab

Dahab is one of the most beautiful holiday places in Egypt for relaxation, taking a break from life, and enjoying a mesmerizing view. 

It’s famous for its Bedouin life and exciting watersports; people visit it from all around the world to enjoy the inexplicable serenity that it offers.

Don’t forget your camera as you won’t resist capturing its breathtaking scenes! 

Dahab

Location

It’s located in south Sinai; Dahab is about 80 kilometers away from Sharm El Sheikh.

How to Get There

  • Plane: Starting EGP 1,436; duration 1 hour 
    • Sharm El Sheikh Airport is 1 hour drive to Dahab; you can take a bus from the airport with an average cost EGP 30.
  • Bus: Starting EGP 230; duration 10 hours
  • Car: It’s about 560 km away; duration 8 hours. 

Internal Transportation

You can move around nearby places by foot, especially if you’re in El Mamsha near Al-Mashrabiya beach. There are also bicycles available for rent.

For distant locations, you can hail a cab (pickup truck) from a main road, which you can then hire as your private driver for the trip.

Highlights

There are many things to do in Dahab; getting bored there is not a possibility!

You will go to matchless places, relish natural beauty, play watersports, and try new things. Whether you want thrilling activities or simple ones, they’re all listed below:

  • Diving at the Blue Hole
  • Snorkeling in the charming Red Sea
  • Swimming at the Three Pools
  • Going on a safari 
  • Riding a camel 
  • Going to Ras Mohamed and Blue Lagoon. 
  • Visiting Eel Garden.
  • Going to Ras Shitan. 
  • Riding a horse. 
  • Spending a day at Taba and Nuweiba.
Dahab Blue Hole
credits to Mountain Leon

3. Luxor

How about exploring one of the oldest cities in the world? This sounds exciting! It’s Luxor, an ancient Egyptian city with a historic style and vibe. 

You will see so many Pharaonic monuments and tombs as it’s considered the largest open air museum in the world. Visiting these ancient and great attractions will leave you impressed and speechless.

You will visit a place where you can see magnificent temples with unique architecture from thousands of years ago. That’s why it’s a popular tourist destination in Egypt and worldwide that none can resist visiting. 

where to go on holiday in Egypt

Location

It’s located in Upper Egypt (the south), on the east bank of the Nile.

How to Get There

  • Train: Starting EGP 90; duration 9 hours.
  • Plane: Starting EGP 1,506; duration 1 hour. 

Internal Transportation

  • Ferry
  • Microbus 
  • Feluca
  • Horse-drawn carriages
  • Donkeys and camels.
best place to go in Egypt on holiday

Highlights

At Luxor, every corner is a must-see. It includes many historic places more than any spot in the world! Yes, it’s not an exaggeration! The great attractions that you will see in Luxor are countless.

Prepare comfy sneakers, a backpack, and a camera to start exploring this incredible city! 

  • Valley of the Kings (ticket costs EGP 240)
  • Temple of Deir el-Bahri/ Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple (entry fee EGP 140)
  • Karnak Temple (entry fee EGP 200)
  • Luxor Museum (entry fee EGP 140)
  • Luxor Temple (entry fee EGP 160)
  • Tombs of the Nobles
  • Medinet Habu (entry fee EGP 100)
  • Valley of the Queens (entry fee EGP 100)
  • Tomb of Tutankhamun Replica & Carter’s House (entry fee EGP 300)
  • Deir el-Medina (entry fee EGP 100)
  • Colossi of Memnon (free entry) 
  • Visiting Banana Island
  • Riding a sailing boat.

Best Season to Visit

The best season to visit Luxor is during winter starting from November till February. You can also visit it between March and April. 

If you are excited to discover this iconic city, then check this detailed guide to the best things to do in Luxor on Property Finder. 

4. Aswan

This one is a must-visit city. Aswan is Egypt’s gem along the banks of the Nile River where this dazzling river brought life to it thousands years ago. 

You will be visiting one of the most beautiful historic cities in Egypt that is rich with many tourist attractions of the Pharaonic civilization.

You will not only enjoy sightseeing in Aswan, but also experience nile cruising and strolling at its souq. It has everything you want for an ultimate vacation. 

Besides, one of the things Aswan is famous for is its kind-hearted people who are so welcoming and helpful. You won’t feel homesick around their smiling and loving faces! 

Don’t think too much and prepare your bag now! 

popular tourist destinations in Egypt

Location

It’s located about 130 kilometers south of Luxor.

How to Get There

  • Plane: Starting EGP 2,200; duration 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Train: Starting EGP 250, sleeper train EGP 350; duration 12 hours. 

Internal Transportation

  • Taxi
  • Ferry.

Highlights

Aswan’s historic places are full of stories and things you haven’t listened to before. You will be astonished and impressed by the Pharaoh’s life and discoveries! 

Are you ready to explore one of the greatest civilizations ever? Who isn’t! Check the below list to enjoy your time to the max in Aswan. 

  • Nubian Museum (entry fee EGP 140)
  • Unfinished Obelisk (entry fee EGP 80)
  • The High Dam (entry fee EGP 100)
  • Philae Temple (entry fee EGP 180)
  • Abu Simbel (entry fee EGP 240)
  • The Nilometer
  • Elephantine Island 
  • Nuba
  • Monastery of St. Simien.
  • Sailing to Kitchener Island
  • Visiting Kitchener Botanical Garden
  • Shopping at the local souq.
Aswan

Best Season to Visit

The best season to visit Aswan is the same as Luxor during the winter. Starting from November till March is the ideal time to pack your bag and go tour this awesome city. 

5. Hurghada

If you are seeking to relax and enjoy a lavish stay, then Hurghada is the best. It‘s one of the most recognizable cities along the Red Sea where you will have a cool vacation. 

It offers you the ideal combination of staying in a resort yet having all facilities of a city too. You will enjoy nature’s amazing views, in addition to many spots for hanging out. 

This mix of merits makes it an ideal choice for couples and families to holiday in Egypt. 

Hurghada is one of the best tourist cities in Egypt, making it your ultimate spot if you want to chill and relish tranquility! You’ll be missing a lot if you haven’t visited it yet! 

Hurghada

Location

It’s located southeast of Sharm el Sheikh, taking up about 40 kilometers along the Red Sea.

How to Get There

  • Plane: Starting EGP 1,727; duration1 hour.  
  • Bus: Starting EGP 190; duration 6 hours. 
  • Car: It’s 463 km away; duration 5 hours.

Internal Transportation

  • Taxi
  • Minibuses.

Highlights

Hurghada provides you more than a resort stay; there are many things to have fun there. Find below different activities and places to visit during your marvelous vacation in Hurghada! 

  • Snorkeling
  • Diving in the depth of the sea
  • Going on a desert safari
  • Going on a boat trip
  • Parachuting 
  • Shopping at the local boutiques 
  • Strolling at the Hurghada Marina 
  • Visiting the Hurghada Grand Aquarium 
  • Dining at restaurants and chilling at cafes.

Best Season to Visit

You can go all year long, but the perfect timing is through the winter. The weather in the morning is perfect and the sun is not too hot. 

6. El Gouna

Since you’re going on holiday, then you need a place where entertainment is endless; simply it’s El Gouna! It is one of the top attractions along the Red Sea.

El Gouna is a group of islands surrounded by lagoons, allowing you to enjoy the water features wherever you go! Besides, you will have quick access to the sea shore to relish its spectacular view.  

At this lively destination, you will experience the resort town lifestyle; exciting, isn’t it? You will have different hotel choices along with numerous external facilities. 

This city is quickly becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in Egypt as it offers you a huge number of activities to do. Besides, the vibe in El Gouna is amazing that you will wish to stay here forever! 

Whether you are travelling with friends or family, El Gouna is undoubtedly the best place to visit in Egypt during your vacation!

El Gouna

Location

It’s located 25 kilometers north of Hurghada.

How to Get There

  • Bus: Starting EGP 190; duration 6 hours.
  • Plane: Starting EGP 1,727; duration 1 hour. Hughrgada’s Airport is the nearest one to El Gouna.
  • Car: It’s 454 km; duration 5 hours. 

Internal Transportation

  • Toktok: EGP 5 per person
  • Shuttle busses: Starting EGP 5
  • E-bike: Starting EGP 25 for half an hour
  • Taxi.
holiday places in Egypt

Highlights

Don’t waste your time in your room in El Gouna; you have many fun things to do there! Check the following activities and enjoy to the max! 

  • Enjoying the beaches and swimming pools
  • Scuba diving
  • Kitesurfing
  • Windsurfing
  • Water skiing 
  • Playing tennis 
  • Riding horses
  • Having fun at the paintball arena 
  • Going on a boat trip
  • Dining at its finest restaurants
  • Having an outdoor morning breakfast 
  • Taking a boat through the small lakes
  • Trying mini-golf. 

Best Season to Visit

You can visit it anytime but the best period is during the winter, although some people love to spend time there during the summer. 

7. Alexandria

If you are searching for the best family holiday destination in Egypt, then Alexandria is the one. This Greco-Roman jewel in Egypt is a city stretched along the beautiful shoreline of the Meditteranean Sea.

You will find numerous interesting spots in Alexandria to visit. You can enjoy this cool place for holidaying differently during summer and winter; this is what makes it unique! 

Alexandria is definitely one of the top destinations to visit in Egypt as it’s charming all year long. It is impossible for you not to fall in love with this city that visiting it will be a ritual! 

Location

It’s located on the southern coast of the Miditerranean Sea, 179 kilometers north of Cairo.

How to Get There

  • Train: Starting EGP 50 for second class; duration 3 hours
  • Bus: Starting EGP 90; duration 3 hours
  • Car: It’s 219 km away; duration 2 hours.

Internal Transportation

  • Taxi
  • Tram
  • Microbus.
best places in Egypt for holiday

Highlights

You will have various places to go and things to do in Alexandria. Find below the top activities there for an unforgettable holiday.

  • Going to the National Museum of Alexandria 
  • Walking along its beautiful corniche
  • Visiting Bibliothique Alexandria
  • Enjoying various kinds of breakfasts
  • Strolling on Stanley Bridge
  • Having a seafood lunch at its distinguished restaurants
  • Visiting the Citadel of Qaitbay 
  • Visiting El Montazah Palace, 

Best Season to Visit

All year long.

8. Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is what is called the optimum spot for spending quality time; this ideal destination is one of the must-visit places in Egypt for its unique beaches and colorful coral reefs.

It’s positioned on the stunning shore of the Red Sea, offering you numerous water activities and undescribable scenery. 

Besides, you could be lucky enough to witness the dolphins just meters away from you; how exciting!It also has an amazing desert where you can enjoy many activities for a change. 

Though it’s far away, the sights there make it worthwhile. Marsa Alam is an unmissable trip full of enjoyment and thrill! 

Marsa Alam

Location

It’s located southeast of Egypt, on the western shore of the Red Sea.

How To Get There

  • Plane: Starting EGP 2,285; duration 1 hour and 25 minutes
  • Bus: Starting EGP 285; duration 10 hours. 
  • Car: It’s 737 km away; duration 8 hours and 23 minutes.

Internal Transportation

  • Taxi
  • Minibus.
Marsa Alam

Highlights

Marsa Alam is a place that is naturally beautiful yet offers you many things to do.

  • Enjoying watersports
  • Relaxing by the beautiful scenery
  • Sightseeing in El Quseir
  • Going on a desert safari
  • Trying scuba diving
  • Swimming with dolphins
  • Having a wonderful night at Port Ghalib. 

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Marsa Alam is during spring and fall, where it’s perfectly warm.

9. Ismailia

If you want a spot for a quick holiday, Ismailia is a suitable one. It’s one of the most amazing cities in Egypt on the Suez Canal. You won’t spend too much time to reach it as it’s near Cairo. 

You can call your friends and go during the weekend for a change! In Ismailia, you can go on a boat trip to enjoy the breeze and calmness there; it’s a very enjoyable experience that you won’t forget!  

One more important thing, you shouldn’t leave before eating a seafood meal in Ismailia. You will enjoy the tastiest fish ever! 

must visit cities in Egypt

Location

It’s located on the west bank of the Suez Canal, 120 kilometers east of Cairo.

How to Get There

  • Train: Starting EGP 30; duration 40 minutes
  • Bus: Starting EGP 25; duration 4 hours 
  • Car: It’s 127 km away; duration 2 hours.

Internal Transportation

  • Taxi
  • Bus
  • Public transportation.
Ismailia

Highlights

Find below how to spend a fun time in Ismailia.

  • Enjoying the beautiful view of gardens and orchards
  • Having a tasty seafood meal
  • Going on a boat trip
  • Visiting The De Lesseps Museum and Ismailia Museum
  • Going to Temsah Lake.

Best Season to Visit

During February to May as the weather is mostly warm and not too hot, especially in May.

10. Fayoum

Here is one of the best cities in Egypt where simplicity wins over luxury, just at Fayoum! It’s a distinguished city near Cairo offering you various things to do and places to visit. 

You will have an unbelievable time here no doubt. Each spot at this awesome city offers you distinct kinds of activities; interesting, isn’t it? 

At Fayoum, you can go stargazing, spend a day in Tunis Village, or try desert camping; it’s full of entertainment and excitement!  

must visit cities in Egypt

Location

It’s located southwest of Cairo, about 100 kilometers away from Cairo.

How to Get There

  • Microbus: Starting EGP 10; duration 1 hour and half
  • Car: It’s 105 km away; duration 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Internal Transportation

  • Microbuses
  • Car
best holiday destinations in Egypt

Highlights

Fayoum has many places that suit different plans; if you want to spend your day in one spot or visit various destinations, you can do both.

Those are the best and most popular activities there: 

  • Enjoying the beautiful view of Jabal El Medawar and Magic Lake
  • Camping at Wadi El Hitan Protectorate
  • Riding a boat at Qaroun Lake 
  • Visiting different pyramids, Pharaonic monuments, religious places
  • Going to Tunis Village for a break from the modern and busy life 
  • Watching the Water Wheels in Fayoum 
  • Sandboarding on the desert’s dunes
  • Riding a horse.

Best Season to Visit

All year long.

11. Western Desert

Experience a whole new level of sand in the Western Desert in Egypt. You will see a variety of sand formations that will mesmerize you! 

If you’re a camping lover, then the Western Desert is your place; it’s one of the top camping destinations in Egypt.

In addition, it’s home to different oases with wonderful nature sights; it is basically an experience you do not want to miss.

Western Desert

Location

It’s located at the west bank of the Nile until the borders with Libya.

How to Get There

Bus: Starting EGP 90 to El Wahat El Bahariya; duration 9 to 10 hours. 

Internal Transportation

  • Buses
  • Camels
  • All-wheel-drive cars are available when you books trips
best vacation spots in Egypt

Highlights

The Western Desert is full of activities that are distinct from our usual city ones. This makes it an ideal place to break from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

  • Watching the sunset/sunrise at the White Desert
  • Going to Siwa Oasis
  • Visiting Al Kharga Oasis
  • Visit Al Quasr at Dakhla Oasis
  • Enjoy the tranquility at Al Farafra Oasis.

Best Season to visit 

The best time to visit the Western Desert is starting from October to March. 

12. Shalateen

Shalateen is one of the places known only by name in Egypt. It may not be on most people’s list of the best vacation spots in Egypt; however, if you do visit it, you will be surprised by how nice the place is. 

You will enjoy its beautiful nature sights in addition to its simple lifestyle away from our modern city lifestyle! It’s an underrated place and you won’t regret visiting it! 

Shalateen

Location

It’s located in southern Upper Egypt, close to the border with Sudan.

How to Get There

Bus: Starting EGP 210; duration 12 hours.

Highlights

Shalateen is different from any other place so are the things you can do there:

  • Visiting the camel market
  • Hiking and climbing the mountains
  • Viewing prehistoric artifacts and drawings on the walls in Abraq Area
  • Hiking up the Abraq and Al-Arqa mountains
  • Watching the animal life and seeing the Palm Oasis in Abu Seafa valley
  • Visiting and hiking Gebel Elba.

Best Season to visit 

The best time to visit Shalateen is starting from October to January where it’s not so cold.

13. Sahl Hasheesh 

Do you want a new spot to visit, not a typical one? Then it’s Sahl Hasheesh undoubtedly! It’s one of the best places to go in Egypt on a holiday! 

This incredibly charming bay stretched across the coast of the Red Sea offers you astonishing views. Mornings by the beach, strolling spots, and outstanding nightlife outings are what is waiting for you at Sahl Hasheesh.

If you’re still thinking about it, you’re wasting your time away from so much enjoyment. 

Sahl Hasheesh

Location

It’s located at the Red Sea Governorate, 18 km away from south Hurghada International Airport.

How to Get There

  • Plane: Starting EGP 1,010; duration 1 hour
  • Bus: Starting EGP 250; duration about 5 hours
  • Car: It’s 448 km away; duration 4 hours and 31 minutes.

Internal Transportation

  • Golf carts 
  • Shuttle buses.
Sahl Hasheesh

Highlights

There are numerous things to do at Sahl Hasheesh that suit different preferences; these varieties make it the best choice for a holiday destination in Egypt for families.

Check below the top activities to find out the ultimate fun  waiting for you at Sahl Hasheesh! 

  • Diving
  • Snorkeling 
  • Walking on the beach 
  • Swimming in the amazing water 
  • Fishing 
  • Spending a day on a boat trip
  • Driving a quad bike in the desert 
  • Playing watersports. 

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Sahl Hasheesh is from February to April. It’s also a good option during the winter season so it’s suitable for the mid-year vacation.

14. Ain Sokhna 

If you’re looking for a destination for a quick break, then Ain Sokhna is the most suitable choice. This cool city overlooks the Red Sea, allowing you to spend some quality time on its shore. 

You will have a lush stay at its resorts where all facilities are featured. Not just that, at Ain Sokhna, you can spend a day with your friends on a boat trip; it’s a very joyful experience that you won’t forget.

Ain Sokhna

Location

It’s located on the western shore of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Suez, Suez Governorate; Ain Sokhna is about 120 km from east of Cairo. 

How to Get There

  • Bus: Starting EGP 100; duration 2 hours
  • Car: It’s 120 km away; duration 1 hour and 30 minutes. 
best place to go in Egypt on holiday

Internal Transportation

  • Car.

Highlights

Whether you’re going for a few days or a one-day trip, the list below includes various entertaining ideas

  • Relaxing on the beach 
  • Going on a boat trip
  • Fishing
  • Going to Teda Fun Valley 
  • Playing watersports. 

Best Season to Visit

All year long. 

After this full guide of the best places for holidays in Egypt, you have many stunning choices!  

Whether you are thinking about a destination with activities, a spot for relaxation, or even a spot with significant attractions, we brought them all for you!  

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