Egypt: the Most Beautiful Beaches for Sun and Diving

Egypt may be known for its pyramids and ancient artefacts, but its seaside resorts are what have brought tourists in recent years. Famous for its fantastic diving opportunities with the wilderness of the Red Sea and the relaxation of the Mediterranean, Egypt is grappling with political upheaval both at home and abroad, but its beach resorts provide an outlet for the whole tourism industry. The splendid coast along the Red Sea is a magnet for sun lovers all year round, while the incredible wilderness of the coral reefs attracts enthusiasts from all over the world to admire their submerged beauties. Here are the best beaches in Egypt, so you can discover for yourself the luxury and natural beauty of this fantastic country.

10 Best Beaches Egypt

10Fjord Bay, Taba

Located about 15 kilometres from the small Egyptian town of Taba, near the border with the neighbouring Eilat in Israel, it is a corner of paradise perfect for photos. Fjord Bay is the ideal place for diving, whether you have hundreds of hours of diving experience under your belt or want to try it for the first time. The reason this spot is fantastic for diving is the huge coral bed on the bottom of the fjord. With its 24 metres of depth, it is hard to believe the huge quantity of fish and the diversity of marine life that lives in the coral reef. It is good to know that a healthy coral reef is an indication of clean water and good ecological balance. The fjord itself is a deep blue inlet protected on three sides by a mountain range, ideal for hiking and admiring its panoramas.

9Ras Abu Galoum, Dahab

If you are looking for a wonderful place to snorkel or dive, Ras Abu Galoum is an excellent choice. Located near a traditional Bedouin settlement — about 15 kilometres from the small coastal town of Dahab, on the south-east coast of the Sinai peninsula — this is the sparkling blue area of the ocean. The extraordinary marine landscape contrasts brilliantly with the arid rocky land and makes for a very special place to visit. Arrive through the desert on camelback before plunging into the depths of the Red Sea and experience the magnificence of its underwater landscape. Hard and soft corals create the perfect environment for angelfish, parrotfish and Picasso triggerfish, among others, so be sure to bring your underwater camera.

8Nuweiba

Nuweiba was once a thriving seaside resort in the 1970s, and was on the rise until politics and relations with Israel let the beautiful beach slip into decline. The beach is now a simple and sober place, with the most interesting part of a Bedouin village. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, the town of Nuweiba might pale in comparison to developed resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, but its lack of infrastructure also adds a lot of charm. It is a pleasant place to spend a few days immersing yourself in traditional culture and exploring the natural beauties of the area. The South Cove, a short drive away, is a great place for diving, and excursions to the Coloured Canyon can be arranged through the Bedouin village.

7Ras Um Sid, Sharm El Sheikh

The best beach in Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Um Sid is an attractive beach full of activity. With its incredible views of the Red Sea, this famous holiday resort is also very popular with divers, who want to explore the richness of life beneath the waves. The setting, on top of a peninsula, means the area is more relaxed and peaceful than the other more crowded beaches in the area. Near the old souk — a cross-section of the traditions and heritage of the local people — there are many nearby places to stay that are very popular with families. The beach itself is a place where divers visiting Egypt cannot help but be enchanted by the beauty of the coral colours. Rare fish hide in the incredible formations, which can also be seen simply by snorkelling, and it is a great way for children to learn about the ocean.

6El Gouna

El Gouna, which means "lagoon" in Arabic, is an elegant and fashionable beach on the northern Red Sea, on the eastern coast of Egypt. A lively tourist resort, El Gouna has attracted wealthy Egyptian and European jet-set tourists with its high-end shops, its food scene and, of course, a very attractive beach. It is the kind of place where families and couples love to relax and treat themselves to a few days in a 5-star resort — there are also many activities to do in the area. El Gouna is famous in Egypt for its water sports: higher winds indicate good conditions for kitesurfing, water skiing and parasailing, to name but a few. The picturesque natural marine landscape is surrounded by a network of canals and lagoons, with sandy islands at the centre.

Staying in El Gouna means spending relaxing days on white-sand beaches or playing at the area's famous golf course, and drinking in the evening in the cocktail bars.

5Sahl Hasheesh Beach, Hurghada

One of the best-known dive sites on the Red Sea, Sahl Hasheesh Beach is a premium tourist resort that is part of the Hurghada tourist centre, which stretches for a full 40 kilometres along the coast. Known for the liveliness of its pristine coral beaches, the area has been constantly developing since the 1980s into a holiday paradise. The hotels and holiday villages dot the coast along the beach and are proof of the large amount of money poured into the area by investors seeking to cash in on the Red Sea resorts. Sahl Hasheesh Beach is an attractive place for water sports enthusiasts, with many opportunities to try windsurfing and sailing as well as diving and snorkelling. It gets very hot here, however, with temperatures regularly rising above 40 °C — no wonder most people want to cool off in the ocean!

4Sharm El Luli, Marsa Alam

One of those soft, pastel-coloured landscapes, where the powdery sands merge seamlessly into the pale blue of the ocean, Sharm El Luli is located 60 kilometres south of the town of Marsa Alam on the Red Sea and is the dream of all nature lovers. The area is ideal for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, so make sure you bring your gear — as well as food and drink, because there is absolutely nothing else nearby. The beach can be reached with an organised trip from your hotel in Marsa Alam, but be sure to spend the day here to fully appreciate the charm of the crystal-clear water and the richness of the wildlife present.

3Agiba Beach, Mersa Matruh

This very iconic Egyptian beach may not be as well known to travellers from different countries. With the word "miracle" in Arabic, Agiba is a small but very charming gem on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, 24 kilometres west of Mersa Matruh. The only way to reach the curved stretch of beach is along a rocky path leading down from the top of the cliff. Once on the sand, it is hard not to be impressed by the translucent colour of the water as the sun shines on the surface. This is a popular spot, however, and in the height of summer things get rather demanding here with people enjoying themselves for days — but for the rest of the year it is almost empty. The surrounding sea is very rocky and the waves breaking from the open ocean are rather powerful, with the chance to surf.

2Soma Bay

A bright, new, luxurious tourist resort, Soma Bay is located less than an hour from Hurghada airport. The independent resort is completely surrounded by the sea and is known for having 365 days a year of beautiful sunshine. No wonder it is quickly becoming popular with European travellers looking to escape the cold winters by sunbathing on the Red Sea. Things have developed quickly for Soma Bay; the area oozes luxury and money, crowded as it is with exclusive resorts and expensive restaurants. An ideal location for diving enthusiasts and water sports fans. No wonder the once-deserted peninsula, which was under Egyptian military ownership, is undergoing such rapid development.

1Mahmya Island

If you are looking for underwater diving, Shangri La, Mahmya Island in Giftun Island National Park is the place for you. An adventurous 45-minute boat trip from Hurghada, you will spend the day snorkelling among the coral reefs and the underwater garden in the most picturesque part of the Red Sea. Visiting the national park and the magnificence of Mahmya is like an exotic escape. Plunge into the depths of the water and experience a world of rainbow fish and dolphins. The focus is entirely on ecotourism and supporting the delicate aquatic ecosystem of the Red Sea. Visiting the island is an unforgettable experience.