When people typically think of Egypt, they often picture a vast desert with scattered pyramids and the occasional camel. While this is not true, Egypt boasts thousands of miles of stunning coastline. While our blog delves into specific beach recommendations in “Beaches in Egypt not to miss this year,” this article focuses on the top beach destinations in Egypt – the ideal places to unwind and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday.
The Mediterranean Sea borders Egypt to the north and the Red Sea to the east. In addition, the country benefits from two gulfs, resulting in around 360 days of sunshine per year and consistently pleasant water temperatures suitable for swimming year-round. These elements combine to create beautiful beaches. Having traveled extensively, we can confidently say that specific Egyptian beaches can rival and surpass many renowned beaches worldwide. Our selection emphasizes beaches with exceptional watercolor and quality, soft white sand, picturesque scenery, and an overall exceptional beach experience rather than encompassing all of Egypt’s famous beaches.
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Lagoon Beach, Marsa Matrouh
Lagoon Beach, situated in Marsa Matruh, Egypt, presents a tranquil and scenic coastal getaway. This expansive beach offers spaces for visitors to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding lagoon. The soft, golden sand complements the clear turquoise waters, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Visitors to Lagoon Beach can enjoy various activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the calm lagoon. The beach also provides opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and leisurely walks along the shore. Although the availability of lifeguards may vary, practicing water safety is crucial.
The lagoon is a thriving ecosystem, home to diverse marine life and a peaceful setting for beachgoers. Marsa Matruh, where Lagoon Beach is located, boasts a rich history and serves as a Mediterranean port.
Nearby restaurants in the lagoon offer a range of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Egyptian, and international dishes. This provides visitors with a delightful dining experience against the backdrop of the beachfront ambiance.
Location of Lagoon Beach, Marsa Matrouh
Beaches in Egypt North Coast
Located on Egypt’s northern Mediterranean coast, west of Alexandria, the North Coast extends hundreds of kilometers along the shore and features some of the region’s purest white sand beaches. The North Coast can be easily reached by car or bus. It primarily consists of private residential beach compounds with many scattered hotels, making it a summer destination for many who love the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. However, recent tourism developments in the area have allowed many people without beach properties to experience and enjoy some of the best summer beaches in Egypt.
Location of North Coast
Giftun Islands:
Located in the Red Sea near Hurghada, the Giftun Islands consist of Giftun El Kabeer (Big Giftun) and Giftun el Sagheer (Little Giftun). Accessible by boat from Hurghada or El Gouna, which can be reached by car, bus, or plane, these islands are known for their stunning clear azure waters. Big Giftun is particularly popular, as it is home to the beach destinations of Mahmya and Orange Bay, offering beachside restaurants, bars, and various water activities. Visitors can also find bathrooms and showers, making it convenient for those who have been diving or snorkeling all day and want to unwind and relax. Whether arriving from Hurghada or El Gouna, a boat trip to the Giftun Islands promises a day of sun, sea, and sand, with plenty of options for adventure and relaxation.
Giftun Islands location
Sharm El Luli:
Sharm El Luli, also known as Ras Hankorab, is approximately 60km south of Marsa Alam. The area boasts pristine white sands and a stunning array of blue waters. Locally referred to as Sharm El Luli, this destination allows visitors to enter the water directly from the stone-free beach, thanks to its gentle gradient.
A two-minute swim reveals an enchanting underwater world resembling a magical underwater forest. Sharm El Luli is ideal for those seeking vibrant corals, diverse fish species, and an untouched beach. The white sands glisten like pearls under the sun, while the clear sea beautifully reflects the colors of the corals.
The coral formations at Sharm El Luli are genuinely remarkable, resembling something out of a fairytale. The variety of fish species present adds to the allure with their vibrant colors, diverse shapes, and varying sizes. It’s truly captivating to witness. Sharm El Luli has retained its charm despite time, allowing visitors to lose themselves in their underwater dreams.
While the beach may be relatively basic, lacking shade structures, visitors can seek shelter in a Bedouin tent, where traditional coffee and tea are brewed and served.
Location of Sharm El Luli
Blue Lagoon- Dahab:
The Blue Lagoon in Dahab is a stunning yet secluded beach campsite. This rustic retreat offers basic amenities such as beach huts and operates without electricity, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to detach from everyday life. Visitors can partake in various daily activities, including windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming, kitesurfing, hiking, sunbathing, and simply unwinding by the beach. As night falls, stargazing by the fire is a popular pastime, allowing visitors to flounder in the privacy of the remote location.
Due to its remote nature, access to the Blue Lagoon is limited. The only means of reaching the site are a challenging hike or camel ride from Dahab for the more adventurous or by boat. This seclusion ensures that visitors can revel in the tranquility of the surroundings, free from crowds and distractions.
Blue Lagoon- Dahab:
Beaches in Egypt Shark Bay:
Shark Bay is globally recognized as a crucial and secure haven for protecting dugongs, boasting a population of around 11,000. Additionally, an increasing number of humpback and southern right whales frequent the area, while a renowned group of bottlenose dolphins calls the Gulf home. The bay’s name has sparked various origin stories. According to some information, sharks once inhabited the bay until about 12 years ago. In contrast, others claim that certain visitors mistakenly identified sharks, thus leading to the naming of the bay.
Shark Bay is renowned for offering some of the finest diving experiences worldwide and serves as an excellent starting point for Red Sea packages. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in various activities, from diving in the Jackson Reef area to embarking on camel rides through the desert. The bay’s teeming coral reefs make it an ideal location for diving and observing various captivating sea creatures.
Transportation options include taxis, longtail boats, or scooters for those planning to explore Shark Bay. It is also possible to walk from any of the main villages, with the journey taking between 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the starting point. When visiting Sharm El Sheikh, don’t miss the chance to embark on an adventurous exploration of this remarkable bay.
Shark Bay Location
Ras Abu Galoum, Dahab:
Ras Abu Galoum in Egypt is a mesmerizing location for snorkeling and diving. It is situated near a traditional Bedouin settlement, approximately 15 kilometers from Dahab on the south of the Sinai. This picturesque spot boasts a vibrant blue ocean, starkly contrasting the surrounding arid, rocky landscape. The experience of arriving on camel-back through the desert before plunging into the depths of the Red Sea is truly exceptional. The underwater scenery is adorned with various hard and soft corals, creating an ideal habitat for diverse marine life, including angelfish, parrotfish, and Picasso fish. It’s an excellent opportunity for underwater photography enthusiasts.
Location of Ras Abu Galoum
Beaches in Egypt Soma Bay:
Soma Bay, a gleaming upscale resort town, is conveniently located less than an hour from Hurghada Airport. The sea completely encircles this self-contained resort, renowned for enjoying 365 days of beautiful sunshine every year. Unsurprisingly, it is rapidly gaining popularity among European travelers seeking to escape the cold winters and bask in the sun on the Red Sea.
Soma Bay has been experiencing rapid growth and transformation, exuding an air of luxury and prosperity with its exclusive resorts and high-end dining establishments. It is an ideal destination for avid divers and water sports enthusiasts, boasting reefs just offshore that rank among the finest in the world.
Soma Bay’s allure lies in its seamless blend of luxury, natural beauty, and various activities, making it a coveted destination for those searching for a sophisticated and sun-drenched retreat.
Location of Soma Bay
Egypt is renowned for its exceptional diving opportunities and is flanked by the Red Sea’s untamed beauty and the Mediterranean’s serenity. Despite facing political turmoil domestically and internationally, Egypt’s contemporary beach resorts offer a soothing escape for its tourism sector. The breathtaking Red Sea coastline allures sun-seekers in search of perpetual sunshine. At the same time, the mesmerizing underwater wonders of the reefs entice diving enthusiasts from across the globe to experience Egypt’s coastal splendor. Visit the finest beaches in Egypt to uncover this remarkable country’s luxury and natural magnificence.
