Egypt has long been the must-visit destination in North Africa and it is not hard to see why. Steeped in ancient history, it has very friendly locals and is home to the last standing Ancient Wonder of the World. The bustling metropolis of Cairo receives the bulk of tourism in the country and this is only expected to grow with the opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Whilst you could spend weeks exploring the treasures of Cairo, there are a wealth of other places to visit in Egypt. So, if you want to shake up your trip to Egypt consider these alternate destinations.
Sharm el Sheikh
One of the better-known places to visit in Egypt, Sharm el Sheikh is a beach holiday paradise located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. After suffering a massive loss in tourism as the result of the Metrojet terror attack, Sharm is opening up once again with travel operators and flights resuming. A holiday destination for the whole family, it boasts a multitude of activities: head into the desert to ride quad bikes (or a camel!) and see the stars, enjoy the world-class snorkelling and diving scene, wander around one of the multiple outdoor shopping centres or experience the thrill of haggling for your next souvenir in Sharm’s ‘old-town’. Most of the major resorts have their own access to the vast array of stunning beaches with turquoise waters and astonishingly vibrant coral reefs. All-inclusive is the way to go in Sharm el Sheikh, so you really can sit back, relax and enjoy the non-stop sunshine.
Dahab
As a lesser-known place to visit in Egypt, the Bedouin village of Dahab is nestled on the Red Sea Coast a mere hour’s drive from Sharm el Sheikh. The sharing of coastline is where the similarities end though, Dahab is known for its laid-back almost hippy vibe, in stark contrast to the masses of resorts in Sharm. Dahab has a multitude of affordable accommodation, independent cafes and restaurants and local craft shops. For those who love the water, Dahab is a must-visit destination with stunning underwater life and a multitude of independent dive shops. Its Blue Hole known as the most dangerous diving site in the world, still attracts plenty of thrill seekers taking on the deathly challenge.
Mount Sinai/St Catherine’s Monastery
If you are not a fan of beach holidays and crave some history, Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery is perhaps the most underrated place to visit in Egypt. Set deep in the Sinai Desert, it holds special significance for the Abrahamic religions. Mount Sinai is said to be where Moses received the 10 Commandments, whilst St Catherine’s Monastery was built in AD 330 to house the Burning Bush. Even if you are not religious, these sites are well worth a visit. Climbing up Mount Sinai in the middle of the night is an arduous trek but deserving of the astounding sunrise at the top. When you are done with your climb, visit the monastery where you can marvel at the ancient architecture and see the remaining descendent of the burning bush. It is possible to visit this historical site as a day trip from both Sharm el Sheikh and Dahab.
Luxor
Luxor stands on the ancient site of Thebes which was once the home of the Pharaohs. Described as the world’s greatest open air museum, Luxor is bursting at the seams with history, think: obelisks, tombs, temples and antiques. You cannot help but feel (and quite literally see) the history as you walk through the streets. Luxor is one of the more touristy places to visit in Egypt, but this should not put you off. Keep your wits about you, brush off your wide brimmed hat for that midday sun and play archaeologist for the day or even week exploring the remnants of Ancient Egypt. If you want to make your time in Luxor even more special, book a hot air balloon ride to see the ruins overhead in all their glory.
Alexandria
Alexandria is another must-see seaside destination in Egypt, located on the Mediterranean Sea, it was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. The ambience of the city is like nowhere else in Egypt; its eclectic, a tad bohemian, vibrant and boasts a fabulous café culture. It is also a famed spot for writers, Daphne du Maurier is said to have written Rebecca there. You must not leave Alexandria without visiting the rebuild of the famous ancient library, its main reading room can hold up to eight million books and accommodate a couple of thousand readers.
So, there we are: five places to visit in Egypt that aren’t Cairo. Have you visited any of the cities on the list? Are there any hidden gems that we have not included?
Sources:
https://www.cntraveller.com/article/travel-guide-sharm-el-sheikh
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/egypts-dahab-red-sea-haven/index.html
https://www.roughguides.com/egypt/nile-valley/upper-egypt/luxor/
