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The Red Sea Riviera: A Hidden Gem in Egypt

May 26
Have you ever dreamt of a destination that combines sun-kissed beaches, clear turquoise waters, and rich history? Look no further than the Red Sea Riviera! This stunning stretch of coastline along Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia offers an idyllic location for those seeking a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Whether you are craving a luxurious escape, a cultural adventure, or simply a place to unwind, the Red Sea Riviera has it all. Keep reading to learn more about this enchanting destination and why it should be on your travel bucket list.
Source: www.campingforwomen.com
 

Overview of Egypt's Red Sea Riviera

The Red Sea Riviera is a stretch of Egypt's eastern coastline that boasts resort cities on the Red Sea's western shore and along the eastern coast of mainland Egypt south of the Gulf of Suez. The combination of a favourable climate, warm sea, thousands of kilometres of shoreline, and notable natural and archaeological sites has made this area a popular national and international tourist destination.

As you move down the coast from north to south, you'll find numerous national parks both underwater and on land. These parks protect the unique desert and marine life, and visitors must abide by the laws enforced to preserve the area. On the western Red Sea shore, you can explore El Gouna with its high-end luxury resorts, private beaches, and golf courses.

Further down, you'll come across the world-famous Sharm el Sheikh, a favourite international beach destination for decades. Here, you can enjoy diving and snorkelling, camping on the beach, or exploring trips to the Sinai Mountains and Ras Mohammed National Park. With dozens of direct flights between Europe and Sharm Airport daily, this bustling resort is perfect for a resort beach holiday or an adventurous diving trip.

If you're looking for a quieter, bohemian escape, Dahab is the beach town for you. With renowned dive sites like the Blue Hole, Dahab draws in its share of tourists but offers a more laid-back vacation. You can hike to and camp nearby Ras Abu Galoum and Blue Lagoon or base yourself here for treks into the Sinai Mountains and St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Continuing down the coast, you'll discover the charming coastal strip, Ras Shetan, and the sleepy beach town of Nuweiba. Both are known for their "get-away-from-it-all" beach camps, usually run by local Bedouins. These camps, with their beach huts, bare-bone bungalows, and tent pitches, offer opportunities to disconnect and relax. Nightly campfires bring guests from all over the world together for conversations, live music, and sing-alongs. Nuweiba and Ras Shetan are also excellent bases for exploring the Colored Canyon and Wadi Wishwashi in the nearby mountains.

Lastly, the northernmost resort town on the Red Sea Riviera is Taba. Taba is famous for its serene resorts and the border crossing with Eilat, Israel. Its Red Sea coast offers luxury amenities such as golf courses and spas, making it the perfect getaway for those who enjoy camping and roughing it up. Diving is also available near Pharaoh’s Island, home to the Salah El Din citadel.

Overall, the Red Sea Riviera is a vacationer's paradise, offering something for everyone: high-end luxury or laid-back beach camps. With its warm waters, stunning vistas, and rich cultural heritage, Egypt's eastern coastline along the Red Sea is a must-visit destination. [1][2]
Source: beautifulglobal.com
 

Favourable climate and natural attractions

Are you looking for a perfect destination to escape and forget about life's daily stresses? Look no further than Egypt's Red Sea Riviera! With its favourable climate and abundant natural attractions, this stretch of Egypt's coastline is the perfect spot for a rejuvenating vacation.

Starting from the north and heading south, the western Red Sea shore is home to some of Egypt's most stunning resort cities. The warm sea, thousands of kilometres of shoreline, and rich archaeological points of interest make this the ideal vacation spot. Visitors can explore national parks on land and underwater, where they can witness the region's desert and marine life, protected by various laws.

The Red Sea Riviera is a wide and beautiful resort complex between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez. Its natural beauty and resources make it a popular tourist destination. It has long and pleasant shores with a favourable climate, perfect for vacations and entertainment. The biggest archaeological sites in the country are located in this region, including international-level picnic hubs. Famous parks, including some below the water, are also available to tourists.

The water surrounding the region is rich in thousands of animal and fish species, and several laws are in place to preserve the water and forests. The Red Sea Riviera's forests contribute significantly to the natural beauty and attraction of the place and the country's economy. These features and its perfect climate make the region the ideal destination for a day out with friends or a family vacation.

The Red Sea Riviera has numerous bays and islands for tours, including Rocky Islands, Green Islands, Foul Bay, Ras Banas, and Soma Bay. After a day of adventure, visitors can explore the charming towns and streets of the region, perfect for an evening stroll. No wonder this region receives thousands of visitors, both tourists and locals looking for a break from daily life.

The Red Sea Riviera is a must-visit destination if you're looking for a perfect vacation spot. There's plenty to explore and enjoy, from its stunning resort cities to its abundant natural attractions. No matter your interests, you'll find something to love about this beautiful and rejuvenating spot. So pack your bags and escape to the Red Sea Riviera today! [3][4]
Source: dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com
 

National parks and protected wildlife

Are you planning a trip to the Red Sea Riviera? This stretch of Egypt's coastline is home to several national parks and marine protectorates that are natural wonders worth exploring. The combination of a favourable climate, warm sea, thousands of kilometres of shoreline, and abundant natural and archaeological points of interest make this area a popular tourist destination nationally and internationally.

One of the most popular Red Sea protectorates is the Ras Mohamed National Park, established in 1983. This marine park is home to the world's most northerly mangrove system and migratory soaring birds like the majestic white stork. In addition to the wildlife, visitors can marvel at the park's geological features on land and underwater, including uplifted coral reefs, soft dunes, alluvial plains, wadis, granite, and sandstone mountains. It is no wonder that this park is the most regularly visited protectorate in the region.

Another marine protectorate worth exploring is the Giftun Islands. Established in 1986, this park attracts divers and liveaboard enthusiasts who flock to its waters to discover its incredible marine life. Since 2000, visitors must pay a per-person visitation fee for the park's preservation. The park's regulations ensure that no activities lead to the destruction or damage of wildlife or its natural environment. Ranger patrols ensure visitors do not hunt, kill, disturb or transport any wildlife, damage or remove living organisms, pollute the water, soil or air, construct buildings without proper permission, or spoil or destroy geological features.

Are you an avid diver? Then you will love exploring the marine protectorates in Egypt's Red Sea Riviera. The Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, Zabargad, Rocky Islands, and the St. Johns reef system are all protected areas where visitors must pay a per-person visitation fee. These areas are ideal for underwater exploration, with abundant marine life, including schools of vibrant fish, majestic sharks, and colourful corals.

When visiting any national parks or protected wildlife in the Red Sea Riviera, be sure to abide by the guidelines issued by the park authorities. For instance, mooring buoys are installed to protect corals, so avoid using anchors that could damage them. Don't disturb the balance of the reef by feeding or fishing the fish, and be sure to improve your buoyancy skills before exploring the environment. Avoid walking on the fragile coral surface, and use the floating jetties or marked reef access points to enter the water.

The national parks and protected wildlife in the Red Sea Riviera are natural wonders you cannot afford to miss while on your trip. From exploring the Ras Mohamed National Park to discovering the marine life at the Giftun Islands or the Brother Islands, there's something for every nature enthusiast to enjoy. Remember to respect the environment and follow the guidelines issued by park authorities for a memorable and enjoyable experience. [5][6]
Source: cdn.britannica.com
 

Geographic order of Western Red Sea shore locations

When visiting Egypt's eastern coastline along the Red Sea Riviera, there are many resort cities on both the western and eastern coasts. The western shore of the Red Sea offers visitors the chance to explore cities such as Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab, and Sharm el-Sheikh. While on the eastern coast south of the Sinai Peninsula, visitors can enjoy coastal cities such as Hurghada, El Quseir, Marsa Alam, and Shalateen. This stretch of Egypt's coastline has become a popular destination for national and international tourists due to its favourable climate, warm sea, and great natural and archaeological points of interest.

The Red Sea Riviera is home to numerous underwater and on-land national parks. These protected areas play an important role in conserving desert and marine life, and visitors should be aware of the laws protecting these ecosystems. Heavy fines may be imposed for those who do not follow the rules. When exploring the area, starting north on the western Red Sea shore in Taba is best. You can venture south to Nuweiba, Dahab, and Sharm el-Sheikh from there. On the eastern coast, visitors can explore Hurghada, El Quseir, Marsa Alam, and Shalateen in geographical order from north to south.

Taba is located on the western coast's northernmost point of the Red Sea Riviera. The city boasts white sandy beaches and a variety of water sports, making it a popular destination for tourists. Nuweiba, further south, offers some of the most stunning views of the Red Sea with its crystal-clear waters and high mountains. Dahab is known for its diving and snorkelling opportunities, while Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches. South of the Sinai Peninsula on the eastern coast, Hurghada is one of the oldest and most popular resort towns in Egypt. El Quseir is a historic city once used as an important trading port. At the same time, Marsa Alam is perfect for those looking for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience. Finally, Shalateen is a small town located near the border with Sudan and is known for its coral reefs and marine life.

In addition to the popular resort cities, the Red Sea Riviera also offers visitors the chance to explore the many national parks in the area. The Ras Mohammed National Park is near Sharm el-Sheikh and features some of the world's most stunning coral reefs. The Wadi el-Gemal National Park, located near Marsa Alam, is home to various desert and marine life, such as dolphins, dugongs, and camels. The Elba National Park, located near Shalateen, is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 130 different species of birds to observe. With so much to see and do, the Red Sea Riviera is an excellent destination for those exploring Egypt's unique natural beauty and cultural history. [7][8]
Source: www.familytravel-middleeast.com
 

Sharm El Sheikh

Looking for a fun-filled beach holiday or a diving trip? Look no further than Sharm El Sheikh, the international darling of the Red Sea Riviera. With dozens of direct flights between Europe and the Sharm Airport daily, getting here is a breeze. Plus, it's all-inclusive resorts and world-famous scuba diving make it a must-visit destination. Sharm El Sheikh has been the favourite Egyptian destination for scuba divers, probably contributing more to the European dive business than any other resort. Although it used to be a popular nightlife and dining destination, its heyday was pre-2015. Its appeal lies in its all-inclusive resorts and location, making it a good base for trips to the Sinai Mountains and Ras Mohammed National Park.

If you're looking for a less commercial and smaller beach town than Sharm El Sheikh, check out Dahab. While it may be smaller and quieter, the diving is still just as good. Home to world-renowned dive sites such as the Blue Hole, Dahab pulls in its fair share of tourists who want to experience a more laid-back vacation. The main area of town features a seaside promenade full of local and uniquely-named restaurants and shops. There are also hostels and budget hotels galore. You can also hike to and camp in nearby Ras Abu Galoum and Blue Lagoon. Like Sharm, Dahab is also a popular base for treks into the Sinai Mountains and St. Catherine's Monastery.

For those who want to get away from it all and disconnect, Nuweiba and Ras Shetan are perfect. The strip of coastline between the towns of Nuweiba and Taba on the Sinai peninsula is called Ras Shetan, and both Nuweiba and Ras Shetan are known for their beach camps that local Bedouins usually run. You can choose to stay in beach huts or bare-bone bungalows or set up your own tent right on the beach. At night, guests from around the world gather around the large campfire, where they talk, play instruments, and sing with the Bedouins. Nuweiba and Ras Shetan are also excellent base to explore the Colored Canyon and Wadi Wishwashi in the nearby Nuweiba mountains.

Finally, the northernmost resort town on the Red Sea Riviera is Taba, known for its serene resorts and the border crossing with Eilat, Israel, where tourists can pass from one country to the other without having to fly. Taba's Red Sea coast is similar to Nuweiba and Ras Shetan's, but Taba is known for its luxuries. For example, it offers golf courses and spas. If you enjoy camping and roughing it, stick to Nuweiba and Ras Shetan. But if luxury is more up your alley, Taba is your place. Taba also offers diving, especially near Pharaoh's Island, home to the Salah El Din citadel.

The Red Sea Riviera has something for everyone, from all-inclusive resorts and world-famous scuba diving to laid-back beach towns, camping on the beach, and serene resorts. So what are you waiting for? Plan your vacation and fly to Sharm El Sheikh or another destination along Egypt's eastern coastline for your next adventure. [9][10]