Red Sea, Egypt
It has been almost thirty years since the Red Sea was discovered as a vacation destination. Initially, it was young alternative travelers and divers who discovered the year-round sunny, warm climate, the fantastic beaches and the crystal-clear water for themselves, but the advantages of the region did not remain hidden from mass tourism for long. In the meantime, it has become more or less luxurious in all its facets.
This applies to the Sinai Peninsula as well as the African mainland, which is separated from the Arabian Peninsula by the Red Sea. The latter stretches 2,240 kilometers from the Suez Canal in the north to Bab al-Manda, the "Gate of Tears" in the Gulf of Aden in the south. Speaking of the south, tourism in Egypt - driven by diving tourists in search of pristine, unspoiled diving spots - is continuing to advance southwards towards the Sudanese border and has already reached the Marsa Alam region.
New worlds of luxury: Soma Bay, El Gouna and Makadi Bay
From Port Ghalib northwards, newly developed and some old vacation resorts are strung together like pearls on a string: El Quseir, Soma Bay, Safaga, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada and El Gouna are just some of the better-known names. Soma Bay in particular always causes a sensation. On the one hand with its first-class hotels such as La Residénce des Cascades, the Kempinski and the Sheraton, and on the other with a golf course that has been voted number one internationally by readers of the "Golf Journal" on several occasions, as well as the largest thalassotherapy spa in the region. The Breakers, Egypt's first "lifestyle watersports hotel", opened in 2010, which also focuses on the best kitesurfing conditions and aims to appeal to a younger, trendy clientele. Club vacationers also get their money's worth at the Robinson Club. Another advantage of Soma Bay: no matter where you stay, you can use all the facilities on the peninsula and benefit from the free and regular shuttle buses. Soma Bay was developed by a single investor who has big plans for the future. The same has happened in El Gouna, which has become a hot spot for Cairo's chic crowd in recent years and already has a certain glamor factor. El Gouna is perhaps the best shopping tip on the Red Sea. This is not the only reason why holidaymakers from the West also feel at home here.
Rethinking in Hurghada
Between El Gouna in the north and Soma Bay in the south lies the former fishing village of Hurghada and its neighbouring destinations such as Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay, probably the largest tourist "urbanization" on the Red Sea. Everything from cheap all-inclusive hotels to exclusive luxury resorts and new shopping malls can be found here. Construction has been going on for dozens of kilometers, Hurghada has long since developed into a major city and continues to grow. Unfortunately, this has not spared the coast from a number of construction and other tourist sins - many coral reefs, for example, have already been severely damaged. However, newer resorts have done a lot better than before and private organizations such as the Hurghada Environment Protection Agency are now working to protect the reefs and the coast.
(Ab)Diving in Sharm el Sheikh
From Hurghada it is only a stone's throw by speedboat or direct flight from Egypt Express over to Sinai and Sharm El Sheikh. Like Hurghada before it, Sharm El Sheik has become particularly popular with Russian holidaymakers over the last decade - Italians prefer the Marsa Alam region, by the way, while Germans are present everywhere in the region. In contrast to Soma Bay or Port Ghalib, Sharm El Sheik is a more mature destination, even if it has spread further and further north and south from Naama Bay. Naama Bay has a lively center with a promenade, numerous restaurants and bars and a variety of different stores. Practically all of the larger hotels also run a regular shuttle service to the center. Most holidaymakers no longer come to Sharm mainly for diving, although there are over 30 excellent diving spots, including the famous Ras Mohammed National Park and the Tiran Islands, and Dahab with its famous Blue Hole is not too far away. A night in a Bedouin village, an excursion to St. Catherine's Monastery and the ascent of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the tablets of the law from God, are always popular. From Sinai as well as from the resorts on the African mainland, the obligatory Cairo excursion with a visit to the pyramids is offered and many visitors also combine a beach or diving vacation with an impressive Nile cruise.
Manuela Blisse and Uwe Lehmann
Until now, Egypt's coasts were mainly popular with divers and families. However, with the development of spectacular resorts and the arrival of the international luxury hotel industry, including professional golf courses, the tide has changed dramatically.
! Photo: © joakant / pixelio.de!
Highlights
Connoisseur Circle tip:
Les Thermes Marins Spa & Thalasso Center in Soma Bay
There are many excellent spas around the Red Sea, but Les Thermes Marins Spa & Thalasso Center in Soma Bay is probably the crowning glory. Here, wellness, fitness and relaxation are offered at the highest level in a stylish setting and by highly trained and courteous staff. It is not for nothing that the elegant and lavishly designed complex is a member of "Leading Spas of the World". The bubbling and bubbling course with 15 stations in the 750 square meter Aquatonic Pool is particularly enjoyable.
www.somabay.com/pages/spa.html
DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
Egyptian Embassy Austria
Hohe Warte 50-54
A-1190 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 370 81 04
Fax: +43 1 370 81 04 - 27
www.egyptembassyvienna.at
Egyptian Embassy Germany
Stauffenberg Str. 6-7
10785 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 477 54 70
Fax: +49 30 477 10 49
www.egyptian-embassy.de
embassy@egyptian-embassy.de
Egyptian Embassy Switzerland
Elfenauweg 61
3006 Berne
Phone: +41 31 352 80 12
Fax: +41 31 352 06 25
Area
1.001.449 km²
Population
83.082.869
Language
Arabic
Arrival
EU citizens require a visa to enter the country. The visa is issued by the Egyptian embassy in Berlin and the consulates general for a fee of 22 euros. It can also be purchased on arrival. A visa at Cairo airport costs US-$
Capital city
Cairo (approx. 18 million inhabitants)
Religion
Largely Muslim, Christian minority (e.g. Copts)
Weather
Egypt is located within the North African dry belt with very little rainfall, except in the Mediterranean-influenced north and in the Nile Delta, where there is rainfall of 100-200mm in winter. The temperature can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the season.
On the Red Sea, winters are mild with very moderate temperatures: rarely below 20 °C during the day and 10-13 °C at night. Spring and fall are quite warm, summers are very warm to hot and extremely dry. During the day, you can expect temperatures of 34-38 °C, with occasional hot spells of over 40 °C. At night, temperatures usually do not fall below 25 °C. Humidity is 30-55% all year round and there is practically no rainfall (0-3 days). At around 20-29 °C, the sea is ideal for swimming all year round.
Best time to travel
All year round
Climate
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperature | 21 | 21 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 28 | 26 | 22 |
| Min. Temperature | 10 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 | 12 |
| Hours of Sunshine | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Water Temperature | 22 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 24 |
Time difference (to MEZ)
UTC +2
Currency
Egyptian pound (1 pound = 100 piastres)
Visa
EU citizens require a visa to enter the country. The visa is issued by the Egyptian embassy in Berlin and the consulates general for a fee of 22 euros. It can also be purchased on arrival. A visa at Cairo airport costs US-$ 15.00 or the equivalent in euros and is issued with a validity of one month.
Vaccinations
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Food in Egypt - Traditional delicacies
Thousands of years ago, the ancient Egyptians depicted their love of food. Well-preserved wall paintings and carvings have been discovered on tombs and temples, depicting great feasts and a variety of foods. Many of these foods used centuries ago, such as peas, beans, cucumbers, dates, figs and grapes, are still in use in Egyptian households today and are still considered popular fruits and vegetables.
The unique Egyptian cuisine has been greatly influenced throughout history by its neighbors, especially the Middle East, but Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Ottomans have also contributed much to the tradition of today's Egyptian cuisine. More recently, foods from other Arab peoples in the Middle East, such as the Lebanese, Palestinians, Syrians, as well as some foods from Europe, have influenced Egyptian dishes. Despite all these influences, Egyptian cuisine has managed to retain its uniqueness. After thousands of years, rice and bread remain staples and molokhiyya and FUL mudammas, a national dish, are more popular than ever.
Wellness Egypt - a beneficial source of healing since ancient times
Egypt has been a source of healing since ancient times thanks to its sunny and dry climate. The desert is ideal for treatments such as sand baths and therapeutic baths in hot springs. Desert sand has proven to be a beneficial treatment for arthritis and rheumatic pain, which is why people from all over the world make pilgrimages to Egypt. Plan your trip according to your needs and create a healthy balance of sightseeing and relaxation. There are numerous spas in Egypt, but the best can be found in Cairo and near the Red Sea. Sightseeing in Egypt - Places to visit
For centuries, travelers have made pilgrimages to Egypt to experience a beautiful country full of contrasts, mystery, adventure, history and romance. Egypt is a country that captivates, enchants and seduces. Ancient monuments that have withstood the test of time meander along the Nile and through pristine green valleys. Boundless deserts with wonderful oases and the beautiful Red Sea never cease to fascinate.
Hotels
