Marsa Alam Holidays

Whether you fancy a dip in the sea or a cocktail by the beach, there is a wealth of opportunities when looking for things to do in Marsa Alam.

Holidays in Marsa Alam wouldn’t be complete without riding camels through the Eastern Desert, and while you do get to find forgotten pyramids jutting out from the sandy horizon, you don’t really get a sense of the vastness of these golden landscapes until you traverse the sand dunes.

The River Nile is also a must when it comes to picturesque scenery and stunning natural appeal, Aswan in particular gives you great views of the river, supplying peaceful cruises along the calming waters, while Sharm el Sheikh will introduce you to even more plentiful diving spots.

If you’re looking to discover more about the Egypt portrayed in history books, there are some great Marsa Alam attractions for you to explore. A short journey from the resort takes you to Cleopatra’s Mine, heralded as one of the oldest emerald mines in the world. 

Marsa Alam has a unique position on the shore of the Red Sea and boasts untouched sands for miles. Its beaches are unparalleled. From well-trodden stretches to footprint-free sands. Many of the hotels and resorts on the coast have their own private stretches of powdery white sand, complete with restaurants, beach bars and sun loungers – what more could you want?

The popular Abu Dabbab Beach has wonderfully white sand, a variety of water sports, as well as a reef where giant turtles and dugongs are often spotted.

Within the Wadi Gemal National Park are the two secluded beaches of Honkorab and Golaan, which make the ideal spots for sunbathing on your Marsa Alam holiday. Don’t be surprised if you see a camel or two, as this is the place for beach rides. Out on the still waters are a scattering of mangroves and beneath are amazing coral reefs, just waiting to be explored.

Marsa Alam boasts a great range of international and local cuisine, taking influence from Turkish, Greek, French and Lebanese food. Rich and flavoursome, there is a variety of dishes for you to try on your holiday in Marsa Alam.  The city is known for its savoury pallet, so expect tasty main dishes when you eat out in Marsa Alam.

Shawarma, a dish comprising of sliced meat with tahini and kofta, spicy round meat patties are both local delicacies. For delicious freshly-caught seafood, visit Fish Market in the marina. Contrary to its name, it is actually a quality seafood restaurant with daily specials depending on what has been caught that day. Be sure to check out some of their local specialities – including calamari accompanied with tasty Arabic flatbread.

For a first class dining experience head to the smart Port Ghalib Marina. With its variety of restaurants overlooking the water you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make sure you sample the local seafood, like the fresh sole.
 

With the desert surrounding Marsa Alam, evenings do have a hint of Arabian Nights. At Planet Bedouin in the Amaraya Resort, 15 minutes outside the town, this chic beach bar comes alive with entertainment. Bathed in candle light and scattered with cushions and shisha pipes, you can expect belly dancing and Bedouin-inspired cocktails.

For a unique party with a difference, join the locals for a Marsa Alam beach party. Held on a regular basis, these beach parties are great for meeting people as well as experiencing a beautiful sunset while on Egypt’s white sands.

If you go during Eid-al-Fitr, you must get involved with the brilliant night time celebrations. The festival marks the first day of the Islamic New Year and is celebrated all over the world. On this day, Marsa Alam celebrates with a spectacular firework show as well as live music, colourful processions and plenty of local food on offer.

Whether you’re looking for safe beachside relaxation for the little ones or fun-fuelled day trips for the entire family, there are plenty of things to do on your Marsa Alam holiday.

Although it’s a three hour car journey away, Makadi Water World is a brilliant day out for everyone. As Egypt’s largest waterpark, it is packed with 50 family-friendly slides, including the Wave Slide and Turbo Tunnel. For the smaller members of your family, they can hire arm bands and play in the giant pirate ship, which also comes complete with slides and water fountains.

If you’d rather experience Egypt’s white sands, pay a visit to Honokrab Beach in Wadi El Gamal National Park, a short drive from Marsa Alam. Boasting ultramarine waters and secluded open spaces, this is an ideal location for the kids to play safely and for you to experience paradisiacal bliss.

From the intriguing charm of the surrounding deserts and lure of the warm Red Sea, Marsa Alam has all the right ingredients for a romantic holiday.

Catch a glimpse of some of the Red Sea’s hidden treasures with a relaxing boat ride to the tropical islands of Hamata. Unspoilt by tourists, these small islands are a haven for wildlife. As the boat drops anchor, enjoy a cooling swim in the crystal clear waters before heading back to the deck for lunch – a great way to top up your tan.

Embrace the local customs and unwind together in the El Bedouin Tent on Marsa Alam Beach. Here you can enjoy exotic drinks, whilst listening to live music and watching the spinning Tannoura dancers. For the ultimate Egyptian experience you can smoke the flavoured tobacco on a shisha pipe and watch the magical smoke billow up into the tent.

There are some great Marsa Alam attractions for the adventure-seeking traveller. Off the coast of the resort are some of Egypt’s most unspoilt reefs, home to stunning marine life, including giant turtles and reef sharks – perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. A must-see for all divers is the Samadai Reef. Nicknamed the Dolphin House, this spot is a notoriously popular place to spot wild spinner dolphins in their natural habitat.

To the south of Marsa Alam is the Honokrab Beach in Wadi El Gamal National Park. This white sandy beach boasts sapphire waters with exotic underwater life. Look out for nesting turtles – this beach is a prime spot for these beautiful creatures.

If you don’t fancy shimmying into a wetsuit, head out on a quad-bike tour to discover Marsa Alam’s vast landscape. Journey along the dusty paths that meander through the mysterious sand dunes and mountains, before taking a break at a Bedouin village for a cup of traditional hibiscus tea with the nomads.

If it is culture you’re seeking during your Marsa Alam holidays, be sure to head away from the Red Sea towards the mountains for tours of ancient emerald and gold mines, it won’t be hard to see where Egypt’s luxurious traditions have come from after perusing these hidden gems.

Elsewhere you can immerse yourself among ancient temples and tombs, most notably the Temple of Seti I in Marsa Alam and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, whereas numerous tours are provided if you’d like to see the likes of the Luxor Temple, the prestigious Karnak as well as the Mummification Museum all in one go. You’ll also be treated to the famous sights of the Valley of the Kings – a collection of over 63 magnificent royal tombs from ancient Egypt. Despite the long hot climb to enter this site, you’ll be able to experience some notorious landmarks, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.