Away From the Pyramids – 5 Alternative Egyptian Holiday Resorts

Whilst the mystical pyramids and Great Sphinx ofluxury accommodation and complexes. Served by
Giza are undoubtedly the jewels in Egypt’sits own International Airport, Marsa Alam has
tourism crown, the country’s Red Sea Rivieramuch to attract tourists, with restaurants, bars
resorts continue to gain popularity withand shops located along the paradisiacal sea front.
holidaymakers. Five of those resorts – ElNo trip would be complete however without
Gouna, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikhexperiencing the resort’s spectacular dive
and Taba – are definitely worth a look.sites, offering an opportunity to swim with
El Gounawhite-tip sharks at Elphinstone Reef and spinner
Less than 20 years old, the man-made touristdolphins at Shaab Samadai.
resort of El Gouna is a complete holidaySharm El Sheikh
destination. Situated along a 10km shoreline, theWith an impressive range of hotels and tourist
resort is made up of islands, lagoons, gardens,facilities, Sharm El Sheikh is fast becoming
luxury hotels and even boasts a USPGA ratedEgypt’s most popular family beach resort.
golf course.Tourists generally head to the region’s
Catering for a wide variety of interests, El Gounacosmopolitan Naama Bay area, populated with
offers great shopping, restaurants, clubs, pubs andshops, restaurants, bars and 'Sheesha' cafes.
sailing. The resort also offers plenty for childrenAmongst Sharm’s highlights are the
with go-carting and pony rides amongst thearea’s outstanding dive sites, the Ras
organised activities available.Mohamed National Park and the Sharm El Maya
HurghadaBay. The resort also offers a selection of
The Red Sea’s largest holiday resort,nightclubs, discos, casinos, and golf courses, whilst
Hurghada has more than 20km of beach frontwater babies can take advantage of the
hotel accommodation. Whilst a popular destinationsnorkelling and windsurfing activities available. With
for scuba-diving holidays, Hurghada is also a highlycamel riding, desert safaris and tours of ancient
regarded beach resort catering for traditionalrelics further on offer, Sharm El Sheikh is packed
family vacations.with enough attractions to provide an
The resort has plenty to keep visitors entertained.unforgettable Egyptian holiday.
Scuba-divers are keen to explore the clearTaba
waters and untouched reefs of the local Red Sea,One of the newest Red Sea resorts, Taba lies on
whilst other holidaymakers can stay busy bowling,the border of Israel, within view of the
fishing, snorkelling and golfing. Other popularpicturesque Sinai Mountains. Popular with tourists
attractions include the nearby Roman remains, thefrom Europe and Israel, holidaymakers are drawn
imposing Red Sea Mountains and various shoppingto the region’s Taba Heights resort, a
boutiques.cosmopolitan development that includes a variety
Marsa Alamof top class hotels, bars, restaurants, a casino, an
Although until recently a quiet fishing village, Marsa18-hole golf course and a lively marina.
Alam is becoming an increasingly popular beachThe waters off the coast of Taba are warm and
and dive holiday resort. Located to the south ofcalm, making the resort an ideal place in which to
the Eastern Desert, European tourists are drawnlearn to dive. Offering a range of shallow reefs
to the village by the tranquil beaches and excitingfilled with hard and soft corals, and sea life that
off shore coral reefs that host a spectacularincludes moray eels, seahorses, rays and
variety of tropical sea life.snappers, Taba is also popular with more
Whilst still a relatively new resort, Marsa Alam isexperienced and adventurous scuba-divers.
developing rapidly and already boasts a variety of