Egypt may be renowned for its pyramids and ancient artefacts, but what visitors have brought in in recent years are its flourishing beach resorts. Egypt, renowned for excellent diving opportunities and bordered by the wilderness of the Red Sea and the relaxation of the Mediterranean, will contend with political upheaval both at home and abroad but its modern beach resorts provide a slice of solace for its tourism industry.

The beautiful coastline along the Red Sea is a lure for sun-worshippers searching for year-round sunshine, while the spectacular underwater wilds of the reefs draw experienced divers from all over the world to explore Egypt’s coastline. The best beaches in Egypt are here, so you can experience the comfort and natural beauty of this beautiful country for yourself.

10. Ras Abu Galoum, Dahab

Ras Abu Galoum is a great choice if you are looking for a wonderful place to do some snorkelling or diving. This sparkling blue patch of ocean is situated near a traditional Bedouin village, about 15 kilometres from the small coastal town of Dahab on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula.

A feast for the eyes is this desert diving paradise; the amazing seascape contrasts beautifully with the arid rocky land and makes for a very unique place to visit. Before sinking into the waters of the Red Sea, come across the desert on a camel-back and see the magnificence of its underwater scenery for yourself.

For angelfish, parrotfish and Picasso fish, among others, hard and soft coral provide the perfect setting, so make sure to carry your underwater camera.

9. Fjord Bay, Taba

A picture-perfect paradise is situated about 15 kilometres away from the small Egyptian town of Taba, near the border with neighbouring Eilat in Israel. If you have hundreds of hours of diving experience under your belt or you fancy giving it a try for the first time, Fjord Bay is the perfect place for diving.

The explanation why this place is such an incredible place to dive in is the huge coral bed at the bottom of the fjord. The impressive depth of 24 metres makes it impossible to believe the sheer quantity of fish and the diversity of marine life that lives within the reef.

It’s great to know that clean water and good ecological balance are an indicator of a healthy reef. The fjord itself is a deep blue cove protected by a mountain range on three sides, which is ideal for hiking and panoramic views across the fjord.

8. Ras Um Sid, Sharm El Sheikh

Ras Um Sid, the finest beach in Sharm El Sheikh, is an attractive beach packed with a number of things to do. This well-known holiday resort, with spectacular views of the Red Sea, is also very popular with divers who want to discover the abundance of life underneath the water.

Compared to other, more busy beaches in the city, the location, at the very top of a peninsula, means the area is a little more laid back and peaceful. There is plenty of accommodation nearby that is very popular with families, close to the old souk, an insight into the customs and heritage of the local people.

The beach itself is a spot where divers visiting Egypt can not help but be captivated by the elegance of the coral colours. In the impressive shapes, unusual fish flit and hide, which can also be seen easily by snorkelling and is a perfect way for kids to learn about the ocean.

7. Nuweiba

In the 1970’s, Nuweiba was once a prosperous beach resort, and was on the rise until the beautiful beach was left to slide into decline by politics and relations with Israel. The beach is now a simple, low-key spot, with a Bedouin village being the most fascinating part of it.

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, in comparison to established resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba city may pale, but its lack of infrastructure also adds to the charm. The seven-kilometre long stretch of sand, now a popular stop-off on the Egyptian backpacking trail, translates in Arabic as ‘bubbling springs.’

It is a fun place to spend a few days enjoying traditional culture and discovering the region’s natural beauty. A quick drive north, South Cove is a perfect place for diving, and treks can be organised through the Bedouin village to the Colored Canyon.

6. Sahl Hasheesh Beach, Hurghada

Sahl Hasheesh Beach is one of the best-known diving spots on the Red Sea, a luxury resort town that is part of the tourist-central Hurghada, which extends along the coast for an incredible 40 kilometres.

The region has been gradually developing since the 1980’s to become a burgeoning holiday destination, renowned for the vibrancy of its coral and untouched beaches. Holiday hotels and villages dot the coast off the beach and are evidence of the enormous amount of money that investors are looking to cash in on the Red Sea resorts in the region.

For water sports enthusiasts, Sahl Hasheesh Beach itself is an enticing location, with plenty of opportunities to try windsurfing and yachting, as well as diving and snorkelling. However, it gets hot here with temperatures consistently rising above 40 ° C-no wonder most individuals want to cool down with a refreshing dive!

5. El Gouna

El Gouna is a trendy and fashionable beach on the northern Red Sea on the eastern coast of Egypt, meaning ‘lagoon’ in Arabic. A booming resort area, El Gouna, with its high-end shopping, diverse dining scene and, of course, a very attractive beach, has attracted wealthy Egyptian holidaymakers and jet-set Europeans.

It’s the kind of place where families and couples want to come to a 5-star resort to unwind and treat themselves for a few days. There are also plenty of events in the area to enjoy. In Egypt, El Gouna is well-known for its water sports. Higher winds mean good weather, to name only a few, for kite-surfing, water-skiing and paragliding.

A network of canals and lagoons laces the picturesque natural seascape, with sandy islands set in the centre. Staying in El Gouna means spending days relaxing on white sandy beaches or playing at the popular golf course in the area and drinking at cocktail bars in the evening.

4. Agiba Beach, Mersa Matruh

To overseas travellers, this very popular Egyptian beach might not be so well known. In Arabic, on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, 24 kilometres west of Mersa Matruh, Agiba is a small but rather dazzling gem, meaning ‘miracle’.

Down a rock path leading from the clifftop above is the only way to get to the curved slice of beach. When on the beach, when the sun sparkles on the surface, it is impossible not to be fascinated by the transparent colour of water. This is a famous venue, though, and things get pretty busy here in the height of summer with people enjoying days out, but it’s almost empty for the rest of the year.

The surrounding sea is quite rocky and the waves rolling in from the broad ocean are very solid, but they also provide some great opportunities for surfing a little further away from the rocks.

3. Sharm El Luli, Marsa Alam

Sharm El Luli, one of those smooth, pastel-colored landscapes where the powdery sands soak effortlessly into the pale blue of the ocean, is 60 kilometres south of the town of Marsa Alam on the Red Sea and is the dream of a nature lover.

The place is perfect for keen snorkelers and divers, just like a picture of bliss, so make sure you bring your equipment with you, as well as food and drink, because there is absolutely nothing else nearby.

An organised ride from your hotel in Marsa Alam is the fastest way to reach the beach, but make sure to spend the day here to fully appreciate the beauty of the crystal water and the abundance of wildlife that lives in it.

2. Soma Bay

Soma Bay is situated less than an hour from Hurghada Airport, a shiny, modern, upmarket resort area. The self-contained resort is entirely surrounded by the sea and is well known for providing spectacular sunshine for 365 days per year. No wonder that European travellers seeking to avoid the cold winters soaking up the sun on the Red Sea are rapidly becoming common.

For Soma Bay, things have grown quickly; the area oozes luxury and money, busy as it is with exclusive resorts and costly eateries. The reefs just off shore are an excellent location for keen divers and lovers of watersports, with some of the best in the world up there.

No wonder the once-desert peninsula, formerly owned by the Egyptian army, is experiencing such rapid growth.

1. Mahmya Island

If you’re searching for Shangri La scuba diving, the place for you is Mahmya Island in Giftun Island National Park. Spend your day snorkelling among the coral reefs and underwater gardens in the most picturesque part of the Red Sea, an exciting 45-minute boat ride from Hurghada.

It is like an exotic escape to visit the national park and the magnificence of Mahmya. Delve into the water’s depths and see a paradise of dolphins and rainbow rays. With tour groups during the high season, it might get more than a little busy here, but the focus is on ecotourism and the support of the fragile aquatic ecosystem of the Red Sea. You won’t forget the experience of visiting the island.