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Egypt's Red Sea coast runs form the Gulf of Suez to the Sudanese border. Its mineral rich red mountain ranges has inspired the mariners of antiquity to name the sea Mare Rostrum, or the Red Sea.
Hermits, seeking seclusion founded early Christian monasteries here, sharing the wilderness with camel trading Bedouin tribes. Today, the crags and limestone wadis of the Eastern Desert remain relatively unexplored, home to herds of ibex and gazelle. But the Red Sea itself, dotted with coral reefs, fringed by ancient ports, teeming with underwater life, has a rich maritime history which stretches back to Pharaonic times.
Today, the ancient ports are better known as some of the best diving and fishing resorts the world. Sunbathers relax on white sand beaches, or find shade in the mangrove lagoons that line the coast.
The underwater wonder of the Red Sea remains a living tapestry of vibrant corals and exotic fish, waiting for you to discover its secrets.
Egypt's Red Sea Governorate Consists of Several cities that share the same fantasy and magnificence.
Hurghada:
Founded in the early 20th century, Hurghada remained a small fishing village until a few years ago. Today, Hurghada is quickly becoming the #1 tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here, windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but above all snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottomed boats.
Hurghada has featured on international diving itineraries since the 1950s, and is today more popular than ever, thanks to the accelerated pace of recent development. Flights from Europe, as well as Cairo and Luxor, land here on a daily basis. Hurghada is widely considered the capital of the Red Sea, and boasts all the facilities of a modern city without losing its timeless desert ambience. Commercial diving is well established in Hurghada. Some operators use this as a point of departure for sites lying further afield such as Abu Nuhas and Bluff Point. But it is the local sites, which really guarantee Hurghada's especial popularity.
Suez:
Suez has been a commercial port since the 7th century. The spice trade and pilgrimages to Mecca made it prosperous throughout the Middle Ages. It became a navel base in the 15th century and, in 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal ensured its development as a modern city. Today, Suez is one of Egypt's largest ports.
Ain Sukhna:
Ain Sukhna - Arabic for "hot spring" - was named after the nearby sulphur springs. One hour from Cairo it makes for a lovely day trip; this popular weekend resort has fine beaches, coves and coral reefs. It is also an ideal site for fishing and water sports.
Al-Quseir:
Al-Quseir has a long-standing history as one of the major Red Sea Ports; from here Queen Hatshepsut launched her expedition to the Land of Punt. The 16th century fortress of Sultan Selim, still standing in the center of town, shows Al-Quseir's former strategic importance. Today, it is a quiet resort with sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. It is also a suitable site for camping and water sports.
An ancient caravan trail to Qift in the Nile valley, leads from Al-Quseir through the mountains, passing several Pharanoic and Roman sites. A new road, directly to Luxor, has been opened.
Berenice:
An ancient city named by Ptolemy II, it became a trading port in 275 BC. A ruined Temple of Semiramis is located near the modern town; inland, there are the remains of the emerald mines of Wadi Sakait, which were worked from Pharaonic to Roman times. The coast is lined with mangrove swamps and unspoiled bays and cove. Offshore, visit the tectonic island of Zabargad a geological phenomenon that is also famous as the source of the semiprecious gem olivine, mined here form 1500 BC until the mid-20th century. From Peridot Hill there are breathtaking views of the surrounding blue lagoons, rich in marine life and home to many dolphins.
Mersa Alam:
A village with a small harbor and stone quay, Mersa Alam is the ideal base for a fishing holiday. There are some fine offshore coral reefs, and diving facilities are available. A nature reserve stretches from here to Gebel Elba in the south.
Safaga:
Safaga is a working port with several tourist villages specializing in diving holidays, a handful of hotels and some excellent fish restaurants. It is free of pollution and its highly saline water and black sand dunes have distinguished curative properties. The unspoiled beaches and stiff breezes make it an ideal venue for windsurfing. Day trips to Tobia Island or Mons Claudianus in the Red Sea Mountains can be arranged with local guides.
ahmedhani
ancient-egyptian.blogspot.com
Hermits, seeking seclusion founded early Christian monasteries here, sharing the wilderness with camel trading Bedouin tribes. Today, the crags and limestone wadis of the Eastern Desert remain relatively unexplored, home to herds of ibex and gazelle. But the Red Sea itself, dotted with coral reefs, fringed by ancient ports, teeming with underwater life, has a rich maritime history which stretches back to Pharaonic times.
Today, the ancient ports are better known as some of the best diving and fishing resorts the world. Sunbathers relax on white sand beaches, or find shade in the mangrove lagoons that line the coast.
The underwater wonder of the Red Sea remains a living tapestry of vibrant corals and exotic fish, waiting for you to discover its secrets.
Egypt's Red Sea Governorate Consists of Several cities that share the same fantasy and magnificence.
Hurghada:
Founded in the early 20th century, Hurghada remained a small fishing village until a few years ago. Today, Hurghada is quickly becoming the #1 tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here, windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but above all snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottomed boats.
Hurghada has featured on international diving itineraries since the 1950s, and is today more popular than ever, thanks to the accelerated pace of recent development. Flights from Europe, as well as Cairo and Luxor, land here on a daily basis. Hurghada is widely considered the capital of the Red Sea, and boasts all the facilities of a modern city without losing its timeless desert ambience. Commercial diving is well established in Hurghada. Some operators use this as a point of departure for sites lying further afield such as Abu Nuhas and Bluff Point. But it is the local sites, which really guarantee Hurghada's especial popularity.
Suez:
Suez has been a commercial port since the 7th century. The spice trade and pilgrimages to Mecca made it prosperous throughout the Middle Ages. It became a navel base in the 15th century and, in 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal ensured its development as a modern city. Today, Suez is one of Egypt's largest ports.
Ain Sukhna:
Ain Sukhna - Arabic for "hot spring" - was named after the nearby sulphur springs. One hour from Cairo it makes for a lovely day trip; this popular weekend resort has fine beaches, coves and coral reefs. It is also an ideal site for fishing and water sports.
Al-Quseir:
Al-Quseir has a long-standing history as one of the major Red Sea Ports; from here Queen Hatshepsut launched her expedition to the Land of Punt. The 16th century fortress of Sultan Selim, still standing in the center of town, shows Al-Quseir's former strategic importance. Today, it is a quiet resort with sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. It is also a suitable site for camping and water sports.
An ancient caravan trail to Qift in the Nile valley, leads from Al-Quseir through the mountains, passing several Pharanoic and Roman sites. A new road, directly to Luxor, has been opened.
Berenice:
An ancient city named by Ptolemy II, it became a trading port in 275 BC. A ruined Temple of Semiramis is located near the modern town; inland, there are the remains of the emerald mines of Wadi Sakait, which were worked from Pharaonic to Roman times. The coast is lined with mangrove swamps and unspoiled bays and cove. Offshore, visit the tectonic island of Zabargad a geological phenomenon that is also famous as the source of the semiprecious gem olivine, mined here form 1500 BC until the mid-20th century. From Peridot Hill there are breathtaking views of the surrounding blue lagoons, rich in marine life and home to many dolphins.
Mersa Alam:
A village with a small harbor and stone quay, Mersa Alam is the ideal base for a fishing holiday. There are some fine offshore coral reefs, and diving facilities are available. A nature reserve stretches from here to Gebel Elba in the south.
Safaga:
Safaga is a working port with several tourist villages specializing in diving holidays, a handful of hotels and some excellent fish restaurants. It is free of pollution and its highly saline water and black sand dunes have distinguished curative properties. The unspoiled beaches and stiff breezes make it an ideal venue for windsurfing. Day trips to Tobia Island or Mons Claudianus in the Red Sea Mountains can be arranged with local guides.
ahmedhani
ancient-egyptian.blogspot.com
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