egypt’s Red Sea Riviera


Year-round sunshine E


It is Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera resorts that have propelled Egypt into the hugely popular sun-and-sand destination it’s become, not least for the year-round sunny weather


gypt’s Red Sea Riviera is a classic sun, sea and sand destination with some of the world’s best dive sites. Located on the east coast of mainland Egypt, its beautiful beaches and underwater treasures attract visitors seeking both winter sun holidays and a week of relaxation after touring the sights of ancient Egypt.


First discovered by snorkellers and divers drawn by the warm marine-rich waters, the Red Sea became Egypt’s modern tourism success story. With millions of pounds worth of investment hotels are excellent and good value for money, ranging from self-catering to luxury five-star resorts offering a full range of sports and recreation facilities. The sea is the main draw in Hurghada


City, the Red Sea’s first dive base with a fantastic choice of sheltered diving and snorkelling sites. Closer to the shore,


windsurfers and kite surfers can pick up year-round winds. Back on dry land it’s hard to imagine buzzing Hurghada was once an isolated fishing village, but traces of bygone days can be found in Dahar souk, the highlight of a visit to the old quarter. A 50-minute flight from Cairo, visitors can take in the famous Pyramids and other sights on a one-day excursion and two-day trips are offered to the Valley of the Kings and Karnak temples with an overnight stay in Luxor. North of Hurghada is El Gouna, Egypt’s first purpose-built luxury resort town that’s been dubbed the ‘Venice of Egypt’ with its charming man-made islands, canals and lagoons. Divided into different areas, such as the Nubian-style quarter with attractive pastel-coloured buildings at the resort’s heart, visitors will never be short of things to do. There are lots of bars and restaurants outside


the main hotels. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course where players can feast their eyes on stunning views of mountains and endless blue waters, horse and camel riding and the world’s largest kite surfing school. The new Liquid Park, the first inflatable water park in the Middle East, features slides, trampolines, rafts and other attractions. There are also great watersports at Safaga, another former fishing village that is now a resort and cruise port. The high salt content of the sea has made it well-known as a wellness centre, offering therapies for conditions such as arthritis, and it claims to be one of the world’s best locations for the treatment of psoriasis. Safaga has distinctive black sand dunes and those who want to venture away from the beaches can go on day trips to the Nile Valley. For spa lovers Soma Bay, 45 minutes


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