The areas surrounding the Red Sea are excellent places to visit if you hire a car whilst on holiday. Exploring the variety of regions which range from local cultural retreats to bustling city resorts will enable you to truly engage with the Egyptian culture due to the variety of attractions and experiences on offer.
Nuweiba
The tourist resort of Nuweiba is situated in South Sinai which is 70km south of Taba and 180km north of Sharm el Sheikh. Its central location alongside it scenic beauty makes it ideal for travellers. Since the 1980s it has been developed into a tourist destination with many hotels and shops to visit. There are also expansive white beaches where you can relax and stroll along the shore. The northern areas are full of lush palms as well as containing the ruins of a Turkish fort which is an essential historical place to visit. There are also many outdoor restaurants decorated in traditional Bedouin styles with carpets and cushions to recline upon. Other excellent places to visit in Nuweiba are the Dunes whish exist between Nuweiba Towen and Nuweiba Muzeina. There are many sandy beaches with coral reefs to delve into which are once in a lifetime experiences for all its tourists.
Dahab
Dahab is an excellent beach resort situated to the north of Nuweiba; its name meaning ‘Gold’ within Arabic is an accurate description of the glittering sand which covers the beaches. The newly built promenade contains the majority of the activities such as the variety of restaurants which provide local cuisine at great prices. Due to the strong winds within this district, it is also an excellent place to visit for water sports. There are many opportunities for windsurfing and diving at such sights as the Blue Hole, the Canyon and the Lighthouse.
Sharm el Sheikh
Another excellent resort to visit for the water sports and beaches is Sharm el Sheikh as scuba diving and diving safaris are on offer every day. The National Park of Ras Muhammas is the world’s most famous dive sight as there are many coral reefs and exotic places to explore. Alongside these activities, tourists can also enjoy camel and horse riding on excursions into the desert. This is also a great place for fun-loving travellers due to nightlife which includes belly dancing performances and discos. There are also many coffee shops or outdoor cinemas to enjoy during the night hours.
St Katherine Monastry
The isolated St Katherine monastery is a majestic place to explore due to being proximte to where Moses received the Ten Commandments. This is one of the oldest Christian monasteries and contains a great exhibition and collection of icons. There are 15th Century art works adorning the walls of The Church of Transfiguration alongside huge statues of St John the Baptist, the Holy Virgin and St Catherine. The Chapel of the Burning Bush is the most sacred area of the monastery where the bush can be seen behind a protective stone wall. There is also a Bell Tower and a Mosque within this religious and spiritual monastery.