No other country in the world has the same combination of cultural and recreational opportunities as Egypt. Visitors can lie on one of the country’s beautiful sandy beaches, visit ancient temples or world-famous museums and explore the exotic underwater world, all in the same day. Travellers should not forget to apply for the Egypt visa so that they do not have to queue up for a visa upon arrival.
Red Sea resorts
One of the most famous seaside resorts in Egypt is Naama Bay in Sharm ash-Shaykh on the Sinai Peninsula. Here, visitors will find extensive sandy beaches on the Red Sea, which has a pleasant temperature of around or over 20 degrees all year round. For the more adventurous, visitors can also take advantage of the excellent diving opportunities in the nearby Ras Muhammed National Park. Various diving and snorkelling trips are offered here, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding coral reefs. There is a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues in all price ranges.
For those seeking something more luxurious, El-Gouna, located near Hurghada, is an excellent option. The city was founded for tourism in 1989. Visitors are well served here, as the town of about 25,000 has more than 100 restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and a seemingly endless supply of leisure activities, such as stand-up paddling, horse riding, kayaking, desert tours or kite surfing. A unique feature of El-Gouna is its proximity to the city of Luxor, with its world-famous Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. So culture lovers are also well catered for. Most accommodation is in the higher price brackets, although there are also some cheaper options that cater mainly to kite surfers.
Alexandria
A visit to Alexandria offers the ideal opportunity to combine a holiday by the sea with a discovery of the ancient Egyptian culture. It is the birthplace and seat of power of the last female pharaoh of the ancient Egyptian Empire, Cleopatra. The eventful history of the city is reflected in its streetscape, where ancient monuments from the Pharaonic era alternate with artefacts from Roman times. The city has a variety of museums, palaces and other attractions and also offers a glimpse into modern Egyptian society. As the city lies on the Mediterranean Sea, there are also several beautiful sandy beaches where holidaymakers and residents can relax. Maamoura Beach is particularly popular. In summer, the temperatures here are more pleasant than on the Red Sea.
To really get to know Egypt, travellers should consider visiting different places in the country. The electronic version of the Egypt visa allows travellers to spend up to 30 days in the country, which provides the opportunity to explore different corners of the country. More information on the visa can be found at the end of this article.
Sights in Cairo
Of course, a visit to Cairo is a must on any holiday trip to Egypt. The city is home to most of the country’s attractions, such as the Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza, the Egyptian Museum or the al-Azhar Mosque. These historical artefacts are breathtaking and give a unique insight into the history of ancient Egypt. Moreover, Cairo is a dynamic cosmopolitan city where you could spend weeks without being bored for a single moment. The nearest seaside resort from Cairo is Ain Sokhna, located at a distance of about 120 km on the Red Sea. In the time of the Pharaohs, there was a harbour here, which was discovered during excavations a few years ago. Today, Ain Sokhna offers picturesque and well-kept beaches, good hotels and everything else one could wish for in a seaside resort.
Applying for an Egypt visa
In order to start your holiday you need an Egypt visa to be able to enter the country. Many travellers queue in line upon arrival in Egpyt for the visa, but there are never any guarantees, and the lines can be very long. It is much more convenient to apply online for the Egypt visa before departure. This saves you having to queue up at the airport, which can be very long. It also provides piece of mind that you already have your visa and are free to enter the country without worrying about possible issues or delays upon arrival at the airport. The Egypt visa is valid for a 30-day stay. The online application form simplifies and accelerates the entry into Egypt and makes holiday travel to Egypt even more pleasant.