7 of the best beaches in Egypt: from the Med to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba

The grandiosity of the Great Pyramids and the vastness of the Valley of Kings attract travelers from all over the world, but have you seen Egypt's beaches? The stunning coastlines have luxury resorts, off-grid lagoons where you can totally unplug, fantastic diving opportunities in the Red Sea packed with wildlife sightings, and plenty of beaches for relaxing downtime by the Mediterranean.

Add some time on the coast to your travel plans with our guide to the best beaches in Egypt.

Almaza Bay, North Coast, is the best beach for luxury travelers

If you love to indulge in life’s pleasures and spoil yourself while you’re on vacation, you need to head to Almaza Bay. Synonymous with luxury and lined with 5-star resort hotels and high-end eateries, Almaza Bay is the North Coast’s most secluded upscale getaway.

Wake up to an undisturbed view of the Mediterranean’s white sand beaches. Enjoy a decadent meal and a cocktail at Pier 88 while overlooking the crystal clear water. Get active with beach sports like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Almaza Bay boasts a very active nightlife where both local and international DJs perform every summer at some of the hottest restaurants and bars.

And it's not just for couples – Almaza Bay has family travelers covered too with a kids' camp for your little ones.

Blue Lagoon, Dahab, is the perfect place to get back to nature

Part of Abu Galum National Park, the Blue Lagoon sits just 20 km (12 miles) away from the vibrant coastal town of Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula. It is the perfect place to unplug by the Red Sea, so head here to disconnect and get back to nature.

Spend your mornings sunbathing and relaxing by the beach. If you prefer to get active, this Red Sea gem is a world-renowned kitesurfing spot and you can also windsurf, snorkel, and swim. By night, cozy up in a hut by the fire and keep an eye out for shooting stars.

To get to the Blue Lagoon, you can take a boat from the Blue Hole, hike from Dahab or ride a camel through the Red Sea mountains. Bring everything you’ll need – snacks, water, a book and a power bank. The Blue Lagoon is a bare bones camping spot, and there’s no electricity in the huts.

El Alamein, North Coast, is the perfect party beach through summer

With the pristine white sand beaches and clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea stretching out for 1000 km (621 miles), El Sahel (the coast) is the go-to summer destination for locals and tourists alike. El Alamein is lined with private residential beach compounds and fancy hotels, each taking a portion of the seemingly infinite shoreline. You’re bound to spot Cairo celebs and socialites out and about during the weekends.

If you like to be by the beach all day and head into the night with a drink in hand, you need to experience Egypt’s summer Sahel season (usually May to September). You can expect a different party, a fresh performer, and a new DJ every night in the area’s many restaurants, bars and clubs, with new hot spots opening up every season. Come in off-season though, and you’ll find everything boarded up.

Naama Bay in Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt's best beach for families

Boasting white sand beaches beautifully contrasting with the Red Sea’s deep turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why this is one of Egypt’s most popular beaches. Lying at the epicenter of Sharm El Sheikh – Egypt’s prime beach resort town – Naama Bay is an ideal destination for multi-generation vacations, with family-friendly resorts, and plenty of entertainment options for adults and kids alike.

Naama Bay is also home to world-class diving sites with some incredible marine life. You can book a diving class catered to your level of expertise or hop on a boat and snorkel just off the coast to get a closer look at the colorful reefs.

Being right at the center of the lively Sharm El Sheikh also means you can easily access all the resorts, water sports centers, restaurants, and cafes – from the cozy Farsa Mountain Lodge Cafe and the iconic Hard Rock Cafe Sharm, to Bus Stop Naama Bay pub and Sharm’s renowned Pacha nightclub.

The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is in spring or autumn. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen – the sun can be unforgiving.

Fjord Bay, Taba, is the best beach for diving

Just 15km (9 miles) south of Taba, located on the northern top of the Gulf Aqaba, lies the picture-perfect Fjord Bay – a deep blue cove protected on three sides by a mountain range. Whether your interests lie above or below the waves, the clear waters of Fjord Bay have something to offer.

Advanced divers can head to the Fjord hole, a 24-m-deep (79ft) diving spot, while beginners can enjoy the shallow reefs of the Fjord Banana. Protect your feet and the coral from any damage by wearing swimming shoes when you enter the water. Warm waters and consistent wind make this a windsurfing destination throughout the year.

Away from the water, hike through the mountains to get some surreal shots of the fjord. You can also take a 20-minute ride to Castle Zaman, a replica medieval castle built on top of a hill, offering views of Taba's beaches and the nearby Nuweiba mountains.

Mahmya Island, Hurghada, is a great day trip to snorkel and spot dolphins

Paradise is just a 40-minute boat ride from Hurghada. Located in Giftun Island National Park, Mahmya Island is the definition of an exotic escape. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling, stunning sunset views, and food and drink from the island’s Mahmya restaurant without your feet ever leaving the water.

This is an ecotourism spot, and numbers of visitors to the island are controlled so that overcrowding is never a problem. While you’re guaranteed a stellar snorkeling experience, the true highlight is the frequent visits from the dolphins inhabiting the surrounding waters.

Al Nayzak, Marsa Alam, has warm waters all year round

A stunning marvel with an equally incredible backstory, Al Nayzak is a natural pool located just 13 km (8 miles) south of Marsa Alam. Believed to have been formed when a meteorite hit that exact spot of the coast, this small eye-shaped heavenly pool is one of the best beaches in Egypt. It’s 8–10m (26–33ft) deep with a wide range of marine life, making it perfect for diving and snorkeling.

What’s more, the water is warm all year long, so even in the winter months this is a popular spot for swimming and diving. It can even get a bit too hot during the summer months.

Top tip for booking a day trip to Al Nayzak: Your accommodations can arrange your day trip to Al Nayzak. Ask to tag on a visit to Sharm El Luli, an unforgettable nearby secluded beach perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.

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