Bibliotheca Alexandrina El Gouna

El Gouna


Also known as the Embassy of Knowledge and linked to Alexandria's modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina library, this peaceful oasis is El Gouna's sleepy cultural hub. A multimedia ('culturama') show takes visitors through Egypt's vast history – check the schedule for the various different language screenings – while in the library you can access a huge range of rare books via online links to the Alexandrian library. For those who have forgotten to bring a beach read, take advantage of the fiction lending library.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby El Gouna attractions

1. Hurghada Marina

15.82 MILES

Hurghada's marina is a pleasant, car-free place to stroll, especially in the evening. When you get tired of staring out to sea or dreaming about owning…

2. Hurghada Public Beach

16.04 MILES

Hurghada's public beach is not so appealing – it is often full of litter, and foreign women may feel uncomfortable about the attention they will attract…

3. Siyul Kebira

16.67 MILES

The reef’s upper section is home to bannerfish, angelfish and snapper. If the current is strong, you can drift along the wall skirting the edges of huge…

4. Sha’ab Al Erg

16.88 MILES

Ease of access means this is an excellent dive site for beginners, though veteran divers will still enjoy the towering brain corals and fan-encrusted rock…

5. Umm Qamar

17.81 MILES

Umm Qamar, 9km north of the Giftun Islands, is highlighted by three coral towers that are swathed in beautiful soft, purple coral and surrounded by a…

6. Sha'ab Abu Nuhas

19.9 MILES

More than a few ships have come a-cropper on this reef, just north of Shedwan Island, so if you're a wreck diving fan, this reef should be high on your…

7. Bluff Point

21.01 MILES

This steep wall dive with the small wreck onsite known as the Gubal Barge, is a popular add-on to Thistlegorm dive trips. Around the reef you'll easily…

8. Giftun Islands

22.26 MILES

These islands, among the closest to Hurghada, form part of a marine reserve and are surrounded by a number of spectacular reefs teeming with marine life,…