A trip to Egypt is an experience everyone dreams of at least once in their lifetime, to discover an ancient culture that never ceases to enchant. However, Egypt is not only art and pyramids, but also nature and relaxation, and one of the best ways to visit it is to organize a holiday in Marsa Alam. If you have already heard about it but want to know more, in this article we will give you some tips on what to see in Marsa Alam and which experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Marsa Alam was originally a small fishing village, but with the construction of the international airport it experienced great development until becoming a very popular tourist destination in Egypt, rivaling Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada. From Italy, it is easily reached in just four hours by plane!
Marsa Alam is located near the Tropic of Cancer, between the Red Sea and the Sahara Desert. This location allows it to have a warm, yet pleasant and stable climate for much of the year, as well as very varied landscapes.
The area is a paradise of colors and natural wonders, including the coral reef, which attracts many snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. It is also very close to the country’s most important archaeological sites such as the Temple of Luxor or the Valley of the Kings. So let’s dive without delay into the list of things to see and do in Marsa Alam! and diving. It is also very close to the country's most important archaeological sites, such as the Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. So let's dive without delay into the list of things to see and do in Marsa Alam!
Wadi El Gemal National Park
The main attraction of Marsa Alam is obviously its white beaches and the splendid crystal-clear sea. To best admire them, we recommend taking a trip to the Wadi El Gemal National Park. Its name literally means “Valley of the Camels” and it includes a vast desert area inhabited by nomadic tribes.
The protected marine oasis also includes the coast and numerous atolls, which you can freely explore by snorkeling and diving. However, always remember to respect the flora and fauna, as fines can be very steep!
Additionally, from the park you can join one of the boat excursions to Port Ghalib, one of the most enchanting experiences you can have in Egypt!
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Sharm El Luli on the Red Sea
A short distance from Wadi El Gemal is the beach of Sharm El Luli. It is not a trendy seaside resort, but its strength lies precisely in theabsence of establishments and facilities.
You can relax in an unspoiled and uncrowded paradise, where numerous activities are still possible. Here too, snorkeling and diving are available to admire the wonderful coral reef and its fish inhabitants. Just remember to rent your equipment before arriving!
Abu Dabbab
Among the natural wonders you cannot miss on a holiday in Marsa Alam is the protected bay of Abu Dabbab. Here you will also find luxury resorts and a beach with turquoise waters and fine sand, but it is the true wildlife treasure of the Red Sea!
Numerous animal species live here, such as sea turtles and dugongs. It is these latter that attract scholars and curious visitors because here, especially during mating season, it is quite easy to spot this endangered animal.
One of the best excursions in Marsa Alam is definitely to this unique place, where you can join one of the many groups available to admire the coral reef, fish, and turtles!
The Dolphin House
So far, we have seen how Marsa Alam is a privileged place for many animal species, but one is missing that has found its ideal habitat here: the dolphins.
South of the town center lies the Dolphin House or Dolphin Reef, one of the many coral reefs in the area, characterized by a distinctive horseshoe shape.
It is believed that the dolphins living there escaped from the sea of Hurghada seeking less crowded places with fewer people and boats, finding the perfect destination here! A visit is definitely a must, but rely on official tours, which are safer and more environmentally respectful.
Luxor
Among what to see in Marsa Alam and Egypt in general, we cannot forget the pyramids and archaeological sites of ancient Egypt. Luxor is the first place we recommend; it is about 350 km from Marsa Alam, but it is an excursion not to be missed if you want to we cannot forget the pyramids and archaeological sites of ancient Egypt. Luxor is the first place we recommend; it is about 350 km from Marsa Alam, but it is an excursion not to be missed if you want to relive the splendors of Egyptian civilization!
Far from the city of Cairo, there lies the ancient capital of Thebes and all its monuments. The Valley of the Kings is the most famous necropolis in the world where many pharaohs are buried and around which many fascinating stories and legends have arisen.
The Karnak Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the most important buildings of ancient Egypt up to the Ptolemaic era. The Luxor Templewas built to celebrate Amun-Ra and features the iconic avenue of sphinxes and numerous other statues commissioned by the pharaohs who succeeded each other over the centuries.
These were our tips on what to see in Marsa Alam. For more similar content and other travel guides, keep following the Meeters blog! If you also like the idea of exploring the world with new friends, join our group trips, such as the one we organized on the Nile!