Imagine smooth white sand between your toes, then dipping them in the calm, clear water; a warm sensation before diving in with your snorkel and relishing in the underwater paradise that is the coral reef surrounding you. Welcome to Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, where the vast array of sea life is astounding and the seemingly endless beaches speckled with parasols and cafes will delight you.
It’s hard to go wrong when choosing such a wonderful destination, but it’s easy to improve upon by simply choosing the right resort for your family; so let’s take a look at my top 5 destinations.
Let’s start with Sharm El Sheikh, a spot with perennial sunshine and magnificent mountain views. This sophisticated resort is the perfect getaway for those looking for diversity. Bronze your body with the glistening sun while relaxing against the immaculate sand or take a plunge into the warm water animated with diverse aquatic life and spectacular coral reefs fabulous for diving and snorkelling, and featuring the incredible Ras Mohammed National Park.
Head to the Hadaba and Ras Um Sid area for a relaxing coffee or shop at the local bazaar. The Naama Bay area also offers plenty for those looking for a night of pubbing and clubbing.
For more tranquillity, the natural Makadi Bay resting between meditative mountains and sedate sand dunes is a great little village. Take the family for a day of golfing, horse and camel riding along the great stretches of serene white sand or get active with the many sports facilities on offer.
A more peaceful paradise, this is also a great spot for sunbathing while offering not only snorkelling and diving in the crystalline waters but also the opportunity to go kite surfing.
Also, many bars and restaurants offer live music, delicious local food and a relatively chilled out nightlife.
Packed with family activities and water sports including the usual snorkelling and scuba diving, along with kite surfing, water-skiing and para-sailing, El Gouna is a remarkable location. Consisting of an array of lagoons and islands connected by canals, with 10km of white sandy beaches, this resort has a lot to offer. Boasting traditional and modern architecture, world-class cuisine and exciting attractions such as an aquarium, go-karting, paintballing and much more, you’ll never be lost for something to do.
Not only this, but you can also find upmarket boutiques, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, and many excursions to local archaeological treasures.
For those who wish to capture both the magic of Egyptian towns and the divinity of its beaches, Hurghada is just the place. Lounge along some 20km of golden sand, take a dip in the still, translucent waters or try your hand at diving and snorkelling in the year-round hot sun. For something more cultured, take a stroll down to Old Hurghada to capture a glimpse of bustling bazaars and magnificent mosques while shopping in the many stylish boutiques, dining in fine restaurants or trying out one of many shisha cafes.
Finally, the charming resort Taba is a favourite for those wishing to get more in touch with nature. Besides the luxurious hotels, your entertainment will feature brilliant, undisturbed sunsets, snorkelling and diving in the dazzling blue waters with picturesque mountain backdrops and taking in the warm rays of the Earth’s sun. Those looking for extra culture will be pleased to know that not only is it within easy reach of the pyramids of Giza and the Lost City of Petra, but it also lies on the border with Israel, and is only a short ferry ride away from Jordan.
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Photo by womeos on Flickr
