Vacation in Egypt

A vacation in Egypt offers adventure and relaxation for both the soul and body. Enjoy a luxurious stay on the exotic Red Sea coast, where culture, history, and nature intertwine, making Egypt an irresistible destination. With stunning beaches and endless opportunities to explore historical sites or savor local cuisine, it's a magnet for tourists worldwide. If sandy beaches, warm sun, and crystal-clear turquoise waters are what you seek, then a vacation in Egypt is your ideal choice.

>>> Traveling to Africa? You might also be interested in an article with tips on the 5 best places for a vacation in Africa.

Don't Miss the Most Beautiful Places

Let's discover the most beautiful vacation beaches along the Nile coast that attract both solo travelers and families with children. These selected beaches offer a chance to escape reality and gain a fresh perspective on life.

Sharm El Sheikh: Naama Bay Beach

If sunbathing is a must or you're passionate about diving, Naama Bay is the place to be. It's perfect for snorkeling by day and enjoying nightlife after sunset. For those eager to explore, Sharm El Sheikh offers attractions that promise unforgettable experiences.

Al Mustafa Mosque stands out with its two majestic minarets and central dome, completed in 2008. Another highlight is Soho Square, the city's entertainment hub. Enjoy the "dancing fountain" show, synchronized with music, and watch skaters glide on the rink.

Hurghada: El Gouna Beach 

Looking to learn a new sport to "take home"? The KBC Center in El Gouna is the largest for both beginners and advanced water sports enthusiasts. A skilled team of instructors will introduce you to kitesurfing.

The Red Sea coast is a popular resort with access to the stunning Giftun Islands and the eastern Arabian desert. Experience the desert safari or camel rides in desert Hurghada for a memorable vacation.

Makadi Bay: Makadi Beach

Still deciding where to vacation in Egypt? Makadi Beach is an excellent choice for families. Located on the Red Sea Riviera, between desert and mountains, it offers warm white sand, crystal blue waters for swimming or diving, and trips to the national park of the Giftun Islands.

History and culture enthusiasts can visit the monasteries of St. Anthony or St. Paul and the ancient city of Luxor along the Nile River.

Dahab: Lagoon Beach

Explore the underwater world in the Blue Lagoon, where you can see coral reefs and swim with marine creatures. Blue Lagoon Beach offers a stunning contrast between the water and mountains. The turquoise sea and white sand make it a must-visit in Egypt.

For adventurers, Dahab offers authentic experiences. How about a trip to the Dahab Canyon? Capture amazing photos and visit the Blue Hole. Enjoy a day in this beautiful place and create lasting memories. Don't miss the camel ride, a quintessential part of an Egyptian vacation! Ready to go?

Before You Head to Egypt

Many wonder if a vacation in Egypt is safe. Here, we'll share some basic tips and advice on preparing for your trip, what not to forget, and insights into local customs and religious practices.

While Egypt has potential security risks, tourist areas in the southern Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea coast are considered safe. Exercise normal caution with personal belongings and be mindful of etiquette regarding dress and behavior in public. Tourism is vital to the Egyptian economy, and visitors are welcome.

1. Learn a Few Arabic Phrases

Most Egyptians are helpful, but many may not understand you. Learning some basic phrases can make locals friendlier and show you care. Try words like: “al salam alaykom” (hello), “shukran” (thank you), “aywa” (yes), “la’a” (no), and “ma’al-salama” (goodbye).

2. Don't Underestimate Egypt's Weather

Sunscreen is essential to avoid spending your vacation with ice packs, especially if visiting in summer. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures from 34.7 °C to 43.3 °C.

Pack light clothing in neutral colors. Don't forget eye protection with quality sunglasses and a head covering to prevent sunstroke.

3. Observe Etiquette in Cities and Cultural Sites

In Egypt, women should dress modestly. Men can wear tank tops, but it's better to leave short shorts at the hotel when in the city. Beach destinations are more relaxed, but local customs should be respected. Let's look at specific places and dressing etiquette:

• Visiting a mosque - remove shoes before entering, and women should cover their heads.
• Visiting historical and cultural monuments - don't touch antiques, ensure your camera flash is off, and avoid photographing military bases, airports, government buildings, dams, bridges, and other state security-related objects. This is strictly prohibited.
• Beach - dress codes are less strict in coastal areas, but always observe local customs and avoid disruptive or extravagant behavior.

Gastronomy in Egypt

Egyptian Dishes

Egyptian cuisine is rich in diverse ingredients, influenced by Middle Eastern culture and history. Dishes often feature stewed meat and vegetables, with popular local markets offering street food. Don't miss kushari, a mix of noodles, rice, lentils, onions, and tomato sauce, or ta’amiyya, Egyptian falafel made from fava beans.

Egyptians also enjoy lamb kebabs, grilled chicken, seafood, and sweet desserts. Favorites include mahallabiye, a milk pudding with pine nuts and almonds, or ruz bi laban, rice pudding.

A trip to Egypt isn't complete without tasting the national dish, Fuul medames. This simple, nutritious dish features fava beans stewed with olive oil, cumin, and spices, served with parsley, chili, lemon juice, and garlic.

Egyptian Drinks

For drinks, try karkade, a refreshing hibiscus flower beverage served hot or cold. Sahleb is a delightful milk drink with chopped nuts and raisins, a perfect dessert alternative. Egyptians often spend hours in cafes enjoying tea or coffee with a hookah.

Avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues that could spoil your vacation. Follow the locals' lead and opt for bottled water.

Most Egyptians are Muslims, and Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, changes eating habits. While tourists enjoying local dishes during the day won't shock Egyptian Muslims, it's respectful to avoid eating or smoking in public. The same applies to alcohol, available only in select stores at higher prices than in Slovakia. Drinking alcohol in public isn't advised, nor is appearing intoxicated. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer in your room.

Conclusion

Egypt is a land of mystery for many Europeans, inviting exploration. Its rich history, culture, and warm sunny weather create the perfect vacation destination. With these simple tips, your Egyptian vacation will be unforgettable, and you'll likely want to return. Despite safety concerns, following certain guidelines ensures a rewarding trip to Egypt.