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Egypt holidays are about more than the pyramids. Think coral reefs, diving spots and an up-and-coming club scene.
Ancient history heaven
From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the metropolis of Cairo and the majestic River Nile, the stories of ancient Egypt go way back. You’ll find plenty of historical sights to ponder, from ancient to modern, then you can relax on the Red Sea Riviera and the Sinai Peninsula.
Hello Hurghada
From a tiny Bedouin village, Hurghada has transformed into a top family-friendly destination on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast. Its long, golden beach is split into sections, each owned by a hotel – as a rule, each patch supplies guests with sunbeds, umbrellas and other essentials, as well as a watersports hut. It’s a top deal, and a world-famous spot for scuba diving, too. Base yourself here and you’ll be in easy reach of other resorts like Soma or Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, as well as El Gouna.
The serene south
Go south from Hurghada and you’ll eventually come to Marsa Alam. This tiny, quiet resort has a more relaxed vibe. Snorkel or dive in dolphin-inhabited waters, discover its coral reefs and see turtles and dugongs. The marine life here is mega. From here, you can also roam the Roman and Egyptian ruins of Quseir or ride through the Valley of the Camels.
The charm of Sharm
Another popular coastal town is Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula. A whopping 35 kilometres of coastline makes up this sandy beach beauty. The sea offers shipwrecks and reefs to explore, while back on land, pool parties, clubs and concerts are all decked out and ready for a dance. Plus, family holidays here might have you hopping over to Naama Bay’s waterpark or taking off on a desert safari.
Best resorts in Egypt
This resort claims Shark Bay, where you can swim safely with local hammerhead sharks and barracudas. Naqb Bay’s also on the edge of Naqb National Park, perfect for snorkelling, or Naama Bay’s decked out with boujie hotels and plenty of lounger-lined beach to go round. For the evenings, the best clubs can also be found here, so stick around to party it up on the strip.
Putting the Red Sea Riviera on the map since the ‘60s, Hurghada’s had a glow up since its days as a small fishing village. You still get a sense of its tradition in the old town, El Dahar, but it’s now matched with a flashy marina. Its 40 kilometres of coastline have produced Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay for your best beach picks, and the water is full of marine life.
Luxor’s on the east bank of the River Nile, where Thebes – the ancient capital of Egypt – once stood. There’s no beach here but the riverside walkway of Sharia al-Corniche is a pretty alternative, full of bars, restaurants and you can board traditional, white-sailed feluccas for a cruise. The Luxor Temple dominates the city’s downtown area and the Temple of Karnak’s just to the north.
Set on the east coast, this resort’s a bit behind Hurghada in the tourism game – it’s got all the same perks, but less of the crowds. Its hotels also come with private stretches of beach, with their own beach bars and loungers.
Top Egypt holiday deals
Jaz Sharks Bay Hotel
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 20 April 2025
Iberotel Luxor
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 27 March 2025
Sindbad Club
Bristol - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 28 March 2025
Xperience Kiroseiz Parkland
Glasgow - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 27 April 2025
Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort
Bristol - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 24 March 2025
Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort Neverland
Bristol - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 24 March 2025
Jaz Makadi Saraya Splash Resort
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 25 March 2025
Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh Hotel
Bristol - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 24 March 2025
Jaz Grand Marsa
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 23 March 2025
Why pick Egypt holidays
UNDERWATER SCENES
SERIOUS BEACH GAME
HISTORICAL LEGEND
NIGHTLIFE PICKS
Your guide to Egypt
Holidays to Egypt have to involve some historical sites – there are too many of them to miss.
- Pyramids of Giza – The iconic Pyramids of Giza are the last standing Ancient Wonder of the World and a must-see for anyone visiting Egypt. The question of how they were built is still debated today but the biggest one, Khufu, is probably the planet’s most colossal single building ever built.
- The Great Sphinx – This famous structure lies to the south of the Great Pyramid and has facial features of a man but the body of a lion. It’s also among the world’s largest sculptures and is thought to have been the work of at least 100 workers over three years.
- Valley of the Kings – Discover the ancient tombs and treasures of the Valley of the Kings, where almost all Egyptian pharaohs were laid to rest, including Tutankhamun. Over 60 tombs have been discovered and you can pick three from a list to visit with an entrance ticket, as well as a tram ticket to get between them all.
- Luxor Temple – This temple was constructed over hundreds of years and was the largest and most significant religious place in Egypt. It’s known to be ‘the place of the First Occasion’, where the god, Amon, experienced rebirth. Try to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds or at sunset when the stones glow golden.
- The Avenue of the Sphinxes – Connecting the Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple, this three-kilometre road is lined either side with over 1,000 statues of sphinxes and rams. It’s thought that this ‘Path of God’ was used during the Opet Festival, where Egyptians would carry statues of Gods down the road in a parade. Today, you can walk the whole thing and see part of it from Luxor Temple.
Egypt’s beaches span Red Sea shores and its Mediterranean coastline, so there are plenty to pick from.
- Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh – Naama Bay is the most famous beach in Sharm El Sheikh – it’s a hub for watersports, like snorkelling and diving – obviously – but also parasailing. The sand’s lined with luxury resorts, restaurants and beach bars, so you can make a whole day of it.
- Makadi Bay, Hurghada – Makadi Bay is another watersports hotspot and a popular pick for families and couples.
- Abu Dabbab Beach, Marsa Alam – Abu Dabbab is also known as the Turtles Beach because of the giant turtles that chill in the sea. Dive in, and you can swim right alongside them. The endangered, dugong or ‘sea cow’ are also spotted here – the two most well-known have been named Dennis and Dougal and are often seen hanging around in summer.
- Al Nayzak Beach, Marsa Alam – Close to the coastal town of Marsa Alam, Al Nayzak has a natural rock pool that the locals call the ‘shooting star’. It’s believed to have been formed by a meteor.
Who says you have to pick just one place on holidays to Egypt? Get a load of these daytrip ideas…
- Mount Sinai – Climb Mount Sinai for a breathtaking sunrise or sunset from the summit – it’s believed Moses received the Ten Commandments up here. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sharm El Sheikh and the hike itself should take three hours.
- White Desert National Park – A surreal landscape of white limestone formations shaped by the wind. The whole place is 300 square kilometres and looks its best at either sunrise or sunset, when the sun hits the rock to create an orangey-pink hue – or, under a full moon for a ghostly look. You can visit here from Cairo.
- Valley of the Camels – AKA Wadi El Gemal National Park is a site of prehistoric rock art, ancient ruins and the mountain, Mons Smaragdus, near Marsa Alam. It’s really rich in wildlife, running along the Red Sea coast with coral reefs and different dive sites, mangroves, bird sanctuaries and lakes.
- Catherine’s Monastery – At the foot of Mount Sinai, this ancient monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. If the monastery museum is locked, you can ask at the Church of the Transfiguration for the key.
The most important artefacts are kept in museum collections and going to see them, with plaques explaining their backstory, is the perfect way to appreciate ancient Egypt.
- The Egyptian Museum, Cairo – Home to the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts – 170,000, to be exact. It’s the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and open every day to go and visit.
- Luxor Museum, Luxor – Admire collections from the Old Kingdom up to the Mamluk period here, gathered from Theban temples and necropolis.
Think rice-stuffed vegetables, kofta, kebabs, houmous, lots of beans and bread.
- Mezze – Small plates – say less. Here, they include different salads, like tabbouleh, and dips, like baba ganoush and houmous.
- Kofta – These tasty mince balls are generally served with bread, salad and tahini.
- Falafel – An all-time favourite street food is falafel, and Egypt backs itself to produce the world’s most delicious version. Instead of ground chickpeas, Egyptians use dried fava beans.
- Koshari – A dish of lentils, rice and pasta served with fried onions and a spicy tomato sauce.
- Ful Medames – This is a classic breakfast dish in North Africa and the Middle East, made of stewed fava beans, tahini, garlic, cumin and lemon – perfect for scooping up with pita bread.
Egypt is a Muslim country and so a lot of locals don’t drink alcohol – it’s still available in many resorts but that also means there are lots of local tasty soft drinks, too.
- Karkade – A popular Egyptian drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. It can be served hot or cold and has a tart, cranberry-like flavour, often sweetened with sugar. It’s also served during special occasions and is believed to have health benefits, like lowering blood pressure.
- Asab – Fresh sugarcane juice, known as asab’ in Arabic and a popular drink sold on the streets in Egypt. The juice is extracted from sugarcane stalks using a mechanical press and served cold, especially appreciated in the hot summer months.
- Shai – This is tea and one of the most commonly consumed beverages in Egypt. Egyptian tea is typically black tea, served with sugar and sometimes with fresh mint leaves.
- Ahwa – Traditional Egyptian coffee is a strong, dark coffee, often flavoured with cardamom. It’s like Turkish coffee, with a thick consistency and a layer of grounds at the bottom and can be enjoyed sweetened or unsweetened.
Souks are part of the culture in the Middle East, so haggling for your Egyptian holiday pressies is how it’s done.
- Khan El Khalili, Cairo – One of the most famous markets in Egypt, Khan El Khalili is a bustling, historic bazaar located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. It dates back to the 14th century and is a must-visit for any tourist in Cairo. Jewellery, particularly gold and silver pieces, is a popular choice, along with traditional Egyptian handicrafts, spices, perfumes, leather goods, and intricately designed lanterns.
- Luxor Souk, Luxor – Found near the Luxor Temple, this market offers a more laidback shopping experience compared to Khan El Khalili. It’s less crowded and a good place to find local products. Popular items to buy include alabaster crafts, papyrus, traditional clothing, spices, and perfumes. For a more relaxed shopping experience, consider visiting in the afternoon when the market is quieter.
- Old Market, Sharm El Sheikh – Also known as Sharm’s Souk, this market offers a mix of traditional Egyptian goods and souvenirs. Items such as papyrus, jewellery, glassware, textiles, and traditional Egyptian clothing are popular buys. For the best experience, visit in the evening when the market is cooler and more vibrant. Don’t forget to haggle, as prices are often marked up for tourists, so negotiating can help you get a fair deal.
- Sharia Al-Souq, Hurghada – This popular market caters to both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of souvenirs and local products. You’ll find traditional Egyptian souvenirs, spices, shisha pipes and local crafts here. Combine your market visit with a stroll along the nearby marina to see the best of Hurghada in one.
Egypt isn’t just desert and stone, the underwater world here is made up of stunning reefs, interesting wrecks and diverse marine life – perfect for diving.
- Ras Mohammed, Sharm El Sheikh – Egypt’s first national park and one of the most famous dive sites in the world. Its underwater landscape features steep coral walls, vibrant reefs and loads of marine life, including schools of fish, sharks and turtles. Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef and the Eel Garden are the top dive sites.
- Thistlegorm Wreck, Sharm El Sheikh – A World War II shipwreck that lies at the bottom of the Red Sea. It’s one of the most famous wreck dives in the world, with well-preserved cargo, including military vehicles, motorcycles and ammunition. Top tip – This site is ideal for experienced divers, due to the depth and need to navigate through the wreck. The marine life around the wreck is also impressive if you’d rather swim around it.
- Tiran Island, Sharm El Sheikh – This place is surrounded by some of the most spectacular reefs in the Red Sea, including Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon Reefs. They’re teeming with marine life, including sharks, rays and large schools of fish. The coral formations are also really well-preserved, perfect for both diving and snorkelling.
When on the Nile, a river cruise is a must. It’s the longest river in Africa and the entire world.
- Scenic views – Cruising along the Nile is ideal for taking in the lush landscapes that stand out from the surrounding desert. They go at a slow pace so you can soak in the scenery, featuring plenty of palm trees, traditional villages and farmers working the fields.
- Sunrise and sunset – The Nile is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, so book a cruise with a sunset coffee break to catch golden hour.
- Red Sea resorts – It’s also possible to combine a Nile cruise with a stay at one of Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, such as Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, for a beach holiday after exploring the ancient sites.
Holidays to Egypt are a classic opportunity to try a hot air balloon ride – the orange hues of sunset, the sandy landmarks below and other colourful dots floating in the distance… it’s one for the album
- Bird’s-eye view – Spoiler… you won’t get this view on the ground – maybe from your plane’s window seat but this is in the open air, so no need to press your nose against the glass and the views are 360°.
- Unreal photos opportunities – The 360-degree views mean endless photo angles. The soft morning light, sweeping landscapes and ancient monuments below make for stunning backdrops.
- Escape the crowds – Unlike visiting tourist sites on the ground, a hot air balloon ride offers a private and unobstructed view of them, away from the hustle and bustle. Any crowds around you are just other balloons, and that only adds to the aesthetic.
You can get the train between Cairo, Alexandria and the Nile Valley cities of Luxor and Aswan. Egypt’s train system offers several classes, including First Class, Second Class and sleeper trains for overnight journeys, which waste no time at all. You also get the added bonus of scenic views of the Nile River and countryside as you pass through other places.
Top tip – Book tickets in advance for first flass tickets and sleeper trains – the lines between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan are really popular with tourists. The national railway operator, ENR (Egyptian National Railways) also allow online bookings.
For budget travel and reaching destinations not accessible by train or plane, like smaller towns and the Sinai Peninsula, buses are the best way. They’re also a cheaper option for getting between major cities like Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. Go Bus, SuperJet, and Blue Bus are some of the major operators providing long-distance bus services and you can pick various comfort levels, from basic to VIP services. Within cities, you can also use public minibuses, favoured by the locals. They have fixed routes and can be flagged down along the way – it’s a real authentic experience.
If the public minibuses sound a bit complicated to you, taxis are perfect for short trips within cities, airport transfers or even some daytrip distances. They’re widely available in cities like Cairo and Alexandria, but make sure to negotiate the fare or check a meter is being used. Uber and Careem are also available in major cities for a familiar alternative to traditional taxis.
Top tip – Checking ride-sharing apps can help give you an idea of the price of a journey, so you know if you’re being ripped off by a local driver and can help you negotiate on a fare upfront if there’s no meter.
To be extra flexible, hiring a car means you can go at your own pace, do daytrips on your own and explore areas where public transport is less accessible. You can even hire a car with a driver, which is quite common in Egypt, or rent your own – just be aware of traffic and local driving habits. It’s especially easy for families and large groups.
You can get ferries between the mainland and Red Sea resorts, such as Hurghada to Sharm El Sheikh. The scenic sea views definitely add something to your journey but it’s best to check schedules in advance, as services can be less frequent. River cruises are also great for getting between Luxor and Aswan along the Nile River and you can take in the sites along the way. Traditional dahabiya are small sail boats for a more intimate experience over the larger cruise ships, too.
Long-distance travel between major cities like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada can be done quickest by taking internal flights. EgyptAir, Nile Air, Air Cairo and other local carriers offer regular domestic flights, which are fast and make sure you can maximize exploring time for key places, like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings or the Red Sea resorts. If you’re travelling in peak tourist season, try to book your flights in advance.
Why we love Egypt
Here are some top tips from our team…
Popular holiday types
They’re your classic Egypt holidays, but what you pay when you book could be all you spend all trip… It feels like a real treat but it’s also a serious budget hack because you’re not just getting your hotel and flights included, but also food, drink and sometimes experiences, all for one price you pick up front.
Watersports destinations are a win for family holidays and Egypt’s diving and snorkelling scene are up there with the best. The visibility along the Red Sea coast is ideal for spotting local marine life, or just swimming in clear and calm waters for little ones. There are plenty of hotel picks that offer kids’ clubs and activity programmes to entertain them so you can take some time for yourself, too.
If all this sounds too good to wait any longer, go on holiday to Egypt, like, now… Last-minute deals can be a great way to save money and embrace your spontaneous side. Egypt’s a win for winter sun, too, so, no matter what time of year it is, you can’t really go wrong.
Think sunset boat cruises, hot air balloon rides and private snorkelling daytrips – holidays to Egypt were born to be boujie if that’s your style. The hotel scene here is all set with beachfront plots, epic pool scenes with swim-up bars and local spa treatments. Pick four and five-star places from brands like TUI BLUE and the JAZ Hotel Group and you’ll be in for a treat.
Egypt FAQs
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound – US dollars are also accepted by some larger hotels but it’s best to take the local currency with you.
October to April is considered the best time to go to Egypt, as the days are still warm but more bearable for exploring and being out and about over midday. December, January and February are the coldest months, averaging in the high-teens, or either side of winter – October, November or March, April – are more mid to high-20s. If you want to go when it’s cheapest, summer is actually the low season, from May to August, when it can get pretty hot.
It’s custom to tip between 10-15% of your total bill at restaurants and cafés and in other places, it isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. You can tip tour leaders, drivers and hotel staff 10-20 Egyptian pounds for good service.
As Egypt is largely a Muslim country, conservative clothing is seen as respectful of the local culture. For mosque visits, you’ll need to cover up from ankle to elbow and cover your hair with a scarf. Especially in the heat, loose fitting, linen or cotton pieces are great for staying cool but of course, on the beach, swimwear is fine and most hotels don’t have a dress code.
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Egypt travel advice
Passports and Visas
As a British citizen, you must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Egypt. For a small fee, you can apply through our visa and travel authorisation partner – Sherpa.
If you’re only travelling to Taba and/or Sharm el Sheikh, you won’t need a visa. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/health
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HOT PICK
Stay right in front of the beach near prime snorkelling territory at Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh in Egypt.
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