Golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters make the Egyptian port of Port Ghalib a popular destination not only for sun lovers, but also for divers and snorkelers. You can look forward to breathtaking coral reefs, the opportunity to swim with dolphins and turtles, and gastronomic experiences in local restaurants.
The city is located on the Red Sea coast in eastern Egypt between the popular resorts of Marsa Alam and El Quseir. It is a relatively new and modern location that offers luxury even for the most demanding clients. The transformation from a mere desert was so impressive that Port Ghalib made it onto 24th place among the best destinations according to The New York Times.
It is an Egyptian port whose name means "victor" or "conqueror" in Arabic. It is an apt name, because thirty-five years ago, no one knew this city. It was an uninhabited desert coastline that you probably wouldn't want to visit. However, Kuwaiti billionaire Nasser El Kharafi (who died in April 2011) invested two billion dollars here., which transformed the place into one of the largest and most beautiful resorts in Egypt and the world. Currently, the city covers 18 km of desert coastline.
The fact that the desert area has been transformed into a successful resort is actually good news. This unused area has been given a completely new look – modern hotels, shops, sports facilities, buildings that can be described as engineering marvels, and yachts All this is in line with an ecological approach that is environmentally friendly.
At first glance, the city gives the impression of being a pompous place where a low budget will not suffice.
Port Ghalib is not a place for those who want to travel on a budget. There are no hostels or cheaper accommodation options here. You can find these in nearby towns such as El Quseir or Marsa Alam.
One of the cheapest options right in Port Ghalib is hotel Marina Lodge located on the south side of the lagoon. You can get here free of charge by shuttle bus from the capital.
Five-star hotels are more common. You can choose, for example, Pickalbatros Palace or Pickalbatros Oasis. The first hotel offers terraced gardens and waterfalls, thirteen royal suites (you can get a personal butler when booking this suite) and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area.
In addition to placing yourself in the capable hands of experienced local hoteliers, there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation. You can sunbathe by the pool or on the beach, book a massage, and pamper yourself with a visit to a luxurious restaurant or café. The choice is yours.
If you are one of those who like to dance and sing on vacation, you don't have to go far. The program includes performances by local artists and world-famous celebrities. One of the most talked-about concerts was the performance by Beyoncé Knowles in 2009 – Islamists labeled this performance "satanic." Despite the criticism, it remains one of the most famous concerts ever held here.
Popular places where people go to have fun include Red Club at Sunrise Marina Resort or Disco Club at Palace, which is famous for its house music performances. In the early evening, live music is regularly played in the square at the entrance to the harbor. But that's not all. There are plenty of places where you can dance and sing.
Sports enthusiasts will certainly not be bored either. There are numerous sports facilities, diving centers, and water sports such as windsurfing, parasailing, and water skiing. Fans of the most popular sports such as tennis, basketball, and soccer will also find something to suit them.
What kind of port would it be if it didn't offer cruise ship excursions? And that to nearby Marsa Mubarak Bay, where you can look, for example Nefertari cruise ship This is the famous Pharaoh's ship with a glass bottom. It gives you the opportunity to explore the underwater world from a slightly different perspective: lots of colorful fish, beautiful corals, and often turtles and dolphins. Marsa Mubarak is a place where you can see the "sea cow," or Indian dugong. It is a peaceful sea animal.
For those interested, an hour of snorkeling is also planned. If you are lucky enough, you will swim with a turtle or dugong, which is a truly amazing experience! Then on the boat you will get a special dinner, which you can enjoy with the last rays of the setting sun.
When you get tired of underwater life, you can try shopping. The city is home to luxury department stores, but local shops and markets are also very popular. Don't worry, the markets are safe (although it's best to keep an eye on your wallet). These are places that meet high hygiene standards.
You can buy a wide variety of souvenirs and art, handicrafts, handbags, clothing, water sports equipment, and watches. The selection is very rich, and there is something for everyone.
Merchants accept both local currency and euros and dollars.
