Egypt hides an incredible number of beautiful places. One of them is the peaceful town of Marsa Alam. It lies on the coast of the Red Sea and is a popular tourist destination—mainly thanks to its stunning sea and the diversity of the local underwater world.
Curious archaeologists have learned about the history of Marsa Alam thanks to well-preserved inscriptions and paintings in the surrounding mountains. Some of them were carved thousands of years ago and depict hunting scenes and various animal species. Graffiti from later periods suggest that Marsa Alam may once have been a major trade route between Thebes and the Red Sea.
Experienced historians also believe that the local emerald mines were the very first in the world and served as the sole source of emeralds for the Roman Empire. Anyone visiting this part of Egypt can follow the traces of emerald secrets and ancient rock art.
While Hurghada was rapidly becoming the largest tourist center in Egypt, Marsa Alam remained almost unnoticed for a long time. This began to change in the late 1990s, when some people started to recognize the enormous tourism potential the area holds. In 2003, the first international airport was built here, opening the gates to the world and attracting visitors from across the globe.
Significant investments were also made in road infrastructure and the overall development of the region. Today, several hotel resorts stand here, forming an essential part of travel agency catalogues. Tourism growth has been driven mainly by beautiful beaches, important historical sites, and a wealth of coral reefs and marine life that attract divers and snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world.
As mentioned earlier, the rich underwater life attracts countless “underwater” travelers. But that’s far from all you can experience here. Thanks to favorable weather conditions, the area has also become popular with windsurfing enthusiasts, who enjoy ideal conditions for riding the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
If you feel like taking a break from sports, you can—just as in other parts of Egypt—set out to explore historical sites. Nearby, you can visit the emerald mines or the Temple of Seti I in Khanais. If you’re looking for an active and varied holiday, Marsa Alam is an excellent choice.
Hotel resorts also offer exotic trips into the desert and mountains, including jeep safaris, camel rides, and visits to Bedouin tent camps. For those interested in classic Egyptian heritage, excursions to the pharaonic monuments along the Nile, including Luxor, are also available.
Another highlight is the Wadi El Gemal nature park, located south of Marsa Alam. It is one of the most impressive natural parks in Egypt, home to a wide variety of exotic animal and plant species.
The local climate also adds greatly to the area’s appeal. Sunshine is guaranteed all year round, and in terms of sunny hours, Marsa Alam ranks among the sunniest places in the world. At the same time, summer temperatures do not reach extreme levels, so the heat remains pleasant rather than overwhelming. It’s simply a perfect destination for a holiday you’ll remember for many years.
From February through December, the average temperature never drops below 20 °C, making it an ideal year-round destination. You can enjoy the unique atmosphere and stunning sea even when there is unpleasant winter weather back home.
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