Egypt indeed has two surreal coasts that are home to stunning beaches. Whenever it’s time to plan a much-needed getaway, consider yourself lucky to be in Egypt.
We’ve compiled for you a list of the best Mediterranean Sea beaches and the best Red Sea beaches, so you can choose where to head for your next beach holiday in Egypt.
Mediterranean Sea
The stretch of the Mediterranean is a wonder to behold. It’s where you can go for the classic experience of going to the beach. It’s the various shades of blue and the white sandy beaches that will keep you hooked—not to mention the crashing waves!
Take a look at these destinations for some of the top beaches in Egypt’s Mediterranean Sea:
1. Mamoura Beach, Alexandria
Alexandria is everyone’s favorite city by the sea. While it’s mostly known for its historical significance, it has always been a popular choice for beachgoers.
One of the best beaches in Alexandria is Mamoura Beach, which will definitely have you reminiscing over your childhood holidays.
The beach has a public space which can become a bit crowded over the summer months and another public one. It would be wise to pay a fee to get into the private part of the beach, a stretch that’s well taken care of and lovely.
Location
Mamoura Beach is located in the Mamoura neighborhood just east of Montazah in Alexandria, off the main corniche road.
Commute from Cairo
2-3 hours
Nearby Hotels
- Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria
- Cherry Maryski
- Paradise Inn Le Metropole
Facilities
- Boardwalk
- Ice-cream shops
- Food stalls
- Umbrellas at the private beach.
Price
Entrance to the private beach is 50 L.E. per person.
2. North Coast
One couldn’t just pick one great beach in the endless stretch on the North Coast. The entirety of it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
There are little places where you can truly enjoy crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches below hypnotizing blue skies. The North Coast is filled with private resorts, each taking their portion of the seemingly infinite beachline.
Location
The North Coast is located a little more than 200 km away from Cairo, part of the Mediterranean coast.
Commute from Cairo
The time depends on the resort you will stay in, but the average is about 3 hours.
Popular Resorts
Below are some of the top areas there and the most famous resorts in those respective spots, where the best beaches in the North Coast can be found.
- Ras Al Hikma: La Vista, Mountain View, Fouka Bay
- Sidi Abdel Rahman: Marassi, Amwaj, Blumar Wadi Degla
- Ghazala Bay: Ghazala Bay Resort, Zoya Ghazala Bay
You can check all available properties for rent at North Coast right here on Property Finder. Furthermore, here’s an exclusive guide on the best compounds in the North Coast.
3. Agiba Beach, Marsa Matrouh
Matrouh is famous for its rocky beaches and less developed aura than the North Coast. The waters are generally crystal clear, and there are many beautiful public beaches in the city such as Cleopatra Beach and Romel Beach.
However, there’s one that always manages to catch our hearts and that’s Agiba which is one of the most famous beaches in Egypt. Agiba translates to Miracle, a description that’s quite fitting here.
The beach is not the biggest, yet it’s one of the most iconic hidden spots in the region. You can only reach it by walking down a rock path, but don’t forget to take in the view from above first. It’s a fascinating scene, and one for your instagram account!
Then when you reach the beach itself, you will truly feel like you never saw any clearer waters in your entire life.
Location
The beach is located about 24 km to the west of Marsa Matrouh downtown.
Commute from Cairo
5-6 hours
Nearby Hotels
- Porto Matrouh Beach Resort
- Carols Beau Rivage Matrouh
Facilities
- Cliff-side cafe
- Umbrellas and chairs
- Stunning views
Price
It’s a free-to-enter public beach.
Red Sea
Many believe that the best sandy beaches in Egypt are in the Red Sea. While Ain Al Sokhna is the place to go for beaches near Cairo, you’ll usually find the best Egypt beaches in places like Marsa Alam or Dahab. Check below!
1. Al Nayzak, Marsa Alam
Al Nayzak translates to the meteor, which is the origin story of this beach. Who knew meteor strikes could form such beauty? The natural pool is a paradise on Earth, easily one of the best beaches in Egypt for holidays.
Imagine an eye-shaped rock pool at the edge of the beach where you can relax and take in the beautiful backdrop of the sky and the sea. It is 8-10 meters deep with a range of underwater creatures living there, so perfect for diving and snorkelling.
What’s more, the water is very warm all year which means it’s an ideal winter off-the-beaten-track diving spot too!
Location
Al Nayzak is just a few minutes drive from Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam.
Commute from Cairo
8-9 hours
Nearby Hotels
- Novotel Marsa Alam
- Jaz Alaya
- Steigenberger Coraya Beach
2. Sharm El Luli, Marsa Alam
Another gem in Marsa Alam is Sharm El Luli beach. On a distant land, remote from any populous area, you’ll find this beautiful primitive beach that draws you to forget everything outside of its confines.
This is not only the best beach in Marsa Alam, but was actually voted as the best beach in the Middle East by Trip Advisor a few years back. It’s part of a national park so don’t expect any facilities, which is the appeal in a way.
Commonly compared to the tranquil waters of the Maldives, all you have to do is enjoy a peaceful swim.
Location
The beach is located about 60 km just south of Marsa Alam.
Commute from Cairo
9 hours
Nearby Hotels
Shams Alam Beach Resort
3. Fjord Bay, Taba
This mountainy beach in Taba will stun you with its beauty. Its crystal clear waters are also a perfect diving spot with colorful coral reefs and vibrant sea life, making it one of the greatest beaches in Egypt’s Red Sea.
You wouldn’t believe the amazing coral reefs and underwater creatures living in those waters. The beach is protected on 3 sides by mountainous terrain, so the water is protected and clean, which is the reason why it’s beautifully clear and almost transparent.
Furthermore, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, you can combine a dive with a hike around the mountains where you can capture one-of-a-kind shots of the fjord.
Location
Fjord Bay is located about 15 km to the south of Taba.
Commute from Cairo
5 hours
Nearby Hotels
- Tolip Taba Resort and Spa
- Mosaique Beach Resort, Taba Heights
4. Ras Abu Galum, Dahab
Reaching this place is a journey on its own. First, you make your way to the Blue Hole, one of Dahab’s most iconic spots. Next, you take a Zodiac boat along a mountain till you reach Ras Abu Galum; otherwise, you could take an hour and a half hike or opt for a camel ride.
Once there, you will notice the unrivaled serenity of the place. Ras Abu Galum is a protected area that offers a truly unique diving experience. Your GoPro or any underwater camera is a must here!
If you want to take it a further step, you could drive up to the Blue Lagoon, and experience seclusion in heaven where you can find chilling campers and adventurous windsurfers.
Location
Ras Abu Galum is located within a Bedoin village just 15 km to the north of Dahab.
Commute from Cairo
6 hours
Nearby Hotels
- Blue Beach Club
- Bedouin Moon
5. Ras Shaitan, Nuweiba
While this beach may look underwhelming when compared to its predecessors on the list, Ras Shitan is primarily a relaxing spot. The many huts and camps on this beach are available for rent, and a night or two here will surely relieve you of any pent-up stress.
It’s the perfect getaway beach if you’re looking for a spot to finish up a good book or enjoy listening to soothing tracks.
Location
Ras Shaitan is easy to reach, located about a 30-minute drive to the north of Nuweiba.
Commute from Cairo
5-6 hours
Facilities
- Camps
- Huts
- Bedouin breakfast and dinner
Popular Camps
- Wishwashi Camp & Resort: Starting 350 L.E. per night
- New Moon Island Camp: Starting 150 L.E. per night
You have to check out this list of best camping spots in Egypt on Property Finder, which includes Ras Shaitan.
6. Ras Um Sid, Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh beaches are plentiful and are very difficult to choose from, but Ras Um Sid is chosen by many as the best beach in Sharm El Sheikh. Divers head there to explore the beauty of its coral reefs and catch a glimpse of its rare fish.
If you’re not really a diver, this spot is among the best snorkelling beaches in Egypt. You can take a good look from the surface of the water no problem! The area surrounding the beach is not as crowded as other beaches in Sharm El Sheikh during high seasons, so quite ideal.
Location
The beach is located at El Fanar St., Um Sid Hill, Sharm El Sheikh.
Facilities
- Snacks and drinks
- Seating and umbrellas
- Parasailing
- Diving and snorkelling
Price
The ticket to enter the beach is $10 per person.
7. Sharks Bay Beach, Sharm El Sheikh
Many resorts take their place round this breathtaking beach. The crystal clear waters make this a perfect spot for snorkeling or diving.
Despite its development, many Sharm residents believe this to be the closest beach to how Sharm used to feel before large-scale tourism.
Don’t let its name disrupt your laid-back experience; there are no sharks in Sharks Bay today. The name simply came from old stories when sharks used to swim around the bay.
Location
Shark’s Bay is located at Qesm Sharm El Sheikh.
Commute from Cairo
6 hours
Nearby Hotels
- Hilton Sharks Bay Resort
- Savoy
- Concorde El Salam
Facilities
- Kiosk
- Toilets
- Picnic tables
- BBQ
- Cafes and restaurants
- Sunbeds for extra charge (5 L.E.)
- Watersports
Price
Entrance fee is 15 L.E. per person.
8. El Gouna
El Gouna, of course, is not simply a beach, but a resort, or rather a city, of its own. This Red Sea spot is nicknamed the Maldives of Egypt for its luxurious resorts.
It’s the spot for those who’re looking for a high-end retreat much more than a Bedouin experience. Beaches in El Gouna are the ultimate experience you’re looking for.
Location
El Gouna is 25 km to the north of Hurghada.
Commute from Cairo
5 hours
Popular Resorts
Here are some of its popular resorts with the best beaches in El Gouna:
- Bellevue Beach Hotel
- Club 88
- Marina Hotels Beach Club
- Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna
- Smokery Beach
9. Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada
Hurghada holds many great spots and beaches, but if you’re looking for a premium destination, then Sahl Hasheesh bay is the way to go.
There are many hotels and villages spread along this 40-kilometer beach, and water activities are plentiful such as diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and yachting. Furthermore, it’s also a favorite beach destination in Egypt for honeymooners.
Location
Sahl Hasheesh is located about 18 km to the south of Hurghada.
Commute from Cairo
5-6 hours
Popular Resorts
The best beaches in Sahl Hasheesh are tucked away within these top-notch resorts:
- Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh
- The Oberoi Beach Resort
- Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh
10. Mahmya Island, Hurghada
Mahmya means protectorate in Arabic, and it’s actually located in the Giftun Island National Park. By a simple boat ride from Hurghada, you can reach Mahmya where you can visit the park, and enjoy the exotic beach, one of the best beaches in Hurghada.
You will not want to leave once you lay eyes on the blue waters at Mahmya Island. It’s a haven for scuba diving since its underwater world is to die for.
Location
The island is about 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada.
Commute from Cairo
5-6 hours
Nearby Hotels
- Sindbad Club
- Minamark Beach Resort
- Marriott Beach Resort
- Arabella Azur Resort
We hope this answers your question regarding what is the best beach in Egypt for the holidays; now get ready to plan your next trip.
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