Egypt Holidays

Best time to go to Egypt

One thing you don’t have to worry about when visiting Egypt is rain or cold – but you might like to skip the hottest season of the year. Summer in Egypt (May–August) regularly sees temperatures soar to 40°C and beyond. Egypt experiences a surge of visitors during the UK winter – November to February – when the temperatures are cool but still delightful – think 25–30°C during the day and sometimes dropping cooler at night. This means the ideal seasons to dodge both the intense heat and the crowds are March/April and September/October.

If you’re visiting the pyramids or exploring bustling Cairo, winter is the best option considering the temperatures, while beach resorts are good to visit in spring, autumn and winter. However, if summer is your only option, it is still viable to visit since several big museums (and almost all tourist accommodations) are air-conditioned, and the Nile tends to have a slightly cooler breeze (so a river cruise could be a good choice). Conditions for diving in Egypt are good year-round, but the best months to see dolphins off the Dahab coral reef are March until November.

How to get to Egypt

Egypt is surprisingly easy to reach from the UK. Direct flights to Egypt are available from London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham and take just over five hours. Other airports do run flights to Egypt, but these all involve a stop-over. From London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham, you can also take a direct flight to the coastal resort Sharm-El-Sheikh, while London Heathrow and Manchester offer direct routes to Cairo. London Heathrow is often the only airport running a direct flight to Luxor. Many UK airports such as Belfast, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Glasgow – plus London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham – run direct routes to Hurghada, taking between five and seven hours.

Getting around Egypt

Once you land, if you’ve booked a hotel in Egypt, it’s likely you will have transfers directly to your resort. Many people opt to book on 4x4 or coach tours, or boat tours too, to see their favourite sights in the country – and this is a very hassle-free way to get around. You can also hire a car with a private driver for one or several days. It’s not as expensive as you might think and, again, hassle-free. You could also hire a car and drive yourself. Driving isn’t that chaotic outside of infamous Cairo, and it gives you great flexibility, but if you’re heading out into the countryside or desert, be sure to opt for a 4x4 so it can handle anything.

For sights along the Nile, and to get to Red Sea resorts, taking a ferry is also a great and scenic option. Egypt also has a reputable rail system covering a limited network in the country, and offering night trains. This is a good choice for an exciting, scenic and comfortable long-haul journey, for example, Cairo to Alexandria, the Delta and the Canal Zone, along the coast and up the Nile Valley to Luxor and Aswan.

Things to Do on Your Egypt Holidays

Top 14 Sights in Egypt

Prepare to be mesmerized by Egypt's rich history and stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the must-see highlights for your Egypt holidays:

• Egyptian Museum, Cairo: Dive into history at one of the world's most renowned museum collections. This mansion-turned-museum is home to an incredible array of exhibits and galleries that bring ancient Egypt to life.

• Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx: No Egypt holiday is complete without visiting these iconic wonders. The Pyramids are not just an awe-inspiring construction but also a gateway to ancient Egyptian history.

• Luxor Temples: The Temples of Karnak and Luxor Temple are not to be missed. These sites offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egypt, with their colossal statues and impressive architecture.

• Valley of the Kings: Explore the ancient royal burial site near Luxor. Choose three tombs to visit with your main entry ticket, or opt for additional tombs for a more comprehensive experience.

• Valley of the Queens: Smaller than the Valley of the Kings but equally impressive, especially the tomb of Queen Nefertari with its vibrant colors.

• Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara: Witness one of the world's oldest stone structures, now open to the public to explore its interior and tunnels.

• Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid in Dahshur: Visit these ancient pyramids and explore their interiors and chambers.

• Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve: A popular spot for divers due to its stunning coral reef, but the reserve also boasts mangrove forests and diverse wildlife.

• Nile Cruise: A quintessential Egypt holiday experience, offering a chance to see multiple sights along the Luxor to Aswan route.

• Explore Cairo: Discover Islamic Cairo's rich architecture and Coptic Cairo's historical sites, including various churches and mosques.

• Visit Alexandria: A city rich in history, with highlights like the Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria National Museum, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

• Sharm-el-Sheikh: Renowned for world-class diving and dreamy beaches.

• Hike Mount Sinai: A site of religious significance and a popular hiking destination, offering spectacular sunrise views.

• The White Desert: Known for its white color and unique rock formations, it's a photogenic landscape best explored through a guided tour.

These destinations and activities offer a glimpse into Egypt's ancient wonders and natural beauty, making your Egypt holidays truly unforgettable.

The 10 Most Popular Beaches in Egypt for Your Egypt Holidays

Egypt is not only about ancient pyramids and pharaohs; it's also home to some of the most stunning beaches, perfect for your Egypt holidays. Here's a roundup of the top beaches to visit:

• Naama Bay, Sharm-el-Sheikh: A beach that has it all - sandy shores, clear shallow waters, lifeguards, and a range of facilities and water sports for a fun day out.

• Blue Lagoon, Dahab: Ideal for kite-surfing and off-shore diving, offering a blend of adventure and scenic beauty.

• Giftun Islands: Known for luxurious Red Sea diving experiences and five-star amenities, these islands, especially Mahmya Island, offer an escape to paradise.

• Abu Dabbab Beach, Marsa Alam: Features a wide sandy shore and exceptional diving around vibrant coral reefs.

• Cleopatra’s Beach, Marsa Matruh: A hub for water sports like parasailing, surfing, kite surfing, and scuba diving, coupled with stunning geological features.

• Ras Mohamed National Park: Offers pristine beaches and is renowned as one of the best dive sites in the world.

• Wadi El Gemal National Park, Marsa Alam: Access this national park for a small fee and explore untouched beaches, while potentially encountering local wildlife.

• Sharm El Luli, near Marsa Alam: A quieter option, this beach offers a white-sand shoreline with sparkling azure waters, backed by desert landscapes and excellent snorkelling conditions.

• Soma Bay, Safaga: Combines luxury resorts with top-notch facilities and world-class dive sites featuring diverse marine life.

• El Gouna, Hurghada: A family-friendly resort town with a variety of accommodation options, pristine beaches, and proximity to excellent diving spots.

These beaches, ranging from luxurious resort towns to untouched natural reserves, offer something for every beach lover on their Egypt holidays. Whether you're looking to dive, relax on the sand, or engage in water sports, these beaches won't disappoint.

Savour the Flavours of Egypt: A Culinary Journey

Best Time to Indulge in Egyptian Cuisine

Egypt's diverse culinary landscape is as rich as its history, making any time a great time for a food adventure. However, the cooler months from November to February offer a more comfortable climate for exploring outdoor food markets and street vendors.

A Taste of Tradition: Must-Try Egyptian Dishes

• Falafel (Ta'ameya): This iconic Egyptian dish, originally made with fava beans, is a staple in local cuisine. Enjoy it as a breakfast treat or stuffed in pita as a hearty snack.

• Shakshuka: A delightful blend of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, often enjoyed with flatbread. It's a versatile dish, perfect for any meal.

• Eggah: Think of it as Egypt's answer to the frittata, a dense omelette filled with veggies and sometimes meat, baked to perfection.

• Bamya: A comforting stew made with okra and lamb, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and a favourite among locals.

Street Food Delights

• Shawarma: A global street food favourite, this Egyptian version features spiced and marinated meat, typically chicken or beef, cooked on a spit and served in a sandwich.

• Hawawshi: An Egyptian meat pie, a delicious bread pie filled with spiced minced meat, typically baked in a normal oven or rotisserie oven.

For Cheese Lovers

Egyptian cheese, dating back to the First Dynasty, is a testament to the country's deep culinary roots. Today, varieties like Mish (a fermented cheese), Domiati, and Rumi (similar to pecorino) are widely enjoyed.

Vegetarian-Friendly Options

• Mahshi: Vegetables stuffed with a mix of rice, herbs, and spices, often available in vegan or vegetarian versions.

• Ful Medames: A staple Egyptian dish with fava beans, often enjoyed as part of an Arabic mezze.

Sweet Endings

• Kunafa: A special dessert made with konafa dough, typically filled with cream or cheese, baked, and served with syrup. A must-try for those with a sweet tooth.

Egyptian Beverages

• Egyptian Tea and Coffee: At places like Fishawi’s Café in Cairo, you can enjoy traditional Egyptian tea or coffee, a perfect accompaniment to a plate of pastries.

Where to Dine

Cairo offers a plethora of dining options, from street food vendors to upscale restaurants. Try out local dishes at renowned establishments like Abou El Sid or Cairo Kitchen for an authentic Egyptian dining experience.

Exploring Egypt's culinary landscape is as much a part of the travel experience as visiting its ancient monuments. From street food to fine dining, Egyptian cuisine offers a journey through flavours that reflect the country's rich cultural tapestry.

Water sports in Egypt

Diving in the Red Sea – exploring the smorgasbord of reefs and wrecks on offer there – is obviously the number one water sport in this sun-drenched country. If scuba diving seems a bit too advanced for you, there are plenty of hotels and companies running relaxed snorkelling tours or you can simply take your own goggles or snorkel to the beach and be rewarded with a colourful under-sea panorama.

Besides underwater activities, there’s plenty to do atop the waves. Parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat rides are perennially popular in the major resorts, while other visitors opt for boat trips into the bays to spot dolphins or see the colourful marine life through the boat’s glass bottom. At several resorts, you can also rent kayaks and explore the sea. Windsurfing and kite surfing are also immensely popular here, with great conditions in locations like Safaga, Dahab and Hurghada.

Hiking in Egypt

Besides the popular Mount Sinai hike, there are a few other guided treks that appeal to tourists. A desert hike is a very unique experience that’s not to be found in many other locations, and a guide is essential to ensure you don’t get lost. The Sinai Desert, especially around Jebel Barqa and Makhroum, is a popular desert hike location. Many avid hikers also take on the challenge of Mount Catherine – a little more tricky and a little less crowded than Mount Sinai, but with breathtaking views as a reward.