12 Breathtaking Best Beaches in Egypt

[Updated December 2019]

Egypt is a destination filled with many wonders. With coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea, the River Nile and the Red Sea, Egypt beaches offer a diverse range of activities and landscapes which you can enjoy. Locate the best beaches in Egypt and get ready to have the ultimate time of your life, doing incredible things like swimming, snorkelling, or simply enjoying great food on the beachfront.

Since there are so many to discover, here’s a list of the best beaches in Egypt: 

Al Nayzak in Marsa Alam

This natural pool beach is believed to have been formed after a meteor hit planet earth. It is located approximately 13 kilometres south of Marsa Alam. The locals call it the “Shooting Star”. Nestled along the Red Sea, Al Nayzak offers beautiful scenery, making it one of the best beaches in Egypt. Shaped like an eye, Al Nayzak is filled with lovely turquoise waters.

Ras Banas in Marsa Alam

Ras Banas is a peninsula extending into the Red Sea, located near the Egyptian-Sudanese borders. It offers a delightful adventure to divers, and a pleasant experience for swimmers who want to enjoy watching coral reefs and colourful fish through its clear waters.

Sunken City in Sahl Hasheesh

Mistakenly believed as a Sunken City dating back to the Pharaoh’s time, it has instead been man-made some years ago, and brought lots of curious snorkellers and divers to discover the underwater city. The legendary Sunken City is located mere metres away from the shore. This spellbinding Sahl Hasheesh attraction is a replica of the Temple of Horus, in Edfu. While diving or snorkelling, you’ll get to see incredible temple-like structures and columns with wonderful marine species swimming through the grooves of the structures. 

El-Mahmya in Hurghada

Located on the southern shores of Giftun Island, Hurghada, this is a getaway to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, stunning sunset views, a meal or a drink from the many restaurants serving seafood and Italian food. It is paradise on earth. El-Mahmya’s waters are home to dolphins, schools of colourful fish and many more marine species. Retreat on the buttermilk sand under the delightful sun while wholeheartedly embracing one of the best beaches in Egypt. 

Sharm El-Naga Bay close to Safaga

Sharm El-Naga is approximately 1 hour from Hurghada and only a few kilometres from Safaga. What’s very special about Sharm El-Naga is how the coral reefs are close to the shore, you do not need to take a boat or swim for a long distance to reach that little piece of heaven. This Red Sea destination is considered one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world. Be ready to spot octopuses, colourful fish, beautiful, healthy and full of life fire and fan corals while enjoying fresh crystal clear waters. You can purchase your snorkelling gear at the mall in Hurghada, if you don’t want to rent it onsite.

Wadi Qulaan in Marsa Alam

Wadi Qulaan is located inside Wadi El-Gemal Protected Area in Marsa Alam, Wadi Qulaan offers an escape from touristic beaches, and a place to enjoy unspoiled nature. Apart from swimming, those seeking adventure can get around the protected area to enjoy hiking and bird watching, and discover Gabal Hamata where ibex and gazelles roam.

The Fjord in Taba

Along the coastal route from Nuweiba to Taba,15 kilometres south of Taba to be exact, lies the picture-perfect Fjord Bay. The fjord is a deep blue cove, protected on three sides by a mountain range, ideal for hiking and capturing incredible views. Fjord Bay is a favourable diving spot, offering crystal clear water, dazzling coral reefs and exceptional marine life. This diving spot is particularly famous for its bright red anemone.

Agiba Beach in Mersa Matruh

Located on the Mediterranean Sea’s coastline, Agiba Beach is a roughly 40-metre-long beach. Only 24 kilometres west of Mersa Matruh, Agiba Beach is only accessible via a path coming down from a clifftop. The famous Cleopatra’s Rock is metres away from this beach.  Agiba is a slice of paradise on earth, with insanely turquoise waters that cannot fail to tempt you to take a dip.

Soma Bay near Hurghada

It seems that Hurghada has an endless list of beaches, bays and islands to explore. Located 45 kilometres south of Hurghada International Airport is Soma Bay, a peninsula surrounded on all sides by the sea, only accessed via a 7-kilometre private road through a single controlled entry gate. The peninsula has five resorts, many diving spots, a hub for watersports, golf courses, and features one of the largest spas and thalassotherapy (medical use of seawater as a type of therapy)  centres in the region. The turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches and perfect weather conditions attract many guests all year round. Visitors to the various resorts can take in the beauty of the ocean from catamarans and glass boats. 

Pharoah’s Island in Taba

Pharaoh’s Island is an amazing diving spot, and a place offering views over Jordan. It’s also a chance to visit Salah El-Din’s strategic fortress easily reached by boat from Taba’s coast. This is one of the best beaches in Egypt and is a must-visit for its citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divers can explore the incredible Picasso Reef, it is an underwater mountain that leads down 24 metres. You’ll see vast table corals. Look out for the famous ‘Picasso triggerfish’.

Abu Galoum in Dahab

Make your way to the laid-back beach town, Dahab. Located inside Ras Abu Galoum Protected Area, to the north of Nabq. It’s a diving spot famous for beautiful coral reefs. It is also home to several species such as the Nubian Ibex (mountainous goat). Abu Galoum is a great place for hiking, camel rides and 4×4 safaris with stunning views of high coastal mountains. You’ll find breathtaking scenery and flora and fauna to excite your senses. You can also do an overnight stay at the remote Bedouin camp.

Are you ready for your next beach holiday? With all these fun things to do, finding the best beaches in Egypt will make your holiday exhilarating. Whether you’re venturing to Sharm el-Sheikh or Aswan you will have an abundance of fun at these Egypt beaches.Do you have your own list of some of the best beaches in Egypt? Share with us in the comments below.

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