Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Rough Guides reports that the Red Sea Coast spans 1,250km between Suez and the Sudanese border. This coast used to attract Muslim pilgrims who would use the Red Sea’s ports on their way to Arabia.
Since the 1980s, the Red Sea has seen tourists flocking — and you could be pleasantly surprised by how much of its coast you can see within a relatively short amount of time. Here are some of the sights you ought to watch out for…
El Gouna
The Egyptian coastal town of El Gouna is populated by only 24,000 people and situated 25 kilometers north of Hurghada, according to Euronews.
However, despite its relatively small population, El Gouna is still 37 square kilometers in size. Furthermore, the exciting attractions here include an eighteen-hole golf course and two shopping centers — with the main one even having an open-air cinema.
The Monastery of St Anthony
Once you have reached the town of Za’farana roughly 30km south of Ain Sukhna, you will be in a good position to visit the Red Sea monasteries as well.
These include the Monastery of St Anthony, which was founded not long after Anthony passed away in 356. Today, the monastery is inhabited by university graduates and ex-professionals.
St Anthony’s Cave
This is sited 2km from and 276km above the Monastery of St Anthony. If you do fancy walking up to the cave, remember to bring water with you for the trip!
What would that trip entail? Well, once you have passed a St Anthony sculpture carved into the mountain rock, you should ascend 1,200 steps that lead up to the cave. After getting to that cave, you will be able to take in awe-inspiring views from 680km above the Red Sea.
The Monastery of St Paul
This monastery — otherwise known as Deir Amba Bula or Deir Mari Bolus — was built as a posthumous homage to the earliest known hermit, Paul, who was a sixteen-year-old orphan when he fled Alexandria to avoid persecutions from Emperor Decius.
Paul (not to be confused with the apostle of the same name) died in 348, and the monastery’s turreted walls you can still see today were built around the cave he inhabited for decades.
Wadi El Jarf
How do you intend to make your way to — or along — the Red Sea Coast? You could seriously consider booking one of many Silversea cruises that span much of the Red Sea, as joining one of these cruises could provide you with enviable opportunities for sightseeing.
However you do visit the Red Sea Coast, though, see if you can spot Wadi El Jarf, which DIVE Magazine has described as “the site of the oldest known artificial sea harbour in the world.”
The site was developed approximately 4,500 years ago — and today remains home to about 30 caves where a range of stunningly well-preserved pieces have been found. These include dismantled wooden boats as well as the world’s oldest known papyrus, a document which itself has a lot to say about the area’s history.
What time of year is best to go to the Red Sea?
The Red Sea is a popular tourist destination year-round. The peak season for tourists tends to be in the spring and summer months, from March through August when temperatures tend to be mild and the waters are quite warm.
However, if you’d like a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds and great deals on accommodations and activities, it’s best to visit the Red Sea during the cooler months from October through February.
The temperatures may be a bit low for swimming, but you can still enjoy plenty of activities like snorkeling or diving, sightseeing, and exploring historical sites along the coast.
Can you travel on the Red Sea?
Yes, you can travel on the Red Sea. There are many great opportunities for water-based activities in this area, such as sailing, diving and snorkeling.
You can also explore some of the amazing ports located along its coastline, including Aqaba in Jordan and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, there are numerous exotic islands, such as Farasan and Tiran, to explore. If you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation or just a relaxing getaway, the Red Sea is definitely worth considering.
Is it worth visiting the Red Sea?
Absolutely! The Red Sea is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of nature. With its crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs, the Red Sea’s underwater world is teeming with vibrant marine life that can be explored through diving and snorkeling. There are also gorgeous beaches to relax on, as well as a variety of quaint towns and cities to explore.