A view of a beach with thatch umbrellas in Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, Egypt

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Holidays in Marsa Alam

Sandy beaches, scorching temperatures and colourful coral reefs await in Marsa Alam, a resort town on the Red Sea in Egypt. Once the well-kept secret of the diving community, its coasts have since been commandeered by sleek hotels, making it a popular choice for couples and groups looking to chill out by day and dress up at night.

A holiday in Marsa Alam is all about relaxation and luxury, from week-long wellness retreats to waiter service at your sun lounger. Some of the best spas in Egypt have set up shop here – try a treatment beneath the beachside massage tent at Planet Spa in the Hilton Nubian, where Ancient Egyptian techniques meet modern methods.

You won’t have to go far for a fun evening, either. Alcohol isn’t served everywhere so hotels host party nights around their pools with drinks and live DJs to keep you dancing all night long. If you’re not a guest, you can buy a ticket. Should you want to go out, Port Ghalib Marina is the place to be thanks to a variety of sports bars, shisha lounges, authentic Egyptian cafes and several restaurants with plush outdoor seating, overlooking the yachts.

While Marsa Alam is fast becoming a modern metropolis, it’s still an unspoilt, underwater paradise in many places. There are sites and beach camps for novice and seasoned divers who want to spend a lot of time below the surface.

Diving isn’t the only activity on offer. Try dugong spotting at Abu Dabab Bay or kitesurfing around El Nabaa Bay. You can even make a day of it with a boat trip to Gamal Island for sunbathing and snorkelling.

Marsa Alam is also a smart place to base yourself if you want to venture into Egypt’s vast Eastern Desert, where the Romans used to mine for gold and emeralds. While it’s a bit of a drive – four and a half hours – it’s well worth the trek. Karnak Temple in Luxor is a must-visit for amateur Egyptologists.

When to go to Marsa Alam

Expect dry, bright weather throughout the year in Marsa Alam – it almost never rains! From November to February, it does get quite windy though, which is especially unpleasant in the thick of the desert. So, if you do chance a trip then, avoid excursions to the national park and further afield.

The hottest temperatures are in the summer months, May to September. Expect highs of 35C and lows of 26C during the day, and for the mercury to plummet no further than 15C at night.

If you can’t handle the heat, plan your trip around March and April, but still be prepared to take all the precautions – hat, sun-cream and plenty of water – as it’ll be around 25C. Take layers because evenings can be cold.

Looking for a deal? January is the month to nab a cheap Marsa Alam holiday, with flights at their lowest and hotels more likely to slash the price of stays.

What to do in Marsa Alam

With all the best amenities inside your resort, it’s tempting to stay put during your Marsa Alam holiday. But there’s so much more to uncover nearby, from rich aquatic life to ancient ruins. If you join an excursion, make sure it’s with a reputable operator who’ll keep you updated on the safety of that area.

Diving

There are many dive sites to choose from in Marsa Alam. Samadai Reef is home to some of the most vivid fish and coral, but the real talking point is the pod of spinner dolphins that regularly visit. There’s a daily cap on visitors, so set off early.

Alternatively, Hamada is an inshore reef with a large shipwreck that’s suitable for beginners. Expert divers will love Sha’ab Sharm, which is home to hammerhead sharks.

El Quseir

Keep everyone happy with an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing in the historic town of El Quseir, just under two hours from Marsa Alam by taxi (we recommend booking in advance for the best fixed price). The souk here is the place to purchase papyrus, perfumes, and silver for bargain prices, but be wary of scammers selling fake goods – sometimes you’re better off paying more at your hotel.

The port, with its balconied houses, and the 16th-century Ottoman fort, complete with cannons, are both well worth a visit.

Wadi El Gemal National Park

Wild gazelle and ibex roam through groves of acacia trees, dry desert meets glistening water teeming with turtles, and ancient mining villages, famous for their emeralds, jostle for attention against the Ancient Roman ruins and prehistoric rock art.

There’s a lot to see at Wadi El Gemal National Park, and you can do it by bike, car, boat, or, in smaller sections, on foot.

Desert safari

Whether you choose a more traditional method of transport – camel – or a more modern one – a fast buggy – you’ll make memories to last a lifetime on a desert safari. Wind in and out of the mountains that surround Marsa Alam, visit a Bedouin tribe who’ll share stories about their ancestors, and chow down on delicious barbecued meats and veggies.

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel is available, and plenty of water will be provided.

Day trip to Luxor

The Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon are just some of the sights you’ll tick off your list on a trip to Luxor. It’s not the easiest of journeys, so book a guided tour and relax en route – but make sure the coach has air conditioning.

Walk along the avenue of sphinxes, snap photos of the sun shining down on obelisks, and enjoy lunch at an authentic restaurant. Extend the excursion and you could see the pyramids.