Holidays in Marsa Alam - What is worth seeing? TOP8

Holidays in Marsa Alam beyond the hotel

Many people choose Marsa Alam to relax, get a tan, and swim in the pool. It is easy to understand why: sunshine, pools, and hotels often located right by the warm sea. After all, a holiday does not have to be packed with activities.

Yet this part of Egypt has another side. Just a few dozen minutes from the hotels, the rugged desert begins; colourful reefs stretch beneath the water, and farther away are places that reveal a completely different side of the land of the pharaohs.

One day, you can spend several hours with a diving mask; the next, ride a quad bike through the desert; then take a full-day trip to Luxor. This variety makes Marsa Alam suitable not only for a typical all-inclusive holiday, but also for a trip with a little adventure.

Want to see more during your holiday in Marsa Alam? Check out the available tours, cruises, safaris, and attractions in the region.

Luxor from Marsa Alam - An Egyptian Treasure

If you want to see Ancient Egypt during your stay by the Red Sea, Luxor is a must-see destination - ideal for history lovers.

On a trip to Luxor, be prepared for a full day that starts early in the morning and ends late in the evening. Marsa Alam is around 400 km from Luxor, so you will spend 4-7 hours on the road. In return, you get to see places that until now, may have been familiar mainly from history textbooks.

Depending on the excursion itinerary, stops may include:

• the Karnak Temple Complex,
• the Valley of the Kings,
• the Temple of Hatshepsut,
• the Colossi of Memnon.

The journey through the Nile Valley is an interesting experience in itself - the landscape changes from desert to green farmland.

Diving in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is best known for the Red Sea, and one of the region's greatest attractions lies beneath the surface.

Coral reefs can be seen in many places, both from the shore and on boat trips. The clear waters are home to numerous fish species and, in some locations, sea turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. Encounters with wild animals can never be guaranteed, but that is also part of the appeal of observing nature.

Why is it worth it?

You do not need hundreds of diving hours behind you to see Marsa Alam's underwater world. Beginners can try introductory dives in calmer locations under an instructor's supervision, while certified divers can choose from more challenging sites.

This matters because dive sites can vary greatly. Some are calm and shallow; others are deeper, have stronger currents, and are intended for more experienced divers.

If you are a beginner and enjoy exploring the underwater world, you can take a professional course and earn a certificate during your holiday.

If you are diving for the first time, do not choose a site just because it has the most spectacular photos. Matching the difficulty level to your experience is far more important.

Who is this excursion suitable for?

Diving in Marsa Alam is a good choice if:

• you want to see the reef up close, not only from the surface,
• you enjoy active holidays,
• you have a diving certificate or want to try diving for the first time,
• you want a calm encounter with the underwater world,
• you are not afraid of deep water and can swim.

Before booking, check whether the excursion is designed for beginners or requires a specific certificate and experience. Important: check the health requirements!

Snorkelling in Marsa Alam

If scuba diving feels like too much, but you still want to admire the coral reef, snorkelling is for you.

A mask, snorkel, and fins are enough to watch fish and corals just below the surface. In Marsa Alam, both beach entries and boat trips to farther-off destinations are popular.

One of the best-known places on the Marsa Alam coast is Abu Dabbab Bay, known for its sea turtles and extensive seagrass meadows. Dugongs can also be seen in the region, but remember that they are wild animals, so their appearance cannot be guaranteed.

For snorkelling, it is a good idea to bring a UV-protective top or other lightweight clothing for the water. The Egyptian sun can burn your back even when you spend most of the time submerged.

Desert safari - quad bike and jeep

The Red Sea draws the eye, but simply turn towards the land to see a wholly different landscape: mountains, rocky valleys, and vast desert.

A quad safari is an optional excursion where the greatest attractions are the route itself, the vast open space, and the changing light over the desert.

What does a desert excursion look like?

The itinerary depends on the operator, but it usually includes a quad ride along a designated route and stops at interesting viewpoints in Egypt's desert areas. Some excursions are combined with a visit to a Bedouin settlement, tea, or a BBQ dinner.

Bear in mind that a desert safari can be dusty and bumpy. If you expect a gentle ride like one along a paved promenade, you may be surprised.

What to see in and around Marsa Alam?

Not every excursion has to mean a full day on a coach. If you want to see more of the region at a slower pace, consider several places in the area.

Port Ghalib

Port Ghalib is a modern marina with a promenade, restaurants, cafés, and shops. It is a good destination for a leisurely walk, dinner, or an evening out away from the hotel.

It is not a place filled with ancient monuments; instead, it has more of a resort-and-marina atmosphere. That is precisely why it works well as a light change from the beach and full-day excursions.

Tour to Port Ghalib >

Qulaan Islands

The Qulaan Islands, south of Marsa Alam, are known for shallow turquoise water, reefs, and mangroves. They are most often visited on boat trips organised in the Hamata area.

This is an option for people who enjoy quieter marine scenery, snorkelling, and a day spent mostly on the water. Bring a hat and sun protection - shade can be limited on the boat and small islands.

Excursion to Qulaan Islands >

El Quseir

El Quseir shows a different side of the Red Sea coast from typical resorts. It is a historic port town with traditional buildings, local streets, and an Ottoman fortress.

A visit here can be an interesting choice if you want to see everyday life beyond a gated hotel complex and are interested in places with local character.

El Queseir from Marsa Alam >

Sharm El Luli

If you want to swap the hotel beach for a wilder stretch of coast during your holiday in Marsa Alam, remember the name Sharm El Luli, also known as Ras Hankorab.

This place looks entirely different from the beaches beside large resorts. On one side, there is pale sand and shallow, intensely turquoise water; on the other, a desert landscape. Sharm El Luli lies within Wadi El Gemal National Park, around 60 km south of Marsa Alam.

Snorkelling is also a major attraction here. The reef begins relatively close to shore, so you do not always need to board a boat to see the Red Sea's underwater world. The calm, shallow lagoon also makes the location accessible to people who are just beginning their adventure with a mask and snorkel.

What should you know about a holiday in Marsa Alam?

When planning a holiday in Marsa Alam, remember that it is primarily a destination for people who enjoy sunshine. It is not only a place for family holidays, all-inclusive stays, and last-minute trips. The region is also well-suited to water sports enthusiasts, as it is famed for its coral reefs, diving, and snorkelling. It also offers plenty of opportunities for desert excursions or travelling farther afield to explore and discover Egypt.

Who is a holiday in Marsa Alam for?

Marsa Alam is a good choice for people who:

• want to combine hotel relaxation with exploring the surrounding area,
• want to dive and snorkel,
• want to admire underwater nature: dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, and colourful reefs,
• are travelling as a couple or family, or are looking for a quieter holiday by the Red Sea,
• want to alternate beach time with boat trips, safaris, and full-day excursions,
• want to relax by the pool or on the beach.

Weather in Marsa Alam

There is plenty of sunshine here all year round. In summer, average daytime temperatures reach around 35°C, while average winter highs are around 25°C.

The sea remains warm - from around 22°C in winter to around 30°C in August. Spring and autumn are therefore especially pleasant if you plan active sightseeing as well as beach time.

Flights to Marsa Alam

You can fly to Marsa Alam on direct charter flights. Direct flights to Marsa Alam are operated by airlines like Wizz Air, Neos, TUI fly, Smartwings, easyJet, and Air Cairo, connecting from hubs such as Rome, Milan, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, and Prague.

What to eat in Marsa Alam?

Even if you choose an all-inclusive hotel, try at least a few Egyptian dishes.

Start with koshari - a mixture of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas. Try Egyptian taameya made from fava beans, and by the Red Sea, look out for fish and seafood. For dessert, treat yourself to sweet and creamy Umm Ali.

What to bring back from Marsa Alam?

Egyptian spices, papyrus, ceramics, Egyptian cotton products, and jewellery with motifs inspired by ancient Egypt are all good choices.

One thing should definitely stay where it is: corals and shells. Taking them out of the country may be illegal, and protected specimens are regulated as well. Instead of taking a piece of reef home, it is better to photograph it underwater.

Holiday in Marsa El Alam - What to see during an all-inclusive stay?

On a one-week stay, you do not need to plan an excursion for every day. In Marsa Alam, it is best to combine relaxation with two or three different experiences.

A good plan could look like this:

• 1 day at sea - snorkelling, a boat trip, or diving,
• 1 day in the desert - a quad safari,
• 1 longer excursion - Luxor, or a more relaxed tour of the surrounding area if you do not fancy spending many hours on the road.

Leave the rest of your time for the beach, the reef by the hotel, and simply doing nothing. After all, a holiday is not a race.

An all-inclusive holiday in Marsa Alam can be varied, and that is its greatest advantage. One day, you can see the reef just a few metres from shore; the next, cross the desert; and on the third, stand before temples thousands of years old. And there is still time for a sun lounger.