The 10 best beaches in Egypt

Stretching along the Mediterranean and Red Sea, Egypt’s coastline is packed with incredible beach destinations. Whether you’re after laid-back lounging, adrenaline-pumping water sports, or simply a spot to soak up the sun, there’s a beach for you. If you're wondering how long to stay in Egypt, set aside a few days to unwind by the sea — there’s more to Egypt than just ancient temples. Here are some of the best beaches this captivating country has to offer.

1. Blue Lagoon

• Location: Dahab, Sinai Peninsula
• Best time to go: March-May or September-November
• How to get there: 4x4 taxi or group excursion from Dahab

Sediments washed down from the mountains have created a broad sandy plain at Dahab, an Israeli-built town on a labrador-yellow sandy cove. Forget its reputation as the 'Ibiza of Egypt', this is a world-renowned wind- and kite-surfing with reliable winds providing superb flat-water conditions inside of Dahab’s sand spit. Scuba diving is also excellent thanks to the coral reefs just offshore, and there are several dive schools in town.

Where to stay in Dahab

• Penguin Village Dahab: A cozy, budget-friendly option with beachfront vibes, ideal for couples.
• Tropitel Dahab Oasis: Family-friendly resort offering a pool, private beach, and panoramic Red Sea views.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Dahab.

2. Na’ama Bay

• Location: Central Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula
• Best time to go: March-May or October-November
• How to get there: take a taxi or local bus

North of Ras Muhammad, on a beautiful natural harbour, is the Egypt resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, where a series of resorts merge into one another including Ras Muhammad, Coral Bay, Shark’s Bay (good for families) and Ras Nasrani. However, one of the best Egypt beaches here is Na'ama Bay, a popular arc of powdery-soft sand and Hollywood blue waters.

Some of the region's best diving and snorkelling are nearby including The Tower, Ras Umm Sid, Ras Nasrani and Nabq. Shipwrecks dot the shoreline, testifying to the difficulty of navigation between the reefs.

Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh

• Amphoras Blu: Affordable with great amenities, offering excellent value for money.
• Waves Naama Bay Hotel: A luxurious retreat with premium facilities and a prime location.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Sharm El Sheikh.

3. Sidi Abdel Rahman

• Location: west of Alexandria, on the Mediterranean coast
• Best time to go: June-September
• How to get there: Drive via the Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh Road or take a bus to nearby El Alamein, then a taxi

If you long for a day on the beach, keep going to Sidi Abdel Rahman, about 15 miles (25km) past El Alamein. Taking in a couple of sweeping curls, this soft, demerara-colored beach is the best west of Alexandria. Now backed by the high-class hotels and entertainment complex called Marassi Resort, it's also the ideal stop for travelers wanting to break up the journey inland to the Siwa Oasis. 

4. El Gouna

• Location: north of Hurghada, Egypt’s Red Sea coast
• Best time to go: March-May or October-November
• How to get there: From Hurghada, take a 30-minute taxi or a shuttle bus

The resort of El Gouna, 13 miles (21km) north of Hurghada, is Egypt’s most luxurious purpose-built vacation village to date. It all centres on the biscuit-brown, sun-bed-sprinkled sands here, each lapped by slow-moving translucent waves. Expect everything from shade umbrellas and fresh towel services here as it's also home to a number of exclusive five-star resorts.

Where to stay in Hurghada

• Arabella Azur Resort: Offers a magical atmosphere with stunning sea views and elegant design.
• The Boutique Hotel Hurghada Marina: A charming boutique option, perfect for a stylish and intimate stay.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Hurghada.

5. Nuweiba

• Location: South Sinai, on the Gulf of Aqaba
• Best time to go: March-May or September-November
• How to get there: by bus, car or taxi

Nuweiba is 45 miles (75km) further north of Dahab and is a slightly superior resort (although cheap accommodations in beachside reed huts and relaxed alfresco cafés can be also found in Tarabin to the north).

With motorway-wide sand-and-shingle bays and dazzling reefs busy with darting fish, Nuweiba is one of the most popular Egypt beaches, particularly with Jordanian tourists who arrive via ferry from Aqaba. But bookmarked by the Sinai mountains and with the Gulf of Aqaba rolled out like a bright-blue carpet, who can blame them?

Where to stay in Nuweiba

• Alwaha Camp: A budget-friendly choice with simple accommodations and a laid-back vibe.
• Nuweiba Club Resort: Known for its breathtaking views and beachfront charm.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Nuweiba.

6. Abu Dabbab Beach

• Location: Marsa Alam
• Best time to go: March-May
• How to get there: by car, taxi, or bus

Until recently, Marsa Alam was a quiet fishing town, largely untouched by tourism. But when developers discovered that Abu Dabbab Beach was a diver’s paradise, everything changed. The area's warm climate and unique geography have nurtured spectacular coral reefs, known as shaab or erg, where mounds of coral rise like underwater islands, just beneath the waves.

Now, Marsa Alam is a buzzing resort town, packed with hotels, restaurants, and dive shops — something like a southern version of El Gouna. But despite its growth, the real draw remains beneath the surface. Whether you're here to dive with sea turtles, explore the Red Sea’s reefs, or simply soak up the sun, it’s one of the best places to visit in Egypt for ocean lovers.

Where to stay in Marsa Alam

• Deep South Eco-lodge: Perfect for snorkelers seeking eco-friendly accommodations.
• Alam B&B: A cozy bed-and-breakfast with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Marsa Alam.

7. Moon Beach

• Location: Ras Sedr
• Best time to go: March-May and September-November
• How to get there: by taxi or local bus

One of the best Egyptian beaches for wind- and kite-surfing, the wide sandy Moon Beach in Ras Sedr is a favourite with Cairenes who have vacation homes here. Unlike the Gulf of Aqaba on Sinai’s east coast, the Gulf of Suez is shallow and sandy-bottomed with abundant marine life. There are also plenty of water sports on offer.

8. Al-Tur Beach

• Location: South Sinai
• Best time to go: March-May or September-November
• How to get there: by taxi or bus

Settled in ancient times because of its good water supply and excellent harbour, Al-Tur is the capital and largest town in South Sinai. It used to be the chief quarantine station for pilgrims returning to Egypt from Mecca. Despite scattered palm groves and a beautiful beach, few make it to modern Al-Tur, which is a shame as its wide, sandy expanse offers some amazing kitesurfing with very few tourists.

Rough Guides tip: Maximize your experience by discovering the ideal number of days to spend in Egypt and browsing the best Egypt tours tailored to your interests.

9. Swimming Beach

• Location: Aswan
• Best time to go: October to April
• How to get there: by boat from Aswan or by camel from Gharb Seheyl

The clue is in the name of this cheerful stretch of desert-like sand near Aswan. Accessible either by boat (or camel if you're coming from Gharb Seheyl), it's one of the best beaches in Egypt to go swimming along the Nile. Essentially a sandbar, people will tend to spend a couple of hours cooling off here before moving on.

Where to stay in Aswan

• The Mango Guest House: A peaceful retreat surrounded by lush gardens.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Aswan.

10. Cleopatra’s Beach

• Location: Marsa Matruh
• Best time to go: spring or fall
• How to get there: by car or taxi from Marsa Matruh

Stare long enough at the rocks jutting out of the sea at this gorgeous stretch of coastline, northwest of Marsa Matruh, and you'll start to imagine that the karst on the right is actually the final Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. The natural pool here is supposedly where Mark Antony and Cleopatra once bathed together but you should be here for the electric blue of the sea.

Where to stay in Marsa Matruh

• Marmarica Boutique Cabana's: A luxurious stay with private cabanas and serene views.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Marsa Matruh.