Marsa Alam: the Maldives of Egypt

Egypt Hayam Aladly May 19 2024

The heavenly city resort of Marsa Alam is always in mind for true travelers who seek to live a tropical adventure surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility. It looks over the Red Sea in the southeast of Egypt; just 280 km away from Hurghada and 700 km away from Cairo. Like some other resorts on the Riviera, Marsa Alam was once a small fishing village. But now it is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Egypt. The addition of Marsa Alam International Airport to the area in 2001 allowed the town to enter into the realm of tourism. Since then the area has become one of Egypt’s secret treasures; especially among divers and snorkelers looking for a new destination off the beaten track.

You will find in this miraculous town all types of comfortable accommodation; and the best diving sites where divers have the most impressive experience ever in life. You will also have a chance to explore the ultimate beauty of the magical healthy coral reefs and the best underwater wildlife; including the lovely dolphins that are considered the main draw factors in the town.

Marsa Alam is among the fastest-growing holiday resorts on the Red Sea Riviera. It is popular with windsurfers, scuba divers, snorkelers, and beach-loving sunseekers who are lucky enough to have already discovered Marsa Alam’s tranquility and beauty. Also, flights from different European countries, especially Italy, come straight to Marsa Alam International Airport with hundreds of tourists who chose Marsa Alam to spend their vacation. What actually characterizes this city is that its beauty is still untouched by the harmful effects of modernization; unlike more commercial cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.

The most important tourist destinations in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is famous for a group of the most beautiful places, landmarks, and tourist activities that attract the attention of thousands, and among the most beautiful places in Marsa Alam are what we will present:

1- Wadi El-Gemal National Park

Usually, visits to Marsa Alam city start with a visit to the Wadi El-Gemal Reserve, the most beautiful nature reserve in Egypt. The mainland of Wadi El-Gemal is an area of 50 km, the most famous of which is Mount Hamata, where you can enjoy watching hundreds of wild animals such as deer, eagles, and falcons roaming around you. There are also beautiful beaches and places dedicated to diving. You can also during a visit to Wadi El Gemal take a group of the most beautiful photographs that you will find different from anywhere else in the world.

2- Port Ghalib Resort

Port Ghalib Resort is one of the most distinguished tourist destinations in Marsa Alam city, where tourists can enjoy the best atmosphere of entertainment and fun in one of the most famous and largest resorts in Egypt in an area of 8 million square meters.

The resort is distinguished by its inclusion of a group of the best diving sites among rare marine creatures and picturesque coral reefs with boat races that are held there From time to time.

3- Samdai Reserve “Dolphin House”

Samadai Reserve, also called the Dolphin House, is one of the most beautiful parts of the Red Sea, located south of Marsa Alam. It is the largest and best reserve for dolphins around the world, containing more than 5000 dolphins. All diving centers in the city organize one-day trips to this incredibly beautiful diving spot; where one can view some of the oldest Red Sea coral formations. There is also a chance to swim beside some dolphins.

4- The Thrush Tree

The Qalaan Tree has attracted many visitors as it is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Marsa Alam. This tree grows in the sea; surrounded by dozens of species of colorful fish and picturesque coral reefs spread around it and various marine creatures.

5- Fujairah Marina

Fujairah Marina is the right place for lovers of water sports and diving, as it is located in the north of the city of Marsa Alam on the edge of Wadi Al-Gemal; providing diving professionals and hobbyists a great place to practice their hobby and enjoy the most beautiful times.

6- Beaches of Marsa Alam

The city of Marsa Alam is famous for the beauty of its beaches with turquoise waters, the purity of its golden sands, coral reefs, and the colorful fish that dive into its depths. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world dive behind it, enjoying its beauty.

Among the most famous beaches in this city; is Abu Dabab Beach which is a common sight for tourists who seek to see something less common. There is also wildlife on this beach like water turtles, crocodile fish, and octopuses.

Abu Ghosoun is also one of the most visited beaches for tourists from all over the world, as it contains the wreckage of the ship that sank in 1993.

7- Wreck Abu Ghosoun

One of the most beautiful places in Marsa Alam for diving is the site of the ship that sank in 1993 after a storm. It collided with a rocky barrier that split it in two. Later, turned into the habitat of many diverse fishes and wonderful marine creatures found in the area.

8- Berenice Village

Berenice village is one of the most famous tourist places that you cannot miss while you are in Marsa Alam. It is one of the most famous villages in Marsa Alam city in the field of medical tourism. Despite its small area, so it attracts the attention of thousands of tourists seeking treatment with the sand and hot springs that characterize the village.

How to Spend A Night in Marsa Alam

Although Marsa Alam resort is actually a morning site with amazing activities you can enjoy during the whole day, you can enjoy numerous activities at night. You will find some spectacular shops that sell different gifts and souvenirs; including Pharaohnic replicates, perfumes, wooden handicrafts, amazing small statues, silver & gold jewelry, Bedouin outfits, and other crafts.

Also while being in Marsa Alam, you will find someone organizing a party somewhere. You can simply check with your hotel reception regarding the nearest party to you; and see what is included and when should it start. It is wonderful to have fun with your friends and group at night on such a beautiful coastal site.

Because Marsa Alam is mainly for a nature site; you can spend the most interesting night just sitting on the beach and have a look at the glamorous sky while having a hot drink and listening to some relaxing music. You can also join locals in magnificent camping and grill some marshmallows.