• Hamata and its islands

    A fishing harbour south of Marsa Alam: mangrove on the shore, islands a few kilometres out.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaHamata, Marsa Alam

    €€ Mid-rangeDiving / snorkelling
  • Ain Sokhna

    The Gulf of Suez, about two hours from Cairo: freighters on the horizon and a day by the sea.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaAin Sokhna

    €€ Mid-rangeWhere locals go
  • Monastery of Saint Antony

    A fourth-century Coptic monastery under an Eastern Desert cliff, still lived in today.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaEastern Desert

    €€ Mid-rangeHistoric venue
  • Abu Dabbab Bay

    A shallow sandy bay north of Marsa Alam, known for its turtles and its seagrass meadows.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaMarsa Alam

    €€ Mid-rangeBest in the morning
  • The shops of Marsa Alam

    Few shops, plenty of dive gear: the bare necessities of the southern Red Sea.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaMarsa Alam

    €€ Mid-rangeHandmade
  • Sharm el-Luli

    A white sand beach and clear water, with not a hotel on the horizon.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaSouth of Marsa Alam

    €€ Mid-rangeSea view
  • Soft coral and its shoals of anthias — what you come here for.

    The southern dive camps

    Wooden huts by the reef, hours from the nearest hotel.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaMarsa Alam and Hamata

    €€ Mid-rangeDiving / snorkelling
  • Two whole grilled fish on a pewter dish, with lemon wedges.

    The tables of Marsa Alam

    Few addresses, plenty of fish: the southern Red Sea's table.

    Marsa Alam & the Red SeaMarsa Alam

    €€ Mid-rangeWhere locals go