You could be forgiven for thinking that Marsa Alam offered a simple choice between diving or relaxing by the beach or pool as you drive from Marsa Alam airport to your hotel, gazing out at the mountains and spectacular view of Egypt’s Eastern Desert on one side and the sparkling blue waters of the Red Sea on the other.
Marsa Alam is quickly becoming a top tourist destination, particularly for scuba divers, thanks to the establishment of an international airport in 2001. The seas here are packed full with marine life and offer some of the best diving in the world. The Emerald Mines and the Temple of Seti I at Khanais are not to be missed by landlubbers.
• WANDER
Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences
• SIGHTSEEING
See the historic part of Marsa Alam
1 El Quseir fort
Historic city of El Quseir with its Ottoman fort and many small shops and bazars. It’s just a short drive away (20 minutes to an hour and a half depending on where in the Marsa Alam area your hotel is)
Explore the Ottoman fort from the sixteenth century perming with history, it was seized by the French in 1799 under Napoleon, who reinforced it with the guns you see on the ramparts.
• SAFARIS
Go on a Safari
2 Quadbike
Have you ever wanted to go on a desert safari on a quad bike? When you see a bunch of people run across the desert, leaving a trail of dust in their wake, it looks like fun, but believe me, it’s far better to be a part of it. However, before you leave, remove all of your best clothes and everything else that could be damaged on a bumpy and dusty ride. Consider wearing sunglasses and a head scarf to keep the sun and dust off of your face.