Marsa Alam is located at the southern end of the Red Sea, one hundred and thirty kilometres from El Quseir. Once a small fishing village, it now has its own international airport, and is fast becoming one of the most popular resorts on the Red Sea Riviera. Marsa Alam lies in an area of great natural beauty looking out onto the brilliant blue sea and framed by cinnamon mountains. The beach slopes gently into the sea providing safe bathing for children and less confident swimmers. The coral reef off the shore holds a multitude of vibrant fish and attracts many divers and snorkellers. Other water sports include kite surfing and sailing. The hotel and apartment complexes offer luxurious accommodation. Although most holidaymakers eat in their hotels, there are a number of restaurants and bistros serving a variety of cuisine. Shopping is limited with most hotels selling luxury items, gifts and souvenirs. Nightlife is low-key with hotels providing evening entertainment.
Marsa Alam holidays offer luxurious accommodation, in an idyllic resort offering year long sunshine, sandy beaches, warm clear water, numerous water sports and many land based leisure activities. The landscaped hotel gardens and large swimming pools stand in sharp contrast to the red desert sand and the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
Marsa Alam appeals to a wide variety of holidaymakers. It is the perfect holiday destination for those who wish for a relaxing time by the pool in luxurious surroundings, or baking on sun-drenched sands. Scuba divers and snorkellers will enjoy the teeming marine life on the coral reef.
December to March is the most popular time to holiday in Marsa Alam as this is the period when temperatures lie comfortably in the twenties. The temperature then begins to rise reaching the high thirties in summertime.
Marsa Alam has developed rapidly in recent years into a very attractive seaside resort. With a guarantee of sunshine throughout the year, fine sands and crystal clear water and a variety of recreational activities it attracts many British visitors every year.
There is no denying it; Marsa Alam holidays treat you to one of Egypt’s most wondrous seafronts made all the more beautiful due to its quiescent tranquillity, as yet unspoilt by the manic tourism of Egypt’s inland cities. There are endless miles of palm-strewn, mangrove-dotted beaches here abutting the crystal waters of the Red Sea, with the hub of fishing life still to be found in the old stone quay and village that is the town centre.
The Red Sea mountains are excellent for climbing, especially in the afternoon, if only to take in the dichotomous clash between their tawny rocks and the sapphire blue of the sky above. If you do decide to make the journey you'll be richly rewarded as they afford gorgeous sunset panoramas of the coastline too.
Marsa Alam nightlife is low-key where evening entertainment is mainly hotel based. The hotels also have discos and there are often live shows with belly dancers.
Marsa Alam shopping is limited with hotels selling gifts and holiday mementoes. Popular purchases include hand made jewellery, leather goods and items made from Egyptian cotton. There is also a bazaar where you can barter for your holiday bargains.
Many of Marsa Alam’s hotels offer all-inclusive boards and because of this most holidaymakers eat in their own hotels. There are however a small number of independent eateries serving traditional fare as well as international cuisine. Traditional food has African and Eastern influences and herbs and spices are liberally used. Fresh fruits are abundant. Drink only bottled water which is cheap and plentiful. Always remember to check that the bottle is sealed.
