A sunny summer break in Egypt

During summer, many seek to escape the UK’s fickle weather by heading to sunnier destinations. Among these, Egypt is easily one of the most popular. And it’s not difficult to see why: the combination of resorts and cultural highlights make the country unique. Here we’ll go over what makes Egypt so special, and give some handy tips on sorting out your visas to avoid having to wait in line at the airport.

Red Sea resorts

One of the most famous seaside resorts in Egypt is Naama Bay in Sharm ash-Shaykh on the Sinai Peninsula. Here, visitors will find extensive sandy beaches along the Red Sea, with a pleasant temperature of over 20 degrees all year round. For the more adventurous, visitors can also take advantage of the excellent diving opportunities in the nearby Ras Mohammed National Park. Various diving and snorkelling trips are offered here, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding coral reefs. There is a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues in all price ranges.

For those seeking something more luxurious, el-Guna, located near Hurghada, is an excellent option. The city was founded for tourism in 1989. Visitors are well served here, as the town of about 25,000 has more than 100 restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and a seemingly endless supply of leisure activities, such as stand-up paddling, horse riding, kayaking, desert tours or kite surfing. A unique feature of el-Guna is its proximity to the city of Luxor, with the world-famous Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. So culture lovers are also well catered for. Most accommodation is in the higher price brackets, although there are also some cheaper options.

Alexandria

A visit to Alexandria offers the ideal opportunity to combine a seaside holiday with a discovery of ancient Egyptian culture. It is the birthplace and seat of power of the last female pharaoh of the ancient Egyptian Empire, Cleopatra. The eventful history of the city is reflected in its streetscape, where ancient monuments from the Pharaonic era alternate with artefacts from Roman times. The city has a variety of museums, palaces and other attractions and also offers a glimpse into modern Egyptian society. As the city lies on the Mediterranean Sea, there are also several beautiful sandy beaches where holidaymakers and residents can relax. Mamoura Beach is particularly popular. In summer, the temperatures here are more pleasant than along the Red Sea.

Sights in Cairo

Of course, a visit to Cairo is a must on any holiday trip to Egypt. The city is home to most of the country's attractions, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza, the Egyptian Museum or the al-Azhar Mosque. These historical artefacts are breathtaking and give a unique insight into the history of ancient Egypt. Moreover, Cairo is a dynamic cosmopolitan city where you could spend weeks without being bored for a single moment. The nearest seaside resort from Cairo is Ain Sukhna, located at a distance of about 120 km on the Red Sea. In the time of the Pharaohs, there was a harbour here, which was discovered during excavations a few years ago. Today, Ain Sukhna offers picturesque and well-kept beaches, good hotels and everything else one could wish for in a seaside resort.

Getting your visa sorted out

To really get to know Egypt, travellers should consider visiting several places in the country. The Egypt visa allows travellers to spend up to 30 days in the country, which gives them the opportunity to explore different corners of the country. Most travellers opt for the so-called e-visa, the electronic visa type. The reason for this is that it allows you to arrange everything pre-departure, rather than having to wait at the airport in Egypt to get your visa there. Of course, should the e-visa not arrive in time for your trip, you can always get a visa on arrival at the airport.

Apply for your visa well in advance, as unforeseen delay can always happen with visa applications in general.