Egypt’s 15 Most Stunning Beaches You Didn’t Know About

Egypt boasts two magnificent coastlines stretching for thousands of kilometers. The Mediterranean offers turquoise waters and soft white sands, while the Red Sea is famed for its coral treasures and rich marine life. From bustling luxury resorts to serene, isolated coves, Egypt provides a diverse array of beaches to satisfy every type of traveler. Here is a list of the 15 best beaches in Egypt you must visit.

Mediterranean Coast: Turquoise and Tranquility

1. Agiba Beach, Marsa Matrouh

• Best for: Nature lovers and photographers. Agiba Beach is more of a natural masterpiece than just a place to swim. It’s flanked by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, which visitors can descend via a wooden staircase to reach a small cove with pristine blue water. The view from the clifftop at sunset is unforgettable, making it one of Egypt’s most unique beaches.

2. Umm Al-Rakham Beach, Marsa Matrouh

• Best for: Peace and relaxation seekers. Nicknamed the “Maldives of Egypt,” this beach is renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear water that shifts in color from light blue to deep turquoise. Umm Al-Rakham is known for its tranquil atmosphere and gentle waves, making it the perfect spot to relax and swim safely away from the crowds.

3. El Gharam Beach, Marsa Matrouh

• Best for: Families and romantic vibes. This beach gained its fame from a song by the late singer Laila Mourad, and her famous rock remains a landmark that draws visitors. The beach’s unique location in a bay provides calm, shallow waters, making it safe and enjoyable for families and children.

4. Marassi (Sidi Abdel Rahman), North Coast

• Best for: Luxury travelers and all-inclusive services. Marassi beach in the Sidi Abdel Rahman area is the benchmark for luxury on the North Coast. It offers pure white sands and stunning turquoise waters, complemented by a wide range of high-end services, including fine-dining restaurants, exclusive beach clubs, and various water sports.

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Red Sea Coast: A Diver’s and Adventurer’s Paradise

5. Sharm El Luli, Marsa Alam

• Best for: Nature purists and snorkelers. Frequently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Sharm El Luli is a natural reserve featuring powdery white sand and warm, crystal-clear water that resembles a natural swimming pool. Visitors can walk far into the shallow water and explore colorful coral reefs and diverse fish just by wearing a snorkel mask.

6. Abu Dabbab Beach, Marsa Alam

• Best for: Marine life enthusiasts and unique adventures. Abu Dabbab is famous for being a primary habitat for a large population of green sea turtles, where visitors can easily swim alongside them. The beach is also occasionally visited by the endangered Dugong (sea cow). It offers an exceptional diving and snorkeling experience in a protected, sandy bay.

7. Mahmya Island, Hurghada

• Best for: Exclusive day trips and a paradise-like experience. Part of the Giftun Islands National Park, Mahmya Island is the perfect escape from the city buzz. Accessible via a boat trip from Hurghada, it features golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and a relaxing, Caribbean-like atmosphere. The island offers eco-friendly restaurants and facilities for a full day of relaxation and snorkeling.

8. Sahl Hasheesh Bay, Hurghada

• Best for: Couples and those seeking a quiet, luxurious stay. This tranquil bay stretches for 12 kilometers and is home to some of Egypt’s most luxurious resorts. The beach features an elegant promenade, a wooden pier extending over the water, and a man-made “Sunken City” that provides a unique snorkeling experience. The atmosphere here is more serene and upscale compared to central Hurghada.

9. Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

• Best for: Activities and nightlife lovers. Naama Bay is the vibrant heart of Sharm El Sheikh. The beach itself is lively and full of activities like beach volleyball and water sports. As the sun sets, the surrounding promenade transforms into a bustling hub of restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a complete experience of daytime sea fun and nighttime entertainment.

10. Ras Um Sid Beach, Sharm El Sheikh

• Best for: Divers and serious snorkelers. Located on a peninsula with stunning panoramic views of the Red Sea, Ras Um Sid is famous for being one of the best diving and snorkeling sites accessible directly from the shore. Incredible coral reefs grow on the edge of a cliff close to the coast, allowing swimmers to explore a world teeming with marine life.

11. Blue Lagoon, Dahab

• Best for: Total relaxation and escaping reality. A magical spot accessible only by boat from the Blue Hole or via a 4×4 vehicle, the Blue Lagoon is a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon surrounded by golden sand and mountains. The vibe here is completely primitive and calm, known for its simple huts serving Bedouin tea and food. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy pure, untouched nature.

12. Ras Shitan, Nuweiba

• Best for: Backpackers and those seeking a Bedouin vibe. Ras Shitan (“Satan’s Head”) is not a single beach but a coastal stretch between Nuweiba and Taba, famous for its simple Bedouin camps. The shore is dotted with wooden and palm-frond huts offering a unique stay right on the water. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience that includes snorkeling in small rocky coves and enjoying the quiet under the stars.

13. Fjord Bay, Taba

• Best for: Photographers and lovers of dramatic landscapes. Located about 15 km south of Taba, this small bay is a narrow inlet surrounded by towering, rocky mountains, creating a dramatic landscape reminiscent of a Scandinavian fjord. Its deep blue waters and colorful coral reef make it a fantastic spot for photography and quiet diving.

14. El Gouna

• Best for: Diverse activities and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. While it’s an entire resort town and not just one beach, El Gouna earns its spot for its variety of intelligently designed beaches. From Zeitouna Beach with its famous pier to Mangroovy Beach, a favorite for kitesurfers, El Gouna offers a sophisticated and safe beach experience with its man-made lagoons and world-class facilities.

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Beaches Near Cairo: The Quick Escape

15. La Vista, Ain Sokhna

• Best for: Quick weekend trips from Cairo. Ain Sokhna is the closest beach destination to Cairo, and the La Vista resorts offer clean, well-maintained sandy beaches with great views of the Red Sea. These beaches provide all the necessary amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and recreational activities, making them an excellent choice for a short and comfortable getaway without a long drive.