Things to do in Eastern Desert
Discover the best attractions and experiences Eastern Desert has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore ancient trade routes and coastal fortifications that mark Egypt’s Eastern Desert heritage.
Wadi Hammamat inscriptions
An ancient desert valley lined with carved inscriptions and quarry marks from pharaonic to Roman times.
Mons Claudianus (Roman quarry)
Ruins of a Roman-era quarry site that reveals Egypt’s imperial stone trade.
El Quseir Fort
A well-preserved coastal fortress dating back to Ottoman times, overlooking the Red Sea.
Museums
Learn about Red Sea history, archaeology and culture through regional museums.
Hurghada Museum
A modern museum presenting Egyptian artifacts and regional heritage with immersive displays.
Quseir Archaeological Museum
A small regional museum exhibiting finds from the Quseir area and coastal history.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites add depth to coastal towns and desert routes along the Red Sea.
St. Mary’s Church, Hurghada
A local Coptic church offering insight into the religious tapestry of the Red Sea coast.
El Quseir Mosque
Historic prayer hall reflecting the town’s long-standing coastal trade connections.
National & Theme Parks
Protective reserves and dramatic landscapes showcase Egypt’s natural diversity.
Wadi El Gemal National Park
A coastal desert park with mangroves, dunes and diverse wildlife near Marsa Alam.
Gebel Elba National Park
A remote Eastern Desert park known for its rugged mountains and unique biodiversity.
Neighborhoods
Vibrant towns along the Red Sea coast offer a mix of culture and scenery.
Hurghada (Downtown & Marina)
Bustling waterfront districts with markets, restaurants and easy access to reefs.
El Gouna
A purpose-built resort town known for canals, chic promenades and modern hospitality.
Marsa Alam
Emerging coastal town with laid-back beaches and gateway to nearby reefs.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy vast desert horizons and coastlines with no admission fees.
Sunrise at a Red Sea beach
Stroll a public beach and watch dawn light up the water and palm silhouettes.
Desert stargazing
Find a quiet spot away from lights and admire a star-filled desert sky.
Public beach snorkeling glimpses
Walk onto a public beach and observe fish and coral from the shore.
Gastronomy
Savor fresh seafood and regional Egyptian specialties by the sea.
Seafood at Hurghada waterfront
Dishes featuring freshly caught fish and shrimp with a sea breeze view.
Bedouin tea and dates
Sample traditional hot tea sweetened with dates at a desert camp or cafe.
Koshari and falafel street eats
Casual, flavorful staples common in Egyptian towns along the coast.
Nightlife
Evenings along the coast offer bars, lounges and sunset vibes.
Hurghada marina lounges
Waterfront venues with live music and cocktails by the water.
El Gouna sunset bars
Chill spots where you can sip a drink as the sun dips over canals.
Entertainment
Experiences range from desert safaris to boat-based shows.
Desert safari with Bedouin show
Camel rides, dune bashing and a traditional performance under the stars.
Dhow sunset cruise
Relaxing sailing trip with views of the coastline at golden hour.
Sports
The Red Sea and desert terrains offer water and land adventures.
Scuba diving in the Red Sea
World-class reefs and wrecks with diverse marine life.
Snorkeling at Giftun Island
Calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for seeing tropical fish close up.
Desert quad biking
Thrilling rides across sandy trails and desert plateaus.
Sunset camel ride
A traditional way to end the day with silhouettes against the light.
Off the Track
Go beyond the usual hotspots to discover the region’s rugged charm.
Bedouin village visit near Hurghada
Learn about desert life, traditions and hospitality with local families.
Wadi Hammamat hike
A guided walk through a historic desert landscape etched with inscriptions.
Desert camping under the stars
Spend a night in a Bedouin-style camp with simple comforts.