Marsa Alam was a beautiful and pleasant discovery in the middle of a grey Viennese January. I was looking for a warm place not too far from Vienna (4 hours flight). Winter temperatures in the southern part of the Red Sea are mild, so not very hot, around 20 degrees during the day and then they drop a few degrees during the night. Nothing tragic: a jacket and you’re cool! For the whole vacation we found temperatures around 24 degrees every day with a sweet sun and a light breeze that increased especially in the afternoon. Marsa Alam is definitely windier than Sharm el Sheik and if I can make a comparison with the Sinai peninsula, in Marsa Alam I found the reef magnificent, more pristine.
Keep in mind also that in Marsa Alam, outside the resorts you won’t find anything, while if you want a bit of nightlife and shops, I would recommend more Sharm el Sheik or Hurgada, certainly larger towns.
The most beautiful beaches and excursions, however, are located south of Egypt, in the Marsa Alam area and further south, so you can evaluate them according to your needs. I have not counted the kilometers in detail, but I believe that from Marsa Alam you can reach Luxor faster than from Hurgada. (It took us around 5 hours each way.)
Abu Dabab Bay with turtles and dugongs, the Wadi el-Gemal National Park with the breathtaking beaches Sharm El Luli are a must to visit in my opinion. In Marsa Alam and El Naaba, big lagoons are separated from the open sea by the coral reef, so it is also a perfect location for kiters. There is also the possibility to visit Abu Simbel in two days but we we didn’t do it since we stayed there only eight days.
Sea water into the lagoon is quite cold but you need just to reach the reef that it becomes warmer and offers you a unique experience! The Red Sea has the warmest average water temperatures of any open water sea in the world, high in summer and still very mild in winter.
My advices before to go:
- The Marsa Alam area is safe and also to visit Abu Simbel or Luxor!
- In all the resorts the closed spaces are very conditioned, not in winter because there is no big need but keep it in mind for the summer season because the big changes in temperature can cause uhm.. let’s say intestinal problems… Imagine in August with 45-48 degrees outside and 19-20 degrees inside (my personal experience in Sharm El Sheik)… Bring with you a nice warm shawl or a jacket!
- The use of water from the aqueduct should not happen in resorts but avoid fruits & veggies peels or drinks with ice for the same reason mentioned above!
- Carry a light windproof jacket with you. It helps you a lot when you are a little cold, wet or tired in the afternoon or in the evening when the wind blows stronger.
- In winter with mild temperatures, it seems that the sun does not burn… it is totally wrong! Always use sunscreens! I’ve seen those lobsters in resorts…
- Avoid excursions organized by improvised people passing along the beach and entrusted to serious companies or directly organized by your resort or your tour operator, which ensure you full insurance.
- If you take private taxis, put your heart in peace and/or close your eyes. They drive like crazy and have their own rules! However, make sure that they respect at least the safety distances and do not text on phone while driving in bad road conditions and heavy traffic (I am referring mainly to Luxor). Twice I thought to die and I had to stop the driver. Do it, do not worry, they are friendly and gentle in generally!
In the past I visited twice Tunisia and Sharm el Sheik. Marsa Alam surprised me more and I would recommend if you really want enjoy Nature and beautiful reef.
I must also add that I don’t like Arabic cuisine in general but at the Resort where I stayed in addition to traditional dishes, very spicy to me, there was a wide choice at the buffet. The Royal Tulip Resort by Gulet (TUI Austria) I must say that it was the place where I ate best. The resort has a well equipped and huge beach and reef is very beautiful.
I also loved the outdoor heated pool, very usable and appreciated in low season. Last but not least in only 20 min you can reach the airport with provided shuttle bus!
Stay tuned because I will share a post about my trip in Luxor!
If you want to see more and follow me, check my instagram “Marsa Alam” Highlight and account valentinaburigo ♥
