The 5 Most Relaxing Locations in Egypt

Do you want to feel like you're at the Paloma Finesse Side hotel? Relaxed and restful? If you're looking for a way to relax and unwind in Egypt, you are spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best ones to visit:

1 - Boat Tours around the Giftun Islands

You can get close-up views of marine life and coral reefs by taking boat tours on a glass-bottomed boat, or you can go on a cruise around the Giftun Islands. A glass-bottomed boat lets you see the sights without having to worry about getting wet!

2 - Explore Hurghada

If you prefer shopping and fine dining, head to Hurghada for a more built-up feel, with plenty of options for gift shopping and boutiques, as well as great food. Or head to Marsa Alam, just a few hours from Luxor, for exploration and sightseeing, stopping off at some stunning temples along the way.

3 - El Gouna

El Gouna is just 30 minutes from Hurghada, and is a quiet but friendly resort town. It's ideal for those who enjoy water sports, and there are some great boat tours too. Accommodation is generally upscale, with excellent restaurants, shopping options, and spas. There's a museum nearby, and you can also enjoy a game of golf or tennis, or go horseback riding. You will never be short of entertainment options while you are here, and you'll find that it's a much relaxing environment than some of the busier resorts.

4 - Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is located on the southern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, and it is a world-class diving spot with calm, crystal clear waters and lovely warm weather. This makes it an ideal spot for those who want to go scuba diving, or those who want to explore the nearby Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve, which is a protected area with mangroves, coral reefs and stunning beaches. Experienced divers can seek out the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, which is now home to many eels, lionfish, barracuda and stonefish, as well as other creatures. If you prefer spending time on land you'll still find lots to do, with quad biking, horse riding and go-karts all an option. It's a nice convenient location for heating over to St Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai, and the desert landscapes are truly unforgettable.

5 - Explore Dahab 

Whether you are an adrenaline seeker, or more of a contemplative hippy, Dahab, on the Gulf of Aqaba, is a great location for you. Located just 50 miles to the north of Sharm, this is a relaxing beach town that is ideal for going diving, snorkeling, kayaking or windsurfing, and that has lots of land activities too, including sandboarding, climbing, and yoga. This now tourist-focused place was once a small Bedouin village, but has grown and is a bustling tourist spot today, although the beaches are still well kept and a good option for those who just want to soak up the sun. The location is ideal for scheduled tours, too, making it easy to head off to Mount Sinai for the day. These are just a few of the places you can go and things you can do in Egypt. If you're looking for somewhere to go to do nothing at all then Egypt gives you no shortage of picturesque locations, and what's so great about them is that they're perfect for people who want to do the touristy stuff too. Just a short drive out of these quiet retreats will fund you the hustle and bustle that Egypt has become known for, and some prime diving spots or Red Sea resort towns that you will never want to leave.