Marsa Alam holidays

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Marsa Alam is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with its relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds than other Egyptian resorts. However, you should always check the government’s foreign travel advice for up-to-date safety information before you go and remember to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover you while you’re away. In addition, try to be mindful of your valuables and surroundings in crowded areas, respect the local culture and be wary of unsolicited offers and services.

The nightlife scene in Marsa Alam is generally more subdued compared to other Egyptian resort towns, like Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh. In this low-key area, expect to spend your evenings stargazing on a beach, watching live music at your hotel or venturing into Port Ghalib. Here, you’ll find a few restaurants and bars, plus a popular nightclub.

Marsa Alam is renowned for its beautiful beaches along the Red Sea coast, with golden sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters. There’s a good mix of unspoiled spots that are classed as protected areas, where secluded sunbathing is on the cards, and amenity-equipped beaches where snorkellers go to see the coral reefs. Bookmark Sharm El Luli – often referred to as the ‘Egyptian Maldives’ – and Abu Dabbab, known for its marine life, including sea turtles and dugongs, or ‘sea cows’.

There are lots of things to do in Marsa Alam, whether you’re keen to stay by the sea or head into the desert. Diving and snorkelling are major draws, with sites like Elphinstone Reef and Dolphin House Reef being particularly popular. You can also go kitesurfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle-boarding in the calm waters. On dry land, opt for quad biking or hiking around the Wadi El Gemal National Park.

Getting around in Marsa Alam is relatively straightforward, though there aren’t as many options as you might find in bigger Egyptian resort towns. Most visitors rely on hotel-organised transportation or tour operators for excursions and trips to nearby attractions, which reps in TUI hotels can help with. Taxis are available, but it's advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Car rental is another option, so long as you’re prepared for desert driving conditions. And of course, you can get around on foot if you’re staying close to your resort area.

You can expect a mix of Egyptian and international cuisines in Marsa Alam. Typical restaurants serve things like koshari – Egypt’s national dish, which pairs pasta, rice and lentils with fried onions and tomato sauce – and ta'ameya, Egyptian falafel made with dried fava beans. Things like grilled Red Sea fish and seafood tagine are popular here, thanks to the area’s coastal location, while lots of hotels have Mediterranean meals and familiar faves in their food line-up.

Marsa Alam is warm all year around, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences. For comfortable sightseeing, October to April is ideal – temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C during these months. It can be above 35°C in May to September, so sunbathing stints and dips in the sea will be warmer, while snorkelling enthusiasts will want to note that water’s clearest from March to May and September to November.

Direct flights from the UK to Marsa Alam typically take around five to six hours, depending on where in the country you’re departing from.

Shopping options in Marsa Alam are slightly limited compared to larger Egyptian resort towns. While many resorts have their own mini-markets and beach boutiques, the nearby town of El Quseir has a small bazaar where you can find Egyptian souvenirs, spices, and textiles. There are more places to buy jewellery, art and trinkets in Port Ghalib, a modern marina near Marsa Alam. And you’ve got a whole shopping district to haggle your way through if you join a tour of El Quesir.

You have lots of luxury resorts to choose from in Marsa Alam. The Jaz Grand Marsa and the Jaz Lamaya Resort are two top picks for holidaygoers looking to stay right by a beach. The first hotel has five pools, a trio of restaurants – including one with show-cooking stations – and evening entertainment for both adults and kids, while the second lines up three pools with bay views, á la carte eats and fire-eating shows come sunset.

There are a few different areas to pick from when you’re looking for places to stay in Marsa Alam. Port Ghalib is a popular choice, featuring a modern marina, upscale resorts, and easy access to diving spots. El Quseir, a historic coastal town north of Marsa Alam, offers a more authentic Egyptian experience with its traditional architecture and local markets. For beach lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts, the areas around Abu Dabbab Bay are ideal, known for their pristine beaches and rich marine life. Those seeking a quieter, more secluded experience might prefer the resorts south of Marsa Alam town, where you can find more isolated beaches and a tranquil atmosphere.