5 Best Beaches in Egypt (A Local’s Guide)

From boho towns on the Red Sea to world-famous diving resorts, Egypt has tons of incredible beaches to offer.

And it’s no wonder. Egypt has some 1,800 kilometers of coastline along the Mediterranean in the north and the Red Sea in the south.

And while Egypt is most famous for ancient temples and pyramids, it’s also an incredible destination for year-round sunshine and crystal-clear (and warm!) waters. Some of Egypt’s best beaches rival those of the Maldives – at a fraction of the price.

So how do you pick the Egyptian beach that’s just right for you?

I’m an expat living for over a decade in Egypt and I’ve visited lots of beaches all across the country. And this is my ultimate guide to plan your perfect Egyptian beach getaway.

Whether you’re looking for a rustic hidden gem, a diver’s paradise or a family-friendly resort, here’s my definite list of the best beaches in Egypt.

1. Agiba Beach, Marsa Matruh

Location: Mediterranean Sea, 300 km west of Alexandria
How to get there: fly to Marsa Matruh Intl. Airport, or take a 5-hour bus from Cairo

Agiba Beach is a little slice of paradise nestled between golden cliffs with crystal blue waters and white sand.

This Mediterranean treasure is a short drive from the coastal town of Marsa Matruh. It’s a beautiful cove that’s only accessible by foot down a rocky path. And it offers gorgeous views of the dramatic rock formations as they meet the blue waters.

Pros: white sand beaches, clear and calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Cons: not the best option for diving or snorkeling

The area: Agiba Beach is near Marsa Matruh, a quiet coastal city with a slew of other gorgeous beaches that aren’t nearly as crowded as Sharm or Hurghada. It’s also a real-life coastal town with authentic Egyptian (and Amazigh) culture – not just a strip of tourist resorts.

2. Sharm El Luli, Marsa Alam

Location: Red Sea, 60 km from Marsa Alam
How to get there: fly to Marsa Alam Intl. Airport, then bus/taxi

Sharm El Luli (aka Ras Hankorab) is ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches with its pristine sand and crystal-clear water.

It’s a stunning hidden gem that’s definitely one of my favorite beaches in all of Egypt!

Dive in and snorkel to spot butterfly fish, bright orange clownfish (of Finding Nemo fame) and the occasional sea turtle.

Have some tea at a makeshift tent and pick up a souvenir from the local women who sell colorful trinkets from beads and camel leather. The beach is completely remote with no bathrooms, lounge chairs or tourist crowds.

Pros: beautiful sand, incredible snorkeling and no crowds
Cons: little infrastructure

The area: Sharm el Luli is near Marsa Alam, a tourist town on the Red Sea that’s quickly growing as a tourist destination. It’s known for a slew of white sandy beaches that’s earned it the nickname of the “Egyptian Maldives.”

3. Blue Lagoon, Dahab

Location: Red Sea, about 80 km northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh
How to get there: fly to Sharm el-Sheikh, then bus/taxi

The Blue Lagoon is a sheltered natural pond with striking blue water enclosed by rugged Sinai mountains.

It’s known for its serene atmosphere and calm waters that are perfect for swimming. It’s also a popular spot to learn kite surfing and wind surfing thanks to the steady winds and year-round warm weather.

Pros: incredible scenery, great for chilling on the beach, wind and kite surfing,
Cons: a little rocky and not ideal for snorkeling (though the Blue Hole, a world-famous diving spot) is nearby.

The area: Dahab is a small Egyptian town that’s a backpacker favorite for its boho vibes, campsites and world-famous diving spots. It’s gaining in popularity but hasn’t lost its rugged charm with lots of nature and coast lines to explore.

4. Soma Bay, Hurghada

Location: Red Sea, 45 km south of Hurghada
How to get there: fly to Hurghada Intl. Airport, then bus/taxi

Soma Bay is a luxurious resort destination known for pristine beaches, upscale hotels, scuba diving and a championship golf course.

It’s a peninsula surrounded by the sparkling sea with perfect wind conditions for kite and wind surfing. There’s also a few tiny islands to explore by katamaran for an unforgettable experience.

Soma Bay is home to just 6 resorts (including a beautiful Kempinski) so it’s great to escape the tourist crowds. It’s my favorite resort town in Egypt and I highly recommend it as a romantic destination for couples and a family-friendly getaway.

Pros: pristine reefs, upscale resorts, quiet beaches and lots of water activities
Cons: not much nightlife or activity outside of the resorts

The area: Soma Bay is known for upscale resorts, elegant dining by the water and perfect wind for kite and wind surfing.

5. El Qulan Mangrove Forest, Marsa Alam

Location: Red Sea, about 100 km from Marsa Alam
How to get there: fly to Marsa Alam Intl. Airport, then taxi/bus

The El Qulan Mangrove Forest is a picturesque beach with a unique ecosystem of mangrove trees.

Tucked inside the Wadi El Gemal Natural Reserve, this protected beach is a wildlife and bird sanctuary. The twisting branches and shrubbery of the mangroves give shelter to a wide range of native birds.

Stroll through the stretch of shallow water to the solitary mangrove tree that looks suspended between water and sky. These remarkable mangroves are among the world’s most endangered habitats.

The local bedouins serve fresh and hearty lunches. And don’t miss the handicrafts market with authentic jewelry made by the indigenous Al Ababda tribe.

Pros: unique ecosystem, serene and quiet, great for birdwatchers and nature lovers
Cons: limited facilities

The area: Marsa Alam really deserves its nickname as the “Egyptian Maldives.” It’s a tourist town on the Red Sea with pristine beaches that aren’t as crowded or developed as Sharm or Hurghada.