Where to go for a family beach holiday in Egypt

When it comes to countries that are conducive to family travel, few can compete with Egypt. This North African nation is synonymous with fun activities and new cultural experiences. And, with a charted history that stretches back further than almost any other civilization on Earth, families visiting the Land of Ra can experience something totally unique every time they go.

For those wanting to pair their time here with a spot of beach dwelling, you’re in luck. Egypt’s geography means that close to half of its borders are shared with either the Red or Mediterranean Sea. As a result, there are hundreds of miles of coastline for you and your young travelling companions to explore as part of your vacation.

The tricky part? Trying to decide the best spot to visit. That’s where our handy guide steps in. Today, we’re going to discuss three of the exciting options for those wanting to narrow down their choices at least a little bit before travelling.

1. Sharm El Sheikh

Located on the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most frequented spots in the whole of Egypt. The area has a bevy of beaches, which vary from those designed for adventure activities (like snorkelling), to more picturesque areas where families can frolic and play by the water’s edge.

Sharm El Sheikh’s catalogue of sandy stretches is perfect for all the traditional seaside activities your children will no doubt enjoy. But there are also some more unique experiences to be had in this stunning part of the world. Older children can partake in camel riding or sand surfing, while the vast range of resort hotels are packed with amenities to accommodate travelling tots. Whilst in the area, be sure to visit the Old Market of Sharm – which is actually one of the oldest markets in the world – to pick up your local souvenirs.

2. Alexandria

Found on the Mediterranean, the city of Alexandria is the largest in the entire region. With a total population of 5,200,000 people, it’s the sixth largest metropolis in the Arab world, and the ninth biggest in the entirety of Africa. Unsurprisingly then, there are a host of opportunities for visitors to check out when it comes to beaches across the region. Stanley, Montazah, and El Mamurah Beach are three of the most popular.

These urban beaches are in close proximity to the city’s other amenities, meaning you’re sure to find something to keep everyone entertained. It’s worth keeping in mind that this part of the country can become extremely crowded in the summer months, which might make travelling with young children more difficult. If you can make it work with school schedules, the shoulder season is generally the best time to visit, since you can still make the most of the gorgeous weather without having trouble finding a spot for your beach towels.

3. Dahab

For fans of something a little more adventurous (and perhaps better suited to older children), Dahab is famed across the world for its diving spots. These range from those for beginners, to depths which are best traversed by seasoned pros alone. Only the brave should take on the famed Blue Hole – a 110m deep and 150m crevice which is teeming with natural marine life. For children new to the hobby, Eel Gardens and Lighthouse are two more suitable locations, where they can look out for the array of marine life dancing through the corals.

There are plenty of dive schools located in Dahab, so first-time explorers can benefit from expert guidance when taking the plunge. When the scuba fun is done for the day, the beaches here tend to be far less crowded than in more tourist-central areas. Stroll down to one and relax knowing that you’re almost guaranteed to be untroubled by the usual fanfare that comes with a busy day on the sands.

Are you ready to start planning your dream family beach vacation to Egypt? Use this guide as your starting point for inspiration. We hope to see you out on the golden sands soon.