Guide to Marsa Alam

Beaches

Marsa Alam's beaches are simply to die for. Pristine swathes of coral beaches are backed by gently swaying palms in true tropical paradise style. They are also perfect for families, with gently shelving, calm waters where the kids can splash about to their heart's content. Most of the larger hotels are huddled around Coraya Bay. It's a perfectly gorgeous, sweeping crescent of beach, lapped by typically azure blue waters. So, if you just want to stroll out of your hotel and flop for the day, it's just the ticket. However, venture a little further afield and it's relatively easy to find a hidden cove or a deserted spot to enjoy some quality quiet time away from other holidaymakers. Mind you, if it's early morning you may be joined by a more adventurous contingent from a local herd of desert antelope, some of whom occasionally make their way to the shore first thing in the day. A popular place to find uninterrupted seclusion is the Wadi Gimal National Park, about 40 kilometres to the south of Marsa Alam. This 100-kilometre stretch of coastline is a protected area with tropical palm groves, mangrove bays and some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful stretches of sand this side of the Caribbean.

Eating out

• There are a few independent, traditional restaurants in Marsa Alam, but on the whole most visitors stick to the hotels for meals. The larger hotels offer a range of dining options, in most cases including a chance to sample at least some typical Egyptian dishes. There are also several canopied restaurants and bistros on the Corniche at Port Ghalib. Taking its influences from both Africa and Asia, Egyptian cuisine delivers a delightful mix of nourishing practicality and exotic sensuality. Simple, hearty dishes are perked up with fragrant herbs and spices. Grilled meats such as lamb are popular, as are vegetables and pulses, aubergine and fava beans being almost national institutions. Main dishes include kebabs, falafels - balls of spiced fava beans or chickpeas - and 'koshari' - a kind of chilli con carne, made of rice, black lentils, chickpeas and macaroni, topped with a garlicky tomato sauce. Another favourite is 'ful medames', which consists of mashed fava beans cooked slowly in a copper pot, served with olive oil, chopped parsley, onion, garlic and lemon juice, and usually eaten with 'baladi' or whole wheat bread. Desserts include baklava - filo pastry with honey and nuts – 'umm ali' - raisin cake soaked in milk and served hot - and 'mahallabiyya' - the Egyptian version of rice pudding, usually topped with pistachio nuts. The Egyptians also make ice cream, 'bbouzat haleeb', although it's a lot less creamy and a little more sticky than the kind we're used to. On the fruit front, locally-grown figs, dates, oranges and pomegranates are all succulent and flavoursome. As for drinks, unlike some Arab countries, Egypt is not alcohol free, although many Egyptians are devout Muslims and, therefore, teetotal. There's a local beer called 'Stella', which is not the best in the world, but goes down well after a day in the sun. Tea is popular with Egyptians, so you won't find it difficult to get a reasonable cuppa.
  
  
• The Olive Restaurant, Palace Hotel, Port Ghalib Located on the upper level of the Palace's garden terrace, overlooking the Red Sea, this elegant restaurant is decorated in traditional Arabian style. Michelin-starred head chef Conrad Gallagher takes a fresh look at ancient Arabic and Mediterranean recipes.
  
  
• Souq al Hana, Sahara Sun Oasis, Port Ghalib One of the more unusual restaurants in the region, this themed establishment recreates an oasis on the ancient Sarahan caravan route. The menu features Mediterranean, Cathay, Kandahar, Arabian, meze and oasis barbeque treats.
  
  
• Fayruz Restaurant, Iberotel Coraya Famous for dishes created with fresh and healthy ingredients, this delightful restaurant overlooking Coraya Bay provides you with a genuine taste of Mediterranean cuisine. The menu usually includes the catch of the day.

Nightlife

• As you'd expect from somewhere that's only relatively recently come into the limelight, the nightlife in Marsa Alam is pretty low key. After-dark entertainment in Marsa Alam is pretty much confined to the hotels, all of which have bars, while some have discos. There are also regular programmes of entertainment, including live music, dancing, cultural shows and floor shows. Alternatively, for a truly memorable experience, you can take a trip out into the desert and have dinner with the Bedouin. It's a great opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle of this ancient people, and to get a taste of exotic Arabian culture. While camels graze outside the tent, you'll be seated cross legged at a low table and served tea by a man dressed in the traditional trademark black and white scarf. After dinner, there'll be shisha pipes, traditional music and dancing to round off the evening.
  
  
• Africana Discotheque, Dreams Beach Resort Bop to a range of music and enjoy a selection of live entertainment, including oriental cultural shows and belly dancing.
  
  
• Planet Bedouin, Kahramana Beach Resort A genuine Bedouin tent located right on the beach and surrounded by mountains, offering oriental drinks, shisha water pipes and a weekly Bedouin dinner.
  
  
• Mine Pub and Discotheque, Amaraya Resort This underground venue is the place to bop 'til you drop to all the latest sounds, spun by the club's resident DJ.
  
  
• Akassia Swiss Resort The Akassia presents a varied programme of after dark entertainment, including Egyptian folklore shows, live music and a beach disco, as well as productions in the animation tent.
  
  
• Bombastic, Brayka Bay Resort This is probably the hottest nightspot in Marsa Alam. You can dance into the early hours to the latest disco and techno dance beats and there's a hi-tech light and laser show.

Shopping

It has to be said, shopping is not Marsa Alam's strong point. That said, the resort's not totally devoid of retail attractions. Most of the larger hotels have souvenir-come-gift shops selling good quality merchandise at reasonable prices. Best buys include locally-produced jewellery, leather goods, perfume, spices and, of course, Egyptian cotton. You'll also find special herbs and spices that only grow in this part of the world, and there are a few stores which sell authentic Bedouin handicrafts and clothes. If the shops in Marsa Alam town don't grab you, there may be some up the coast at Port Ghalib that will float your boat. The Corniche peninsula looks out over the marina and has a half mile stretch of retail outlets, as well as bars and cafes where you can relax with a refreshing fruit juice or tea in between bouts of bargain hunting. In addition, tucked away behind the apartment complex that faces the sea, there's a traditional Egyptian bazaar, the Khan – not to be missed. It's an Aladdin's cave packed with semi-precious gems, ceramics, perfumes and more.

Local information

Take a safari into the surrounding mountains by camel, jeep, horseback or quad bike. It is likely you will see "wild" camels meandering in the desert. These actually belong to local Bedouin tribes and are left to roam at will.

Location

130km south of El Quesir

Transfer time

Approximately 30 minutes from Marsa Alam airport