Guide to Taba

Beaches

'Unspoilt beaches' is something of an over-used phrase in many travel guides and brochures. But in the case of Taba, you simply can't say anything else. Most of Taba's hotels are set on magnificent stretches of white sand, lapped by the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. What's more, there are numerous hidden coves where you can get away from it all and enjoy some relaxing quiet time. Whichever hotel you choose, you'll find a range of watersports available, including jet skis, windsurfing, para-sailing and more. Alternatively, as you lie on your sunbed and gaze out to sea, you may be tempted to explore beneath the surface, where you'll find a wonderful world teeming with all kinds of sea life. Many of the shallow coral reefs are easily accessible direct from the beaches, so are perfect for novice divers and there are plenty of dive schools to choose from. For a change of scene, it's worth heading down the coast to Nuweiba, supposedly the place where Moses parted the waves of the Red Sea in the Biblical Exodus. The dune-backed shoreline has a number of fine beaches where you can relax in a peaceful atmosphere. Between Nuweiba and Taba you'll find a few traditional beach camps. Facilities at these camps are fairly limited, but the beaches are often glorious.

Eating out

• Taba's hotels offer a mix of international and Egyptian cuisine, so there should be something on the menu to suit all tastes. However, it has to be said, apart from that the choice is limited. You certainly won't find the kind of dining out scene available in more developed resorts like Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh – no pizzerias, Chinese restaurants or fast food outlets here. If you do want to eat out, it's a case of checking out the restaurants at the other hotels. That being said, choose one of the more traditional establishments and you can experience some of Egypt's mouthwatering local dishes, such as grilled lamb kebabs, falafels - balls of spiced fava beans or chickpeas - and 'babaganoush' - aubergine mashed and mixed with seasoning. Another favourite is 'ful medames', which consists of mashed fava beans cooked slowly in a copper pot, served with lashings of olive oil, chopped parsley, onion, garlic and lemon juice, and usually eaten with 'baladi' or whole wheat bread. Desserts include the ubiquitous baklava, as well as 'fatir' pancakes, often stuffed with apricots, and 'basbousa', made of semolina pastry soaked in honey and topped with hazelnuts. If you're worried about your calorie intake, there's plenty of delicious fresh fruit as an alternative to the decadent sweets, including figs, dates, orange and pomegranates. As for drinks, unlike some Arab countries, Egypt hasn't banned alchohol, although many Egyptians are devout Muslims and stick to water, coffee or fruit juice. Alcohol is available in all the hotels and there is even a local beer called 'Stella', which is unremarkable but drinkable, and has the advantage of coming in king-size bottles.
  
  
• Fatoush, Sonesta Beach Resort With inside and outside dining, this welcoming restaurants serves up Lebanese specialities, Egyptian-style grilled meats and oriental dishes, along with fantastic views over the Red Sea.
  
  
• Marhaba, Hilton Taba Resort A chance to savour some authentic Egyptian cuisine. This excellent restaurant has traditional oriental decor and dark furnishings and serves a tempting menu of tajines, hot meze, couscous and homemade pastries.
  
  
• L'Etoile Steak House, Sol y Mar Sea Star Enjoy some of the best steaks this side of Alexandria in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. If you prefer to eat late, L'Etoile will oblige, opening until 11pm.
  
  
• Breeze, Hyatt Regency Located on the hotel's split pool level and surrounded by flowing waters and flowers, Breeze offers snacks and sandwiches during the day and an a la carte seafood menu in the evenings.
  
  
• L'Asiatique, Sofitel Situated in the hotel's lobby area with a magnificent view over the pool and the sea, this stylish restaurant has a Thai head chef and serves a varied menu of Asian dishes, accompanied by traditional oriental music.

Nightlife

• After-dark entertainment is confined to the hotels, although some of these offer a good range of facilities, including bars and discos. There are also regular programmes of entertainment, including live music, dancing, cultural shows and floor shows. The Hilton, the first resort hotel to be built in Taba, has its own on-site casino. You can try your luck at blackjack, 3 and 5-card poker and single-zero roulette. Or perhaps have a flutter on the slot machines, if you're less cavalier with your money. The casino is open round the clock at weekends, and drinks and snacks are available. If you're looking for a little more action, you could take a trip across the border to the Israeli resort of Eilat. There you'll find a much bigger selection of places to drink or dance the night away, including hi-tech discos with light and laser effects at some of the bigger hotels. The New Tourist Center and the North Beach Waterfront Promenade also have plenty going on in the evening, with lots of buzzing bars and cafes. Eilat's Cinematheque Club screens movies in English at the Philip Murray Cultural Center.
  
  
• Stars Casino, Hilton Taba Resort With blackjack, roulette and poker tables, plus over 60 slot machines, the Hilton's casino will give you every opportunity to be parted from your hard-earned cash!
  
• Discotheque Ramsis Club, Sonesta Beach Resort Styled in memory of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, this lively disco is located right next to the beach and offers great dance music as well as a wide range of cocktails and snacks.
  
• Le Sultan, Sofitel This English-style pub is next to a terrace which overlooks the hotel pool and the Gulf of Aqaba. There's a programme of live entertainment during the winter season.
  
• Rocks Disco, Hilton Taba Resort Bop 'til you drop to the latest sounds or simply relax and chat with a drink or two at the Hilton's lively disco-bar. It's open daily from 10pm to 2am.
  
• Pharaohs Bar and Lounge, Movenpick Hotel If you want a stylish, sophisticated venue where you can enjoy a relaxing after-dinner drink, this typical hotel lobby bar is a good choice.

Shopping

Taba is one of Egypt's most low key and unspoilt resorts so don't expect rows of designer boutiques, streets full of souvenir shops or well-stocked supermarkets. What shopping exists is mainly confined to the hotels, all of which have at least a souvenir-come-gift shop, if not more. Best buys include locally-produced jewellery, leather goods, perfume, rugs and, of course, Egyptian cotton. You'll also find some reasonably priced Bedouin handicrafts that make attractive souvenirs or gifts. If you're in desperate need of some more in-depth retail therapy, one solution is to head over the border to Israel. The nearby resort of Eilat should quench your thirst for serious shopping. There you'll find modern, air-conditioned malls packed with Israel's big name chain stores, as well as shops selling the latest fashions, jewellery, toys, books, sports equipment, souvenirs and much more. Cosmetics, shoes and clothes are all good value. And Eilat is officially a duty-free zone, so there are extra savings to be had.

Local information

Travel inland through the pale rugged landscapes of the Sinai desert to St Catherine's Monastery, one of early Christianity's only surviving churches. Built beside what is believed to be the site where God spoke to Moses, the monastery boasts an impressive chapel, a fascinating museum and a descendant of the original Burning Bush.

Location

200km north of Sharm El Sheikh

Transfer time

50 minutes from Taba airport