Once a small village, Marsa Alam is nowadays a truly beautiful resort that becomes even more attractive and comfortable year after year. New four- and five-star hotels open here in order to welcome more foreign guests. This Egyptian resort is particularly popular with fans of scuba diving. Divers from all over the world try to visit Marsa Alam to see the treasures of the underwater world hidden in the depths of turquoise water. Are you a fan of little crowded beaches and relaxed recreation away from big cities? Marsa Alam is never overcrowded, and only the central part of this resort is vibrant and active.
In the past, Marsa Alam was an ordinary village, a modest and even dull-looking small settlement. Local people were mostly fishermen. The settlement got such a beautiful name after a coral reef. There is also a theory that name Marsa Alam means “a fishing village”. When the government of Egypt decided to develop resort tourism in the country, the first hotels started slowing opening in Marsa Alam. The former village turned into a resort town in the 90s of the 20th century. However, the process was slow until 2001. The opening of an international airport nearby was a huge step forward for tourism in this region.
Marsa Alam attracts tourists with its gorgeous beaches, the total length of which is roughly fifty kilometers along the sea coast. It doesn’t matter what beach you choose – all of them have a soft sand surface, transparent and clean water, and comfortable swimming suitable for both adults and children. Would you like to spend some time in silence and solitude? Without a doubt, Marsa Alam is the most suitable Egyptian resort for a tranquil and trouble-free vacation. This is a great place to feel united with nature and admire sea views. As local beaches are usually not crowded, it is particularly pleasant to take a stroll along the coast.
The resort is mostly active near hotels, many of which have their private beaches. By the way, every beach has its peculiarities. For example, some beaches have reefs close to the coast, and this makes them perfect for fans of snorkeling and all vacationers that have diving as their top priority during a vacation in Marsa Alam. These categories of tourists will be pleased to see a pontoon, thanks to which it is comfortable to enter the water. The length of the pontoon can be up to one kilometer.
Some resort hotels have recreation areas that are perfectly suitable for vacationers with small children. These areas are usually open in closed bays formed by barrier reefs that protect the area from the rest of the sea. Thanks to such natural protection, these bays are always calm and have no high waves. Children can swim safely here, and parents do not need to worry. There are even beaches that have no coral reefs, but vacationers need to keep their shoes on because there can be sharp coral pieces in sand.
Marsa Alam is a true paradise for divers because Mother Nature gave coral reefs of tremendous beauty to this area. This “treasure” is a magnet for all tourists who enjoy exploring the underwater world. Perhaps, this is the most beautiful area of the Red Sea. Moreover, when exploring the sea world, divers can see local marine fauna, such as friendly dolphins and colorful parrotfish, feel worried when meeting a shark or a stingray, and observe interesting crocodile fish. Finally, there is always a chance to stumble upon one more iconic marine creature of the region – the internationally famous sea cow. These animals are just a small share of the diverse fauna of the region.
Indeed, diving in Marsa Alam meets the highest standards. At the moment, this is the most well-developed sphere of tourism at the resort. The choice is virtually unlimited. Professional divers can participate in interesting diving tours. If you are a beginner and only master the basics of this exciting activity, experienced instructors are always ready to teach you how to dive. They will show how to enter water correctly and, the most important, how to breathe underwater. Once the teaching is over, you will get an international certificate.
One of the most popular ways to get to Marsa Alam is to fly to Hurghada. Upon arrival, tourists can order a transfer to Marsa Alam. It takes three hours to reach the resort. It is also possible to make a domestic flight to Marsa Alam. In recent years, there has been an increased number of direct flights to this Egyptian resort.
Sightseeing in Egypt: things to see
Cairo, the capital of the country, remains the most popular tourist destination. The city is rich in various places of interest and numerous museums. A visit to Cairo is also a great way to get acquainted with Egyptian culture. The list of most famous architect objects includes the Saladin Citadel of Cairo, Luxor temples and Al Azar University. When it comes to museums, the most famous and frequently visited one is the Museum of Egypt that exhibits large collections of archaeological and historical findings. The “newest” artefacts exhibited are at least two thousand years old.
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