Ain El Sokhna Travel Guide

General Information About Ain El Sokhna

If exploration is what you are looking for, then Ain El Sokhna should be your destination of choice. The city is a short drive away from Cairo, marking the perfect location from which to enjoy both the Pyramids of Cairo and the glorious beaches.

The name Ain El Sokhna (which translates as ‘hot springs’) refers to the nearby sulfur springs that flow from Gebel Ataqa, the Eastern Desert’s northernmost mountain. Being a year-round sunshine destination with gentle waves of the clear Red Sea that is located barely more than an hour from the capital make Ain El Sokhna the ideal destination to have a break from the congestion of the city.

Its crystal waters and pristine beaches are the reason why Ain El Sokhna is known as a center for deep- sea fishing, while Zaafarana  is among the world's premier diving locations and famous for its wind and kite surfing too. Beaches and water sports aren’t only what this tourist resort has to offer you, as it is also a favorite spot for underwater photography, as well as an ideal one for camping. With a constant breeze, windsurfing is also popular in this city. In land, desert safaris in the nearby oasis and mountain canyons add to the list of attractions.

For those who want to cram in some sightseeing, there are appealing options: One of the world’s greatest feats of engineering, the Suez Canal , is less than an hour’s drive away. Make stops at St. Anthony’s Monastery  and the Monastery of St. Paul . The former, which bears the name of one of the earliest advocates of Christian monasticism, is among the oldest inhabited monasteries in Egypt. With fortress-style architecture built to withstand Bedouin attacks, it encloses gardens, a mill, a bakery and five churches, and features a series of unique wall paintings of holy knights and the hermits who founded the monastery. Its library is home to over 1,700 handwritten manuscripts. A picturesque two-kilometer hike from the monastery will bring you to panoramic views of the mountains and the Red Sea at the cave where St. Anthony lived as a hermit.

The spectacular high mountains, glistening sandy beaches, and clear water make Ain El Sokhna the holiday destination where you will discover the true meaning of fishing, diving, skating, and mountain climbing. It also plays a major role in therapeutic tourism as it contains a lot of sulfur and mineral springs that cure various diseases.

Water Sports & Snorkelling in Ain El Sokhna

Being a fairly recent development on the Gulf of Suez, Ain El Sokhna is not a highly developed Scuba diving centre yet, but it does feature some excellent reefs and crystal clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling.  A variety of water sports are available including water skiing and kite surfing.

The resort of Ain El-Sokhna extends along the Red Sea shoreline for about 60 km from the southern borders of Ras El Adebbya in the north to Ras El Zaafarana in the south and is well geared up for deep sea fishing.    Its turquoise waters are rich in marine life and coral reefs, perfect for snorkelers and with a constant breeze, windsurfing too is becoming increasingly popular.

Ain El Sokhna is renowned for the unspoilt and pristine nature of its beaches, which are broad, clean and sandy and less crowded than those of the more southerly resorts of Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.  

Desert Adventures & Excursion from Ain El Sokhna

Desert safaris to the nearby oasis and mountain canyons of the Western Desert add to the list of attractions in Ain El Sokhna.  Trips to the Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert and the Valley of the Golden Mummies are growing in popularity.  

The site dates to Greco-Roman Egypt, where the ruins of a temple to Alexander the Great can be found. The Siwa Oasis can also be found in the Western desert. It was the Greeks, Alexander the Great in particular, who made the Siwa Oasis famous by discovering and telling the world about the Oracle of Amun located there.  

Ain El Sokhna is also very convenient for excursions to the sights of the desert just outside Cairo, including The Pyramids of Cheops, Chechen and Mykerinus and the Great Sphinx. 

Golfing in Ain El Sokhna

With direct access to Ain El Sokhna's beautiful beach, this 5-star resort offers spacious and modern accommodation with breakfast included and a shuttle service from Cairo International Airport so you won’t even need to carry your clubs!  The lush new  International standard 9-hole golf course at the Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort , due to open by end of 2010, will offer challenging greens, fairways and bunkers to suit experienced golfers without putting off the novice.  Tee-ing off and driving on lovingly maintained greens against the backdrop of clear blue skies and crystal clear waters will exceed your expectations.  The delightful climate throughout summer and winter means this plush resort can also be enjoyed and played all year round.

Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort Ain El Sokhna, Egypt

Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort is the company’s first venture in Ain El Sokhna and offers a stunning five-star Golfing holiday to Egypt.

Ain El Sokhna Tours

Ain El Sokhna Attractions

Monastery of St. Anthony

This Monastery was named after St. Anthony, who was accredited for establishing the monastic tradition. Take a look at the old part of the monastery that is built over the saint’s tomb, and marvel at the beauty of the Coptic wall paintings which date back to the early 13th century.

The colors are still clear and distinct, and the wall is a true reflection of fine Coptic art, connecting to the art of the Byzantine Empire and Islamic Eastern Mediterranean region. From this monastery you can visit the chapel; it is beautiful piece of architecture.

Monastery of St. Paul

St. Paul was born in Alexandria late in the 3rd century. Once you get in, you will be captivated by its altars, candles, ostrich eggs and colorful murals. All these represent many biblical stories. The monastery has four churches, the most important of which is the underground Church of St. Paul that contains the hermit's cave and burial place. Its walls are painted with well-preserved frescoes and the ceiling is hung with ostrich eggs, which are symbols of the resurrection.

The larger Church of St. Michael has a gilded icon of John the Baptist's severed head. St. Paul's possesses many illustrated manuscripts, including the Coptic version of the Divine Liturgy and the Commentary on the Epistle of Saint Paul to Titus by John Chrysostom.

Ain El Sokhna Holidays

A Fine Golf Experience - 7 Nights Cairo, Ain El Sokhna

8 Days / 7 Nights

A Golf trip across Egypt’s finest courses in Cairo & Ain Sokhna, a must not miss experience in the world of a top notch sport.

SELECT

Scuba Diving in Ain El Sokhna, the Red Sea

Shopping and Leisure in Ain El Sokhna

For those who love to shop, Sharm El-Sheikh provides ample opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. Sharm El Sheikh is famous for producing jewellery, leather goods and rugs. Expect to haggle when shopping in Sharm El Sheikh! It is all part of the experience and the shop owners will be shocked if you don’t try to negotiate! The majority of shops and shopping centres are based in Naama Bay but Sharm Old Market is great for hunting out bargains. If you want real value for money you should go south-west to Dahab which is less busy and less commercialised than Sharm.

There is more to Sharm El-Sheikh than beaches, sea and shopping of course. It’s a well developed area that feels “European” with refined hotels, facilities and amenities. Sharm el Sheikh has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafes to visit as well as the hotels own all inclusive menus. The market area in Old Sharm is popular for its abundance of seafood restaurants and cheap prices. For those wanting a romantic evening, head to the” On Deck” restaurant in the Iberotel Lido hotel in Naama Bay where you can dine on a pontoon overlooking the water. The Il Mercato promenade, often called “Les Champs Elysee” of Sinai close to the Iberotel IL Mercato Hotel offers a varied selection of excellent cafes and restaurants.

There’s even an 18-hole Championship golf course in Jolie Ville Golf Resort, located only five kilometres from the main hotels in Sharm el Sheikh which is open to non guests. It includes a driving range and artificial lakes and is a perfect escape for those who love the game.

Ain El Sokhna Nightlife

Pacha

Pacha

Pacha is situated in the of Naama bay , and is the premier party place in Sharm El Sheikh that embodies the essence of the Pacha spirit with a twist of mystical Arabia added for pure indulgence.

Little Buddha

Little Buddha

Little Buddha is located in the heart of Naama Bay , and being one of the hottest venues in Sharm El Sheikh, it provides its clientele with the finest dining experience, an eclectic atmosphere, sublime surroundings, and the latest sounds from around the globe.

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe

When in Egypt, knock the Sinai sand from your sandals and settle into the Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh for a tall cool drink to quench your parched throat. The restaurant's huge guitar and sky dome act as an oasis beckoning every desert denizen to a good time. It provides a fascinating atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes.

Camel Bar

Camel Bar

It is a two-storey restaurant/bar that offers both indoor and outdoor areas. The lower floor is an ideal venue for those willing to indulge in a drink along with lively music, while the top floor overlooks Naama Bay and offers a more relaxing atmosphere with number of sumptuous international dishes and shisha.

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