Fayoum Travel Guide

General Information About Fayoum

Fayoum is a wonderful area of Egypt with a rich and interesting history. It is an area where Egyptians often vacation and which is constantly growing more popular among Europeans.

This 692 square mile depression was a lush paradise during prehistoric times. Its water level was eighty-five meters higher than today (currently 45 meters below sea level) and the Nile regularly flooded through the low mountains separating it from the Fayoum.

At 215 square km, the current lake Qaroun remains Egypt's largest salt water lake. The prehistoric people who lived here were, at first, nomadic hunters and gatherers, but later began harvesting plants near the lake.

This developed into what is said to be the earliest agricultural area in the world, where fences were erected and guarded warehouses built. The peacefulness of the area is a relief from the hustle and bustle of Cairo , from which it is a brief trip.

Bird life still abounds around Lake Qaroun, bordered by semi-nomadic Bedouin settlements and fishing villages. Here, on the edge of the desert, you can sail, windsurf, swim and fish. Other places of outstanding natural beauty near Fayoum are the hot springs at Ain Al Siliyin, where you can bath and the waterfalls at Wadi Al Rayan, 40km towards Bahareya , also suitable for swimming and picnics.

Fayoum Tours

Fayoum Attractions

Kom Aushim Museum

Was erected in 1974 exhibiting artifacts dating from the Prehistoric to Roman Periods.

Wale Cemetery

A prehistoric sea once existed in this area, leaving behind evidence in the form of whale skeletons and other fossils.

Bacchias

Was founded in the third century and abandoned in the forth. Several interesting ruins are still standing.

Lake Qarroun (Birket Qarroun)

Covers approximately 214.5 square kilometers. Several local legends relate to the lake. One tells of a pharaoh who lived during the time of Moses. The pharaoh inhabited a castle called Qarroun and had rooms full of gold and other riches. But the pharaoh was greedy and became mean and vicious. With all his possessions, he was cast in the lake. The treasure is still believed to be hidden in the lake.

Temple of King Qarroun (Qasr Qarroun)

The most interesting aspect of the temple is that it is the only temple in the Western Desert with its roof intact, offering us a sense of the atmosphere that once prevailed all the temples in the Western Desert. The temple is said to have 360 rooms, some of which can be explored using a flashlight.

Wadi El Rayan

This valley was named after a king who was buried with all his gold and riches in the Wadi. Most enjoyable, is the splendor of swimming under the waterfalls.

Karanis

The site that was almost completely buried contains foundations of hundreds of houses, several temples, factories, and baths, including a sauna with hot and cold running water.

Fayoum Holidays

Full Day Mini Safari Cairo, Fayoum

1 Days / Nights

We will take you on a safari in the heart of Fayoum; an adventure taking you back in time as you enjoy the natural views of the city.

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Scuba Diving in Fayoum, the Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh lies at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula in the Red Sea. It offers a variety of dive sites from reefs and walls to wrecks. The climate is hot, the water is warm and clear, and the reefs are covered in life. Diving is readily available everywhere and there are nearly fifty dive Centers in the region. More Europeans learn to dive here than anywhere else in the world and diving is ideal for beginners. Whatever your experience, dive Centers require you to do one local dive before they will take you on a boat trip in order to give you an opportunity to orient yourself to Red Sea diving.

Shopping and Leisure in Fayoum

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.

Fayoum Nightlife

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 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

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

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.