El Quseir
If you want to step back in time and experience Egypt's Red Sea coast the way it used to be - before the massive resort developments took over - El Quseir's absolutely your ticket! This ancient port town sits between Hurghada and Marsa Alam, but it feels like you've discovered a proper hidden gem.
5,000 years of history
El Quseir's got serious historical credentials - we're talking about a port that's been operating for 5,000 years! Queen Hatshepsut used it for trade back in ancient Egypt, Romans made it a major strategic center, and it was the main departure point for pilgrims heading to Mecca. The brilliant Ottoman castle from 1799 still overlooks the Red Sea, and you can wander around today and see the old mosques and historic buildings. It's basically like having a history lesson while you're on holiday!
Diving without the crowds
Here's the mental bit - the diving and snorkeling here rivals anywhere else on the Red Sea, but because it's less developed, you get the reefs practically to yourself! They've actually restricted diving to limited numbers to protect the marine environment, which means the coral reefs are in absolutely pristine condition. You can dive from the shore to over 50 different sites, spot Napoleon wrasse, turtles, reef sharks, and even the occasional leopard ray. Plus, some resorts have house reefs right off their beaches - imagine rolling out of bed and diving into crystal-clear waters!
Authentic Egyptian vibes
Unlike the big resort areas, El Quseir's still got that genuine Egyptian fishing town atmosphere. The population's only about 50,000, many working in fishing, so you get to experience proper local life. The town center might not have loads of tourist attractions, but that's exactly the charm - you can eat brilliant fresh seafood at local restaurants like El Ferdous (where even the local cats come to say hello!), wander through traditional markets, and feel like you're experiencing the "real" Egypt rather than a sanitized resort version.
The whole place is perfectly positioned too - about 70km from Marsa Alam airport and 138km from Hurghada, so you get the best of both worlds: easy access but proper peaceful vibes. It's basically where you go when you want world-class diving, fascinating history, and authentic Egyptian culture! 🏰🐠
Ramadan 2026
Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 17/02/2026 and 18/03/2026. During this time, many cafes and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.
