Sinai

The route to the Promised Land; where Isis sought Osiris and the Pharaohs found gold.

A meeting point for three great religions, at the crossroads of Africa and Asia: where Moses witnessed the Burning Bush, the Holy Family passed along during its flight into Egypt and where Amr Ibn El Aas went across on his Islamic invasion of the country.

After 8,000 years (at heart of history,) experience the continuing contrast Sinai, where rock meets coral reefs and desert stops at the sea.
Where the grandeur of granite meets the golden beaches of the "Red Sea" Riviera which is built on its several villages and tourist hotels. Tropical fish and rare birds; spectacular sunsets and clear starry nights.

» North Sinai

It lies on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and covers the area between Balouza (west) to Rafah (east). The coastal line is known for its olive and palm trees.

Popular Beaches of North Sinai:
The beach of Bardawil Lake, Rommana, Al-Masaid, Al-Nakhil, Al-Sheikh Zuwayed, Abu-Shnar and El-Arish

Main Cities:

• Al-Arish :
  the Capital, distinguished by its clear blue water, widespread, fruitful palm wood on its coast and its soft, white sand. It has a yacht marina, and a lot of luxury hotels.
   

• Rafah:
  The second city of the governorate 50km from Arish and 369km from Cairo . It is the only eastern outlet of the Egyptian international boundaries on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea
   

• Sheikh Zuwayed:
  Between Al0Arish and Rafah on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea .
   

• Bir Al-Abd:
  Midway between Qantara East and Al-Arish.
   

• Rommana:
  On the Mediterranean Sea, and it enjoys tranquility and beautiful landscape

Tourist Attractions

• Al-Arish Citadel:
  Built on a hillside south west of Al-Arish, on ruins of Pharaonic Fort. The fort has been demolished except two towers and the eastern wall.
  It has been reconstructed by Turkish Sultan, Soliman El-Qanouny in 1568.
  Nakhl Citadel: In Nakhl village south of Al-Arish constructed by Kansowa Al-Ghury in 1510 A.D. the visitor has access to it by the Middle Road (Ismailia, Gefgafa, Hassan the Nakhl or from Al-Arish to Hassana then Nakhl).
  
   

• Farama Citadel:
  In Balouza zone 32km from Qantara east on the way to Al-Arish. The citadel has 36 defense towers constructed by Al-Mutawakel Ala Allah.
   

• National Parks and Protected Areas   Al-Zaraneek:
  Known for migrant birds from east Europe and west Asia seeking warmth.
   

• Lake of Al Bardawil:
  Known for fishes and migrant birds. Throughout almost 3.000 year long history, Saqqara expanded to cover an area of 6 kilometers from north to south by 1.5 kilometers from east to west.
  As such, it is one of the largest and most important areas of the Memphite necropolis This 9 square kilometers area is usually divided into two parts: Saqqara-North and Saqqara-South Saqqara-North
  Saqqara North stretches between the Archaic Tombs just south of Abusir, and the unfinished complex of Sekhemkhet. It can be divided into the following cemeteries:

» South Sinai
It extends from Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba through the north of Al-Tih desert (the Labyrinth) to Ras Messallah on the gulf of Suez in the west till Ras Mohammed in the south. It has the highest mountain in Egypt, the summit of Saint Catherine which is2637 metres high above sea level. Its capital is Al-Tor on the Suez gulf, about 400km from Cairo. It is distinguished by its wonderful climate throughout the year and by its various orchard. It has international airports at Sharm El-Sheikh, Saint Catherine and Taba in addition to Al-Tor airport. It also hosts Nuweiba and Al-Tor sea ports. Its main cities are Abu Rodels, Ras Sidr, Saint Catherine, Sharm Al-Sheikh, Dahab and Nuweiba.

• Sport and Recreational Beaches in South Sinai
  South Sinai is characterized by its natural beauty, the beautiful beaches bestowed on it by God. They are about 600km of soft sand and turquoise warm water.
  it is rich in several rare marine life and exquisite coral reefs. It is suitable for practicing water sports such as diving, fishing, wind-surfing, and waterskiing. Its main beaches are:
   

• Ras Sidr
  Overlooks the Suez gulf and is distinguished by several natural tourist aspects: towering mountains, huge valleys, soft golden sand – beaches and clear blue water. it is considered a beautiful winter and summer resort.
   

• Ras Mohammed
  Lies at the peak of Sinai Peninsula, between Suez and Aqaba gulfs. Renowned for having the most exquisite coral reefs in the world and being a refuge to rare marine life, it has recently been declared a natural reserve which made it most fit for diving into a world-famous paradise of coral gardens and tropical fish.
   

• Nuweiba
  Famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, it is another exciting place for underwater sports. You will see both the imposing mountains of South Sinai and green oases along palm-fringed beaches.
  Sea and desert adventures: Camel and off road vehicles, mountain climbing, diving and snorkeling to enjoy rare marine life.
   

• Taba
  Considered Egypt 's eastern border line overlooking Aqaba gulf, 70km from Nuweiba, characterized by its fascinating natural beauty, clear blue water and abundance of bays which are considered among the landmarks of this tourist region. There is also an international airport.
   

• Pharaoh's Island
  Known for Salah Al-Din's fort and enjoys a unique location. Besides its historical background, it occupies a strategic position overlooking Aqaba Gulf. A visitor may locate Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Taba. It has a yacht and boat marina.
   

• Firan Valley
  Known for its greenery and orchards, Deir El Banat is a monastery located in high mountains, regarded as the most beautiful in the world due to their various colors and shapes.

»Resources
There are natural springs, medical plants and herbs which heal many ailments.

• Sharm El-sheikh
  336km from Suez, 53km from Ras Mohammed, it lies on the Aqaba Gulf , an international summer and winter resort preferred by vacationers to experience fishing, swimming, diving and relaxing.
  It has places for accommodation, tourist villages, hotels connected with well-equipped diving centers, camping site and a youth center. An excellent gold fourse overlooks the bay. Sharm El-Sheikh international airport handles large aircrafts.
  A cruise service connects Sharm El-Sheikh with Hurghada; the cruise takes 90 minutes by ferry.
   

• Dahab

  Overlooks Aqaba Gulf, 95km north east of Sharm El-Sheikh. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Sinai due to its golden sand, clear water and colorful marine life. It includes tourist villages, diving centers, camping sites, glass boats and windsurf facilities. "Dahab" in Arabic means "gold" in Sinai it means golden sands, turquoise sea and coloured fish.
  1-Hammam Fara'un (Pharaoh's Bath)
  110km from the tunnel of El-Shahid Ahmad Hamdi. It consists of 15 springs from which flows hot water suitable for the treatment of eye, skin and chest diseases.
  
  2- Moses' Bath:
  3km from Al-Tor City . Its sulphurous water is good for the treatment of many rheumatic and skin diseases.

»Adventure and Safari Tourism
The area enjoys diverse, extensive desert which abound in mountain chains suitable for climbing and sensational adventures.
Of these mountains are Mt Moses, Mt Catherine and Mt Safasafa. In addition, rallies and bike races are held, safari tours using 4/4 vehicles or camel rides are arranged to watch wild animals and birds in valleys and oases.

N.B.
Divers are prohibited from:
Diving at night from sunset till sunrise.
Catching rare and coloured fish, destroying the coral reefs or removing them and polluting the water with any materials and using toxic substances or explosives.
Prevent rare animals and bird hunting

Tourist Sites
 

• South Sinai enjoys a variety of tourist attractions which include:

• Religious Sites
  Religious tourism is a major tourist attraction in South Sinai which was the cradle of the three religions. Landmarks are:

• Saint Catherine Monastery :
  Its construction goes back to the 4 h century A.D. it lies in the foothills of Moses' mountain and it includes"

• The Basilica:
Built by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century A.D. in the monarchial style with its three hills which consist of the Sanctuary, the Altar and the Nave.
Above the arch of the Sanctuary, there are the oldest and most beautiful mosaics in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

• The Chapel of Burning Bush: behind the main church of the monastery.

• The Library:
the library of the Monastery is said to rank second only to that other Vatican as for the extensive collection of the rare manuscripts (3,500) in various languages.

• The Mosque:
It lies besides the main church, constructed in the reign of the Fatimid Caliph, Al-Amer Bi-Hakim Allah, in the 11 th century, symbolic of love and fraternity on the land of Egypt.

• The Museum of the Monastery:
it hosts a rare collection of icons. (2000) and the most precious objects, offered as gifts sent by kings and rulers of the Christian world as crosses, gold crowns, gold crowns inlaid with precious stones and also gold plated chandeliers.

Moses Mountain: It is 2285 meters high. On its highest summit there is a small church and mosque. Visitors are keen on climbing the mountain to watch sunrise. It is called Mt. Moneiga where God spoke to his prophet Moses.

Deir El Banat: It is in Firan Valley and contains the remains of a church. On its rubble a new church has been built. Its high mountains are of the most beautiful in the world with their various colors and shapes.

 •Shrine of Prophet Aaron: In the Raha (rest) valley at Saint Catherine's valley near Safsafa Mountain.

• Shrine of Prophet Saleh: 10km from Saint Catherine at the meeting point of Murrah valley and El-Sheikh valley.

• The Sacred Valley of Tawa: the Raha valley where God spoke to his prophet Moses.

• Serabit Al-Khadem Temple: it lies on a small mountain northwest of Firan, established by the pharaohs north-east of Abu Zeneima and includes the cave of goddess Hathor.

• Al-Gondi Citadel (the Soldier): constructed by Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi about 65km
east Ras Sidr in 1165 A.D.

• The Citadel of Salah Al-Din: built by Salah a-Din Al-Ayoubi on pharaoh's island in 1170 A.D. and is known for its unique position overlooking Aqaba Gulf.

 National Parks in South Sinai
South Sinai is famous for its natural resources represented in rare aquatic species of fish, coral reefs and breath-taking mountains in addition to unique fauna and flora. to preserve them from decline and extinction, this region has been declared a national park. The most important are

 • Ras Mohamed : A paradise which God endowed with the most gorgeous formations of coral reefs and thousand species of rare fish, distinct marline life, warm water springs, wild animals, birds and mangrove trees.

• Saint Catherine: combines a collection of rare animals, reptiles and birds in addition to a variety of medical plants and herbs.

• Nabq: Located between Sham El-Sheikh and Dahab, distinguished by rich wild life of animals, rodents and rare reptiles, as well as migratory birds that inhabit mangroves.

• Abu Galum: located on Aqaba gulf between Sharm El-Sheikh and Taba. This area is characterized by an integrated environmental system which combines the desert, mountainous region and numerous valleys interpenetrating it which bestows on the area special beauty. In addition to a marine life abounding in kinds of coral reefs and coloured fish, in the area there is also wild life of several species of animals and birds.

• Diving areas: South Sinai is distinguished by many places suitable for diving such as Ras Mohamed, Sharm Al-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba and Pharaoh's island. There are also many certified diving centers in the tourist village staffed with professional instructors for scubas diving and snorkeling.