Egypt holidays

With world-famous sights, high temperatures, golden beaches and brilliant diving spots, Egypt has a lot to offer holidaymakers.

Tourists dream of visiting Egypt's iconic sights - Giza's pyramids, the Sphinx and Tutankhamun's tomb - but the country isn't just an old-fashioned museum. The white-sand beaches, year-round sunshine, spas and watersports all attract holidaymakers too.

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Sharm El Sheikh is a popular resort with diving and snorkelling being favourite activities due to the coral reefs and high concentration of marine life. For something less energetic, there are also luxurious spas to be pampered in. And, for something completely different, safari trips to the nearby Sinai Desert are a great option.

Luxor is the ideal destination for lovers of culture. There's Luxor Temple on the banks of the Nile, Karnak Temple to the north of the city and the Theban Necropolis just over the Nile which includes the Valley of the Kings with the Tomb of Tutankhamun. The bustling bazaars and shops are also great places to pick up souvenirs and to perfect your haggling skills.

Keen divers and snorkellers will love Hurghada. Previously a small fishing village, the town is now a tourist haven with a good selection of restaurants, bars and clubs. And, if you want a day away from the water, Hurghada's shops and malls sell everything from designer clothes to handmade souvenirs - don't forget to barter.

Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza, Cairo, Egypt
Egypt's busy capital Cairo attracts tourists looking for a lively break. By day there are plenty of sights to explore in the sprawling city - from the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities to the Citadel - and by night there are numerous dining options from upmarket eateries to simple cafés. Cairo's big trump card for many holidaymakers is its close proximity to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Other popular destinations and activities in Egypt include Dahab, a great spot for watersports with sandy beaches and backdrop of mountains; going on a camel trek or a jeep safari to explore the desert; visiting Mount Sinai, the peak on which Moses received the Ten Commandments from God; and taking a cruise down the Nile, a great way to take in plenty of sights.

If you are planning a trip to Egypt this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.

When to go

Weather

The weather in Egypt is consistently high making it an excellent winter sun destination. Even in January, temperatures reach 20C in Sharm el Sheikh and 19C in Cairo. In July they can reach a sweltering 37C in Dahab and 35C in Cairo.

Events

International Egypt Marathon; January; Luxor - This annual event attracts almost 2,000 runners from more than 30 countries. Runners race past the famous sights on the West Bank.

Mohammed's Birthday (Moulid el-Nabi); spring; throughout Egypt - The Prophet Mohammed's Birthday is celebrated throughout Egypt with processions, and sweets called halawet el-moulid and aroussa al moulid are made.

Ramadan; the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; throughout Egypt - Ramadan commemorates the time when the first verses of the Koran began to be revealed to Mohammed. The majority of Muslims in Egypt will fast during daylight hours over Ramadan so there may be some disruption for tourists. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.

Festival of Tutankhamun Tomb Discovery; November; Luxor - This event celebrates the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb on November 4, 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter.

Best of Egypt holidays for...

Grown-up families: Step into the underworld and meet Egypt's most famous celebrities - the pharaohs - at the haunting Valley of the Kings. Eerie tomb chambers are covered in hieroglyphic graffiti, including Tutankhamun's resting place.
Kids and teens: Tales of ancient Egypt come to life at dramatic sound and light shows at Karnak Temple. Little historians marvel as Thebes' history unfolds and the temples, obelisks and statues glow in the dark.
Active types: Buddy-up for dives in the Red Sea's underwater paradise just off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh on Egypt holidays. With clear visibility, you can easily spot turtles, manta ray and dolphins.

Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt

Romance: Glimpse Egyptian village life on the banks of vast Lake Nasser as you lap across the waters in a traditional felucca sailing boat. Breathtaking views of Abu Simbel's rock-carved temples will inspire any blossoming Antony and Cleopatra love affair,
Relaxing: The dramatic desert and Sinai Mountains are your backdrop in chilled-out Taba. The village-chic resort is the perfect spot to unwind with lazy desert Jeep rides to Bedouin camps and the ancient St Catherine's Monastery.
Shopping: Fill your bags with Middle Eastern booty at Cairo's vibrant Khan-al-Khalili bazaar. As soon as you step through the Ottoman gates your senses will be bombarded with potent spices, papyrus paintings and bling gemstones.
Free & cheap: You won't need to part with an Egyptian pound on Marsa Matruh's blissful Mediterranean beaches. Stroll for miles on the soft, white sands and explore coastal caves after a dip in the azure, sheltered bay.