Lying in the extreme north east of Egypt, Sinai is a triangular piece of land, locked by the Gulf of Aqaba on the east and the Gulf of Suez on the west. Famed for its religious significance and strategic position, Sinai boasts a rich colourful history. Keeping pace with growth and development, the place still continues to preserve its cultures and traditions. Sinai’s red rocky peaks, endless deserts, majestic mountains and star-studded skies justify the spell it casts over visitors. You can never run out of attractions to visit here. Check out our list of a few such attractions.
Blue Hole
Blue hole, also known as ‘The Canyon’, is a gaping sinkhole situated about 10 kilometres north of Dahab. It gets its name from the serene, dark, and blue waters here. The depth of the water ranges from 7 to 27 metres. The outer ring of the Blue Hole is rich in marine life and diving in the depths somewhat feels like going skydiving.
St. Katherine’s Monastery
Considered to one of the oldest operating monastic communities in the world, St. Catherine’s Monastery was built on the orders of Emperor Justinian in about AD 330. The monastery along with its surrounding areas has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This monastery is also stocked with countless art works such as Arabic mosaics, sacerdotal ornaments, marbles, oil & wax paintings, and a massive collection of illuminated manuscripts.
Camel Trail
The camel trail is a wide and clear trek that goes up the Mt. Sinai, along the northern wall of St. Katherine’s Monastery. The trail slopes gently and the only potential difficulties here are the strong winds, the slippery patches and loose gravel. You can also choose to hire a camel at the base to take you up the mountains. There are some tea and soft drink stalls along the route.