Desert Excursions:
If you are an adventurous traveler, don't be fooled by Safaga's serene and relaxing nature, as the town unfolds an exciting side of it manifested in the magnificence of Sinai's Eastern Desert. Some visitors like to combine their visit to the pleasant town with an ancient flavor by visiting the enchanting city of Luxor. The Eastern Desert’s roads allow travelers to follow in Queen Hatshepsut’s footsteps, making Luxor and other highlights of Egypt reachable. Several adventurous desert excursions are available and can be arranged through both tour offices and hotels.

Kharaz Malky:
Located 75km north of Safaga, and embraced by Sinai’s soaring mountains Kharaz Malky is an ideal way to explore the adventurous side in you! This simple site located at the heart of the Eastern Desert is your ticket to explore Bedouin life with its combined harshness and simplicity. Visitors camp in goat wool tents overlooking the captivating scene of dunes hugging elevated mountains, allowing them to soak up the beauty of nature and relax. Bedouins guide backpackers through the desert, and hike the mountains to enjoy the sedative scene of the sun setting in the Red Sea. Exploration can be done by camels, quad bikes or even on foot for the more fit. Mingle with Bedouins who let you into the fabric of the desert’s simple life, meditate and gaze at the stars lighting up the sky at night. For only 20 Euros visitors can enjoy a traditional, luscious Bedouin dinner prepared with absolute love and hospitability.

Monastery of Saint Anthony and Monastery of Saint Paul:
Saint Anthony Monastery (AD 361-3) marked the beginning of the monastic tradition, and is the oldest, and largest Coptic Monastery in Egypt. The legend states that Anthony was orphaned at 18, and so he decided to dedicate his life to serve God, resulting in what the world knows now as Monasticism. His disciples built the magnificent monastery on the site of his grave, and it is now accessible to everyone who wants to appreciate much of the site’s retained originality. Saint Paul (AD 228-348) was a wealthy man from Alexandria, who decided to retreat to the desert at the age of 16 to live for God. The Monastery is a beautiful one hidden behind lofty walls. Visitors can see magnificent murals of the Virgin and Child, as well as a beautiful chapel containing scores of Icons.

Mons Porphyrites, and Mons Claudianus:
Both are remains of two Roman quarries in the Red Sea Mountains, accessible on day trips from Hurghada, and the coast. Mons Porphyrites was the site of ancient porphyry quarries known for its pink- purple stone. Parts of the mining town are still in evidence for the visitors to explore. Mons Claudianus mine supplied the Romans with Black granite columns- some of which support the Pantheon in Rome today. Ruins of the fort, and of the Roman city can also be visited.

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