Does Egypt have beaches? Absolutely—and they’re spectacular. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Egypt a few times throughout my life: first as a wide-eyed kid, later as a teenager fascinated by the country’s colors and chaos, and most recently on a scuba diving trip with a friend exploring the Red Sea’s incredible reefs.

Each time, I’ve fallen a little more in love with the beaches here. There’s a kind of magic to Egypt’s coastline that’s hard to describe. But just imagine Golden sands backed by rugged desert mountains, turquoise water so clear it feels unreal, and an easy rhythm that slows everything down.

From the family-friendly bays of Sharm El Sheikh to the wild beauty of Marsa Matruh, Egypt’s beaches are as diverse as they are unforgettable.

Whether you’re here to dive, kite surf, sip mint tea by the water, or simply soak in the sun, you’ll find a stretch of sand that feels like it was made for you.

Naama Bay was one of the first Egyptian beaches I ever visited, and it’s still one of my favorites. It’s the heart of Sharm El Sheikh – the place where the Red Sea’s energy feels most alive. The beach curves around a calm, sheltered bay lined with palm trees, dive shops, and cafés spilling onto the sand. 

When I returned recently, I stayed nearby and loved that I could step straight from breakfast onto a dive boat. The snorkeling here is perfect for beginners, with colorful reefs just offshore, while the promenade behind the beach buzzes with life after dark. It’s lively, warm, and welcoming—the ultimate introduction to Egypt’s coastal magic.

Ras Um Sid has a quieter, more grown-up feel than Naama Bay, which is probably why I fell in love with it on my most recent trip. The beach sits at the tip of a rocky headland, with steep cliffs that give way to some of the most beautiful coral gardens I’ve ever seen. 

I spent entire afternoons snorkeling here, drifting over fields of hard coral and watching parrotfish flash beneath me. The vibe is calm: a few boutique resorts, shaded loungers, and a handful of restaurants serving grilled seafood with panoramic sea views. If you want Red Sea beauty without the bustle, Ras Um Sid is pure perfection.

Shark’s Bay feels like the best of both worlds—lively enough to keep things interesting, but with the same crystalline water that makes this part of Egypt so special. I stayed at a small resort here once, and loved how close everything felt: dive centers, beach bars, and even the ferry to Tiran Island, which makes for an unforgettable day trip. 

The beach itself is narrow but beautiful, with wooden decks leading into deep, reef-filled water. It’s ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or just lounging with an iced hibiscus tea as boats glide past in the distance. Shark’s Bay is where the Red Sea really shows off.

The first time I saw the Blue Hole, I finally understood why divers talk about it with such awe. This deep, circular sinkhole just north of Dahab is one of the most famous dive sites in the world—and for good reason. 

I came here with a friend on my most recent trip, and even snorkeling along the rim felt like floating above an endless sapphire drop. The surrounding beach is rugged and raw, with Bedouin-style cafés serving mint tea and fresh flatbread right by the water. There’s no resort polish here, just pure Red Sea energy: wild, humbling, and impossibly beautiful.

Getting to Ras Abu Galum feels like an adventure in itself—a bumpy camel ride or boat trip along the coast from Dahab—but the reward is a beach that feels untouched by time. I spent a day here snorkeling the coral walls that drop straight into the sea, surrounded by nothing but desert mountains and silence. 

Simple bamboo huts line the shore, offering a shaded spot to sip coffee or eat freshly grilled fish. There’s no Wi-Fi, no crowds, just that feeling of being completely off-grid. Ras Abu Galum is Egypt at its most peaceful—raw, remote, and unforgettable.

Nuweiba is the kind of place that gets under your skin. I first came here as a teenager on a family trip, and I still remember the soft, pale sand stretching endlessly along the coast, framed by the Sinai Mountains in the distance. 

When I returned years later, it felt like time had barely moved. The beach is simple—clusters of eco-lodges, hammocks strung between palm trees, and quiet beach cafés where you can linger for hours. It’s perfect for slowing down completely, whether you’re swimming in the shallows or watching the sunset paint the mountains pink. If you crave stillness, Nuweiba is where you’ll find it.

El Gouna feels like a different world: sleek, colorful, and effortlessly stylish. I stayed here for a few nights between dive trips and loved how easy it was to balance relaxation with adventure. Zeytuna Beach sits on a private island, with calm lagoons for paddleboarding and floating pontoons leading into the open sea. 

Mangroovy, on the other hand, is all about kitesurfing—the wind, the speed, and that incredible Red Sea horizon. The town itself is filled with waterfront cafés and boutique hotels that make it hard to leave. El Gouna is Egypt’s answer to the Mediterranean Riviera, with a Red Sea soul.

Makadi Bay is one of those beaches that feels perfectly balanced—luxurious without being pretentious, relaxed yet full of life. I stayed here on a dive trip and loved waking up to that endless stretch of golden sand framed by turquoise water. 

The coral reef just offshore is teeming with life, making it ideal for snorkelers and divers alike. Between dives, I’d wander along the beach to small cafés serving iced coffee and falafel wraps or retreat to my resort’s shaded pool deck when the afternoon heat kicked in. Makadi Bay is easygoing, elegant, and ideal for travelers who want it all in one place.

Sahl Hasheesh surprised me. Just south of Hurghada, it’s one of Egypt’s newest resort areas: all whitewashed buildings, manicured promenades, and crystal-clear lagoons. I spent a few days here lounging on soft sands that seemed to stretch forever and swimming through water so clear it almost looked photoshopped. 

The underwater world here is incredible too—there’s even a sunken “city” designed for divers and snorkelers to explore. In the evenings, I’d walk along the pier as the sky turned orange, stopping for grilled prawns and local wine at one of the waterfront restaurants. It’s polished but soulful, a modern twist on Red Sea charm.

Soma Bay is where I go when I want luxury and nature in perfect harmony. The beach here feels almost impossibly pristine: powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and a light breeze that makes even the hottest days feel gentle. I stayed at a resort with its own dive center and spa, and the mix of adrenaline and relaxation was just what I needed. 

The bay is known for world-class kitesurfing, but even if you never touch a board, just watching the colorful kites dance across the horizon is mesmerising. After sunset, Soma Bay’s quiet elegance takes over—all soft lights, good wine, and the sound of waves.

Marsa Abu Dabbab might be my favorite beach in all of Egypt. It’s one of the few places where you can swim with wild sea turtles and, if you’re lucky, spot a dugong grazing in the seagrass. I came here on a diving trip and ended up staying longer than planned—that’s how magical it is. 

The water is warm and shallow, perfect for snorkelers, while the dive sites just offshore rival some of the best in the Red Sea. There are a few relaxed beach cafés and eco-lodges nearby, but the real luxury here is the connection to nature. It’s pure underwater paradise.

Almaza Bay feels worlds apart from the Red Sea resorts—it’s where the Mediterranean shows off its softer side. I came here during summer and couldn’t believe how clear and calm the water was, a gentle turquoise that looked almost painted. 

The beach is beautifully maintained, with fine white sand and high-end resorts lining the shore. I loved starting my mornings with coffee at a beachfront café before swimming in the calm bay or trying paddleboarding across the glassy water. By evening, the air turns golden and the restaurants come alive with music and mezze. It’s chic, family-friendly, and effortlessly relaxing—a true Mediterranean escape.

Agiba Beach—whose name means “miracle” in Arabic—is exactly that. It’s small and tucked between limestone cliffs, but the view from above is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen anywhere in Egypt. 

I remember standing on the headland, watching the sunlight shimmer across a dozen shades of blue, before climbing down to swim in the sheltered cove below. There aren’t any big resorts here, just a few simple cafés and a laid-back vibe that feels untouched by time. Agiba is Egypt at its most natural and awe-inspiring, a little pocket of paradise that truly lives up to its name.

Exotic wildlife, pristine white sands, powerful waves for surfing, and calmer waters for swimming, no matter what type of beach you seek, you’re sure to find an ideal stretch in South Africa.

From Cape Town to Durban and the rugged East Cape, you’ll find a diverse array of beautiful beaches. While safaris are a popular draw in this country, and a must for animal lovers, be sure to make time to visit at least a few of them. In fact, they can also be good for spotting wildlife. During my visits, not only was I able to watch dozens of the famous tuxedoed birds, but I also saw Cape fur seals and even southern right whales just offshore. 

For a good variety, consider putting some of the best South Africa beaches on your itinerary.

Located just a short distance from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is arguably the most famous of all South Africa beaches. While that means you’re likely to encounter big crowds here, it’s worth visiting to watch the large colony of African penguins. A wooden boardwalk winds through with multiple vantage points for capturing photos—plus, white sands and turquoise water make for a stunning backdrop. The penguins aren’t just on the beach, they’re everywhere, tucked into bushes and under trees enjoying the shade, and, swimming about in the sea. Visitors can even swim right alongside the penguins by accessing a section where it’s allowed, but don’t get too close, as touching them is forbidden. 

Cape Point National Park is home to five pristine beaches, although Diaz is arguably the most breathtaking. Its white sands are framed by the sapphire Atlantic at the top of Cape Point, flanked by over 656-foot-high cliffs. Access requires a 20-minute descent down a winding staircase (and a 40-minute climb back up), but the thigh burn is worth this secluded stunner, where you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery with few others around. 

Beyond the beautiful views, you can often spot a variety of wildlife at Diaz Beach. Keep an eye out for baboons, eland, baboons, ostriches, and seals. 

One of the best beaches for those who like to enjoy long strolls, Sardinia Bay offers miles and miles of unspoiled coastline that sits within a protected marine reserve. It’s also part of the popular Sacramento hiking trail that spans 2.5 miles with ocean views the entire way. There are vast dunes to explore, while the waves are popular among surfers. Fishing isn’t permitted, but snorkeling and diving are outstanding, with the chance to see damselfish, wrasses, sea urchins, starfish, and much more. There are also tidepools to peek into when the waves are too powerful. Plus, this is another great spot to take in a colorful sunset. 

One of the most unspoiled beaches in South Africa, Noordhoek lies at the southern tip of Cape Town, not far from the city center. Its chalk-white sands stretch for five miles, while Chapman’s Peak rises above in the backdrop. One can simply enjoy the view, take a long, scenic stroll, join a horseback riding tour, or surf. If you’re not into surfing yourself, it’s fun just to watch others ride the waves. Due to the currents and chilly water, however, it’s not the best for swimming. But you can also check out a shipwreck—Kakapo ran aground here in 1900, and it’s still lying on the sand, providing a fantastic photo op. 

One of the main attractions at Coffee Bay Beach is the unique Hole-in-the-Wall, a breathtaking natural wonder. In this section of the wild Eastern Cape coast, you’ll see emerald hills and mountains, rocky cliffs that plunge to vivid blue waters, and this massive hole carved by the power of the waves that crash around and through it. The local Xhosa call it izi Khaleni, which translates to “place of thunder.” 

Right in front of the Hole-in-the-Wall is a long, shallow area with abundant marine life where snorkelers can observe all sorts of creatures and unique geological formations. It’s also perfect for families with little ones who can safely splash around. At sunset, the contrast between the blue of the ocean, the dramatic coast, and the green hills provides impressive photo ops.

One of the most beautiful South Africa beaches, the beach at Cape Vidal is one of the top attractions in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Lying along the Elephant Coast, with forested sand dunes rising 500 feet, the warm water of the bay that frames it is outstanding for swimming or snorkeling. As the ship Dorothea went down in this area back in 1898 and was never found, keep an eye out for its remains while observing the abundant marine life.

Photography, beach walks, and wildlife watching are popular too, with the chance to spot monkeys, antelope, and dolphins year-round. In the summer, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. In the winter, watch for humpback whales that are making their way to Mozambique to give birth. 

Hout Bay Harbour and the cliffs of Chapman’s Peak are divided by Hout Bay Beach with its powdery white sands. As the bay is protected, the water is calm and ideal for swimming and other water sports, including kayaking. On the occasional windy day, you might see kite-surfers hitting the waves. The beach itself stretches for about two-thirds of a mile, with beachgoers enjoy activities like walking and horseback riding. Like many of the others in South Africa, it also enjoys a scenic mountain backdrop. One can easily spend an entire day here with many beachside restaurants and bars. Stick around ’til dusk and you might enjoy a cocktail while watching a glorious sunset.

Lala Nek is one of the best places for snorkeling in South Africa at low tide. A rocky shelf makes it easy to explore the underwater paradise without getting slammed by the waves or carried off in a drift. Plus, the beach is often empty, so you’ll have a good chance of enjoying it all to yourself. There are miles and miles of pristine sands, but access requires approximately six miles of sandy tracks through the bush. Bring a snorkel and mask to explore around the rocks, and you’re likely to see all sorts of fish, sea urchins, anemones, and crabs. 

Visitors can also enjoy excellent surf fishing and birdwatching, with a wide variety of species that can be spotted by enjoying a long stroll with the water lapping at your toes. Plus, you might want to enjoy a stop at Lake Jozini along the way, where a drive around the lake brings the chance to see rhinos and African elephants.

The Golden Mile is a three-mile stretch of golden sands right in the city of Durban, lined with a promenade, palm trees, restaurants, and hotels. If you’re looking for a beach with plenty of action, it’s for you. Plus, as the sand is wide, even when it’s busy, you can nearly always find a spot for basking in the sun. The water is warmer than it is in Cape Town, making it ideal for swimming, and with shark nets along the entire span, you won’t have to worry about “Jaws” either.

While Kogel Bay beach is part of Kogel Bay Resort, guests and non-guests alike enjoy free access. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this spectacular 1.3-mile stretch of coastline is flanked by towering mountains. Also known as Koeelbaii, which translates to Cannonball Bay, it’s believed to have been named for the rocks here that look like cannonballs. Look forward to beautiful golden sands ideal for relaxing on, exploring secret caves, and perhaps bring supplies for a BBQ feast, with grills available here. Plus, if there’s been a bloom of bioluminescent plankton, if you stick around after dark, you might even witness the sea transformed into a glowing turquoise blue.

Getting to Kogel Bay is all part of the fun too. Scenic Clarens Drive hugs the coast for over 13 miles, providing spectacular views (and photo ops). If you’re here between August and October, you might want to stop and see if you can spot the blows of humpback or southern right whales.

Travel further north from Durban to enjoy the beautiful beach of Umhlanga, picturesque promenades, and restaurants serving tasty cuisine, without the crowds. Unlike the city beach in Durban, with alcohol forbidden at Umhlanga, there are no rowdy groups. Instead, you’ll find a more chill vibe that’s perfect for spreading out a blanket to sunbathe or enjoy a scenic stroll. If you prefer to head to a specific destination, walk to the Umhlanga lighthouse for an idyllic photo op. The further you go, the more peaceful and less developed it gets, before eventually becoming a nature reserve with the sands lined only by forest.

Located along the popular Garden Route, Single Kettle is an extension of Keurbooms, which means you can enjoy both beaches that sit along the cobalt waters of Plettenberg Bay. The pristine sands provide a perfect place for a long walk while enjoying the scenery, watching for the dolphins that play in the surf, and keeping an eye out for whales during the season (peak time: August through October).

Continuing along Singing Kettle, you’ll find Arch Rock, a prominent natural landmark. They say that if you can toss a stone through the hole at the top without touching the sides of the rock, you’ll have good luck. There’s also a popular ocean-view restaurant – Enrico’s is part of the Singing Kettle Lodge and has a huge terrace ideal for sunset cocktails.