Are you planning on visiting Sinai and you are asking yourself what to do in Sinai? Here is our Sinai Peninsula travel guide, we hope it will come in handy.

Welcome to the Sinai Peninsula, a land of diverse landscapes, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Located in northeastern Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula is a captivating destination that offers something for every type of traveller. From its stunning beaches along the Red Sea to its rugged mountain ranges, ancient monasteries, and vibrant Bedouin culture, Sinai is a place where adventure and history meet. In this travel guide, we will explore the best attractions, activities, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to this enchanting region.

With more than 250 km of amazing untouched beaches and a wide variety of accommodation options, everyone can find their special spot in this place of heaven.

The sea is perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving, the coral reefs of Sinai are considered one of the best in the world. If you want to explore more, take a 4×4 jeep ride in the desert or even hike with locals. You won’t get bored, that’s for sure!

Otherwise, it’s all about relaxation, the perfect place to stop your busy lifestyle and connect to yourself and nature.

You are thinking about visiting Sinai? Then the Sinai Peninsula travel guide is perfect for you!

To get to the Taba border, you will first have to go to Eilat city (South of Israel), you can do it by plane from Tel Aviv or by bus. Because we didn’t want to lose the day, we took the night bus from Tel Aviv central station to Eilat, the last bus leaving Tel Aviv at midnight.

Once you come to the city centre, you can take a taxi or you can take a bus (line 15, which comes to every 30-45 min) straight to the Taba border. The border is open 24/7 seven days a week except for a few days in the year (CLICK HERE and read more) and it is quite easy and fast to cross. Just take into consideration that it can get crowded on Israeli holidays, which means you could be stuck there for several hours.

On the Israeli side, you will have to pay an exit fee of 107 ILS (28€;31$), but if you are staying in one of the hotels near the border it’s free of charge, just show your bill – booking confirmation is not enough.

Egypt Side

On the Egypt side, you will have to fill up a form with your details and destination and give it to passport control, they will stamp your passport and you are officially in Sinai.

You don’t need to apply for a visa, if your visit won’t be longer than 14 days, you get it at the border. If you plan to stay more or visit other parts of Egypt you have to fill out a request for a visa on the Egyptian embassy.

You will also need to pay the entry fee on the Egypt side, which costs around 400 EGP – Egyptian pound (22,7€;25,2$), someone will approach you on the exit from the border (you can pay only with local cash, credit card won’t be accepted). There are two ATMs at the border, you also have money exchange.

If you are coming from Egypt to Israel, you can read our Israel travel tips.

Other Ways of Getting There and Around – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Flights and Airports

The main entry points to Sinai are Sharm El Sheikh International Airport and Taba International Airport. You can also fly into Cairo and take a domestic flight or bus to Sinai.

Overland Travel

Sinai is accessible by road from mainland Egypt via a network of highways.

Local Transportation Options – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Taxis, buses, and rental cars are readily available for getting around within Sinai.

When to Visit Sinai – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Weather and Climate

Sinai enjoys a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to April.

Peak Tourist Seasons– Sinai Peninsula travel guide

December to February and Easter are peak tourist seasons.

Off-Peak Season Benefits– Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Visiting in the shoulder seasons offers lower prices and fewer crowds.

In our opinion, it’s possible to visit Sinai all year long. In the winter months, it’s a bit chilly at night but besides that most of the time is warm. The best months to go are from March to June and September to November, In these months the temperatures are perfect, not too hot and not too cold.

We went in December and during the day we wore summer clothes, we were warm. The only problem was the water, it was a bit too cold to swim in it. In the night a simple jacket or a hoodie kept us warm from the wind.

Safety and Health:

Safety Tips

Follow local advice and be cautious in remote areas.

Vaccinations and Health Precautions

Check with your doctor before travelling.

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Where to stay in the Sinai Peninsula

Sinai is divided into different areas, and each area has its uniqueness. Here are the most popular ones:

Taba – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

A small town with picturesque beaches, just next to the border with Israel. Here you can find fancy hotels (4-5 stars) at cheap prices. You can also find vacation resorts, casinos, and restaurants. If you love luxury, this area will be perfect for you.

CLICK HERE and book your stay in North Sinai.

Nueba – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Also called ‘the pearl of Akaba Bay’. Here you will find untouched sandy beaches, diving reef spots and endless peace of mind. In Nueba most of the accommodation options are Bedouin (nomadic desert people) style and we recommend it to feel the true spirit of Sinai.

You will find a wide variety of Bedouin camps. Usually, they have a big main tent right in front of the sea, pillows, mattresses on which you can lay or relax, and shesh-besh game boards. They also have a restaurant where you can order authentic Bedouin tea or coffee and some traditional food.

For sleeping, you usually get a ‘hoosha’ a simple hut made out of bamboo or clay, which includes a bed and a mosquito net, the bathroom is shared and that’s it. Who needs more when the sparkling Red Sea is just a footstep from your door?

We stayed at a camp called ‘Kum Kum 3’ and we recommended it. It’s one of the oldest camps in the area, and we had a great time there. Breakfast was included.

Ras Abu Galum and the Blue Lagoon

This hidden gem is probably the most beautiful place in Sinai, the ride there is quite off-road and you will feel very adventurous. Half of the way you go with a taxi as long as the road lets you, but eventually, you will switch to some kind of 4X4 vehicle, and then the real fun starts. You will pass inside a long rocky canyon, the whole ride feels like you are alone far far away from civilization.

At some point in the ride, you will slowly start to see a sparky blue turquoise colour lagoon picking at you behind the rocks. This first view will surely stay in your memory forever. Once you arrive you can pick from one of the few camps that are scattered along the coast. We went to a camp called ‘Moon Blue Lagoon’ and paid about 275 EGP (15,6€;17,5$) for a night with breakfast.

The accommodation here is very simple, be prepared to come to a place with a real solitude vibe. Away from the world (electricity doesn’t work all the time and internet wifi is hard to get).

If you are into extreme sports, this place is perfect for it! The Blue Lagoon is famous for its kite surfing and you can get a course for 3 – 4 days (equipment is included) for around 6200 EGP (350€;390$) – bargain for a discount to get a better price.

Snorkelling is also a very popular activity, Ras Abu Galum area is one of the most beautiful areas to do it, just be careful not to damage the reefs.

Outdoor Adventures – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Diving and Snorkeling

Explore the colourful underwater world of the Red Sea. Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, and Ras Mohammed National Park are popular diving and snorkelling spots with colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Desert Safaris – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Experience the Sinai desert with guided tours. Take a desert safari into the Sinai Desert to experience its stunning landscapes. You can go on 4×4 off-road adventures, ride camels, and even spend a night under the stars in a Bedouin camp.

Hiking and Trekking – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Sinai’s mountainous terrain provides excellent hiking opportunities. Consider climbing Mount Sinai (also known as Jebel Musa) to watch a stunning sunrise or explore the rugged landscapes around the Colored Canyon.

Camel and Horseback Riding – Sinai Peninsula travel guide

Enjoy a traditional desert experience. Explore the desert or coastal areas on camel or horseback. It’s a unique and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of Sinai.

Why we love the Sinai peninsula

The mix of desert, beaches, affordable prices and Bedouin culture makes Sinai unique. We can only say good things about this enchanting area. The breathtaking views, and the warm hospitality of the Bedouin people, but what we love the most is the peaceful serenity you get while you are here.

The Sinai Peninsula offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, history, and culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, an adrenaline rush in the desert, or a glimpse into ancient history, Sinai has it all. Plan your trip, embrace the local culture, and savour the enchanting experiences awaiting you in this remarkable destination.