Ain Sokhna Travel Guide

Discover the natural beauty and cultural attractions of Ain Sokhna in Red Sea Coast, Egypt. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top things to do, best places to visit, and essential tips.


Introduction to Ain Sokhna

Situated on the stunning Red Sea Coast of Egypt, Ain Sokhna is a serene seaside town that boasts of an array of natural beauty and exciting adventures. With sprawling golden sand beaches, clear blue waters, and majestic coral reefs, the town is a perfect getaway for travelers looking for sun, sand, and sea.

Ain Sokhna is a small town that hosts a quiet atmosphere, free of the hustle and bustle of big cities. It is an ideal destination for both solo travelers and families who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Red Sea. The town offers something for everyone, including a rich history, natural beauty, adventure, and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Ain Sokhna

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Galala City Museum - This museum is a must-visit attraction in Ain Sokhna. It features an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to the Pharaonic and Ancient Greek eras.

  2. St. Anthony’s Monastery - A Coptic Orthodox monastery that dates back to the 4th century. The Monastery is located at the eastern edge of the Eastern Desert. The monastery is believed to have been built on the site where Saint Anthony went into hiding during the Roman persecution of Christians.

  3. Ain Sokhna Port - The Port of Ain Sokhna is a popular place to visit for those interested in the history and development of the town. It is currently undergoing renovation and expansion, and will soon house a new marina.

Natural Attractions of Ain Sokhna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Ataka - Rising up to over 1,300 meters above sea level, Mount Ataka offers the best views of Ain Sokhna and the Red Sea. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing or camping in this area.

  2. Ras Abu Galum - An eco-friendly nature reserve, Ras Abu Galum is known for its unspoiled coral reefs and beautiful scenery. Visitors can engage in a variety of water sports including sailing, snorkeling, or diving.

  3. Ain Sokhna Beach - The town’s beaches offer crystal clear waters, golden sand, and plenty of sunshine, and makes it a perfect destination for families looking for a relaxing day out.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ain Sokhna

  1. Wadi el Rayan - Offering a 13km hike or biking route, Wadi el Rayan is a beautiful unique natural environment comprising of small lakes that offers visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife.

  2. Ain Sokhna Hills - A 15km hiking trail that crosses through Ain Sokhna’s lush hills and offers stunning views of the Red Sea.

Best Things to Do in Ain Sokhna: Activities and Tours

  1. Red Sea Glass Bottom Boat Tours - Enjoy a guided tour of Ain Sokhna’s stunning coral reefs and marine life through the glass bottom boat tours.

  2. Camel Riding Tours – Visitors can book a camel riding tour through the desert to experience life like a Bedouin.

  3. Desert Safari – Explore the Eastern Desert of Ain Sokhna taking in breathtaking views and enjoy a BBQ at a traditional Bedouin camp.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ain Sokhna

Day Activity
1 Arrive at Ain Sokhna in the morning, visit Galala City Museum
2 Take a glass-bottom boat tour and Snorkel at the Coral Reef
3 Hike in Wadi el Rayan
4 Relax on the beach, explore local food and drink scene
5 Camel Riding Tour
6 Desert Safari
7 Depart Ain Sokhna

Food and Drink Scene of Ain Sokhna

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Koshary - A mixed rice and lentil dish served with fried onions, chickpeas, and a spicy tomato sauce. One of the most popular Egyptian dishes.

  2. Ful Medames - A dish that consists of cooked fava beans served with lemon juice, hot sauce, and vegetables.

  3. Mahshi - Vegetables such as eggplant, capsicum, and zucchini stuffed with rice, minced meat, and a tomato sauce.

Local Beverages

  1. Sahlab - A warm and creamy drink made from ground orchid roots, milk, and sugar flavored with cinnamon.

  2. Karkade - A drink made from hibiscus flowers, which is slightly tangy and refreshing.

Where to Stay in Ain Sokhna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Movenpick Resort El Sokhna - A luxurious resort situated right on the beach that features elegant rooms, several restaurants, and a spa.

  2. Stella Di Mare Grand Hotel Ain Sokhna - A five-star hotel designed with elegance and style in mind. It has its beach, spa, fitness center, and a variety of amenities to keep their guests entertained.

  3. Aida Beach Resort - A comfortable and affordable hotel that is located in a quiet area with a private beach and features modern amenities.

What to Buy in Ain Sokhna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Egyptian cotton products - Featuring high quality and soft texture, they come in a variety of products such as clothing, towels, bed sheets and more.

  2. Egyptian papyrus art - A great way to take home a piece of Ain Sokhna, papyrus art features original hieroglyphic art and statements painted on Egyptian Papyrus.

Local Culture and Customs of Ain Sokhna

Egyptians have strong family ties and religion is an essential aspect of their daily lives. Dress modestly especially when visiting religious sites or mosques.

Best Time to Visit Ain Sokhna

The best time to visit Ain Sokhna is between October and April when the climate is relatively mild with moderate temperatures that are perfect for experiencing outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ain Sokhna

Do:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  2. Keep yourself hydrated, especially in the summer season.
  3. Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Drink tap water, prefer bottled mineral water.
  2. Engage in public displays of affection.
  3. Take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ain Sokhna

The town is relatively safe, with low crime rates. However, travelers should be aware of pickpockets and scammers in touristy areas.

Health in Ain Sokhna

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid sunburns by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen.

Getting to Ain Sokhna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ain Sokhna

The closest airport to Ain Sokhna is Cairo International Airport, which is approximately 162 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Ain Sokhna

There are no bus stations in Ain Sokhna, although buses from Cairo and other Egyptian cities arrive frequently at the nearby city of Suez.

Other Options

Travelers can travel to Ain Sokhna by car or taxi from surrounding cities.

How to Get Around in Ain Sokhna

Travelers can get around the town by taxi, or by renting bicycles from local rental shops.

Where to Go Next from Ain Sokhna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Cairo – The capital city of Egypt, Cairo is filled with history, culture and numerous attractions such as the Sphinx, the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.

  2. Alexandria – A bustling port city situated on the Mediterranean coast, famous for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and its Roman Amphitheater.

Conclusion

Ain Sokhna, a small but vibrant town situated on the Red Sea Coast of Egypt, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, culture, and adventure. From stunning beaches and coral reefs to historical monuments and cultural attractions, it offers a little bit of everything for everyone, and its geographical location makes it easily accessible from most parts of Egypt. Start planning your trip with this comprehensive travel guide to Ain Sokhna, and discover a world of exciting possibilities!

A resort hotel along the Red Sea coastline. A resort hotel along the Red Sea coastline.