Itineraries — Sinai Peninsula

The Sinai Peninsula is an exceptional territory — at once religious crossroads of the three monotheisms, paradise of scuba diving and mineral desert of brutal beauty. Wedged between Africa and Asia, between the Mediterranean to the north and the Red Sea to the south, it preserves a geographical and cultural identity distinct from the rest of Egypt — close by language and nationality but singular by its Bedouin population, its biblical history and its recent tourist development.

Two main faces complement each other. The southern coast on the Gulf of Aqaba (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) concentrates the resorts and world-class diving sites — Ras Mohammed (national park), Strait of Tiran, Blue Hole of Dahab. This is the beach and sports dimension of Sinai, accessible to international travellers thanks to the free 15-day Sinai visa and direct charter flights from Europe. The mountainous interior (Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine's Monastery, Feiran oasis) constitutes the spiritual and historical dimension — it is here that according to tradition Moses received the Tables of the Law, and it is here that the oldest Christian monastery still active in the world is located.

For a short diving and relaxation stay (5-7 days), choose Sharm el-Sheikh (all-inclusive resort + 2-3 diving trips to Ras Mohammed and Tiran) or Dahab (backpacker atmosphere, Blue Hole, kitesurfing). For a combined sea + spirituality stay (7-10 days), add the ascent of Mount Sinai and the visit to Saint Catherine's Monastery (2-day nocturnal excursion from Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, beware of restrictive access conditions since 2024).

Access is via Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH), served by direct charter flights from Paris-Orly (Transavia, Corendon, AirCairo) in 4h30. Return fares: €250-500 depending on the season. No airport in Dahab — transfer from SSH by private taxi or minibus (1h, €25-50). Alternative from Taba Airport (TCP) for north Sinai (Nuweiba, Taba), little used by the French. The free 15-day Sinai visa is issued on arrival at SSH, valid only for south Sinai — to combine with Cairo or Luxor, take the national visa ($25 USD e-visa).