Off the beaten track
...now the weather’s cooler
St. Catherine’s Monastery
St. Catherine’s Monastery is set in St. Catherine’s Protectorate, an area of Southern Sinai designated to preserve the region’s heritage in 1996; circa. 5,750 sq km of spectacular mountainous desert with a high altitude ecosystem supporting a surprisingly diverse selection of wildlife, some of which can be found nowhere else in the world.
Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery is said to be on the site of the biblical burning bush and where Moses received the Ten Commandments. A haven of cool tranquillity, boasting a vast library of religious artefacts and illuminated manuscripts, second only to the Vatican and countless works of art, St. Catherine’s Monastery is the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the World and another ‘must see’ for every visitor to Southern Sinai.
Dahab
A mere 45 minute road journey up the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula, Dahab is a ‘must visit’ destination when holidaying in Sharm el Sheikh. With its laid back atmosphere, more and more people are falling in love with Dahab’s bohemian lifestyle; some even making a more permanent move from Sharm to Dahab.
Certainly, we city folk from Sharm reap the relaxing rewards of a trip up to Dahab once in a while. By day or night, Dahab is always engaging and quaint – camels and goats roam freely through the small streets. Stroll along the promenade and sample the delights of the enticing seafront restaurants. Just off the shore, the crystal clear waters reveal a spectacular reef for divers and snorkelers to explore. Dahab is also a hotspot for windsurfers.
So whether a day visit or a long weekend, you’ll come back from Dahab refreshed, the batteries recharged and full of the spirit of Sinai.
Nuweiba
If Dahab gets too crowded for you (!), try travelling 85km or so up the coast to Nuweiba, one of South Sinai’s biggest Oases. Nuweiba is popular for its Bedouin beach style and back to nature camps. But if that’s too rustic for you, popular hotel resorts are appearing in the region. Nuweiba is stretched out along 7 km of unspoilt Aqaba coastline, which the Bedouin have inhibited for many years and many of whom still remain, offering you the opportunity to learn about their unique way of life.
Nuweiba is a perfect place for a chilled break, off the beaten track. Whilst there go diving, snorkelling, on a camel trek or an organised excursion to explore the magnificent rock formations of the Coloured Canyon. But watching the sunrise over the Hijaz mountain range in Saudi Arabia, across the Gulf of Aqaba, is a truly spectacular sight and costs nothing!
