In & around Dahab

By , 11/10/2009

assalahDahab (which means ‘gold’ in Arabic) is a village in the Sinai desert, on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula. The former fishing village, where you can still find many Bedouins, has its own unique character. The scenery is amazing, Dahab lies between an impressive mountain range and the beautiful blue sea. Although a popular destination for divers, wind surfers and kite surfers, the mass tourism as in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh has not yet reached the tranquil coast of Dahab.

shop_boulevardDahab center; the boulevard
Looking for Egyptian trinkets, delicious spices, papyrus, jewelry or colorful clothes? Or do you just want to relax and eat or drink with a magnificent view of the sea? If you walk along the promenade and beach walks, you will find cozy restaurants and shops. The smells and colors bustle towards you. There is a special atmosphere of calm, relaxation and warmth.

camelEl Assalah
In the old part of Dahab, El Assalah, time seems to stand still. It’s mostly Bedouins, the original inhabitants of the Sinai, that live here. Narrow streets and small houses characterize this part of Dahab. On the street you see children playing, wandering goats and camels. There are no typical tourist shops but small neighborhood supermarkets and stores where items for daily use are sold.

diver3Activities in Dahab
Although the evenings on the boulevard are pleasant, if you are looking for a vibrant night life you have to look elsewhere. There are some bars, but almost everything closes early at night. Around two o’clock, the entire city is in a deep sleep. But during the day there is lots to do! Diving, snorkeling, kite or wind surfing exploring the desert by jeep, quad bike, horse or camel, a trip to the White or Coloured Canyon, a Bedouin diner in the desert, Moses mountain climbing or to the St. Catherine Monastery. But it’s also nice to just find a spot at one of the many restaurants on the boulevard, where you can spend your days relaxing.

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