SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt (5 Mar 2006) -- If you can't wait any longer for the weather to warm up, you don't have to - just five hours on a plane will get you to a luxurious paradise. A fascinating blend of old and new, the Red Sea Riviera is a land of dramatic contrast, from the spectacular desert landscape and colourful mountain scenery to the breathtaking marine life. Home to golden sandy shores, intricate coral reefs and world-class diving, not to mention year-round good weather, this friendly and exotic destination promises an unforgettable holiday. Here is an overview of the resorts dotted along the Red Sea coastline: Sharm el Sheikh Sharm el Sheikh is known as the 'Pearl' of the Red Sea Riviera. It's located at the southernmost point of the spectacular Sinai Peninsular, where the chain of Red Sea mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to the desert sand as it meets the clear, tropically rich waters of the Red Sea. Visit the town centre for gold and jewellery and cotton clothing which can be found in lavish malls or haggled over in the Souk. Nightlife is mainly centred around Na'ama Bay, which has a fantastic relaxed atmosphere, with a handful of cosmopolitan terrace bars and plenty of shisha cafés along the main streets. It also offers beachfront restaurants along the promenade and a small selection of casinos and nightclubs. Hurghada Once a remote sleepy fishing and oil extraction village, Hurghada has become during the past years one of the most vibrant, lively and busy beachside resort towns of the Red Sea Riviera. Hurghada boasts some of the finest hotel chains in Sekala and the tourist district south of it, and the sights, smells and sounds of El-Dahar, a lively hub of everyday Egyptian life, making it one of the Red Sea Riviera destinations with the strongest local flavour. From a romantic getaway in one of the upscale hotels to an action-packed sports holiday, Hurghada has a bit for everybody. Makadi Bay With its sandy and protected beach, Makadi Bay is a dreamy beachside resort located in one of the most beautiful bays along the Red Sea Riviera. At only 30 km from the Hurghada international airport, Makadi Bay is an oasis of quality beach resorts where everything during your holiday revolves around the sea and the beach. The bay provides a superb location for some top Red Sea scuba diving and snorkelling. | | Dive consumers worldwide rate the Red Sea as the world's best dive destination: ScubaPoll.com >> Taba / Taba Heights Taba gives its name to the stretch of coastline from the Israeli border southwards, and is one of the most picturesque on the Red Sea. The town of Taba has few facilities, while it makes a great base for exploring the region, as many sights are easy to reach from here. Taba Heights is one of the most exciting tourism developments on the Red Sea, with plans for 20 hotels, an 18-hole US championship golf course, a marina, casino and a full range of water sports and activities on offer. It's a peaceful location, perfect for a relaxing break on the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Aqaba. Nuweiba Nuweiba, about an hour south of Taba, is a small, peaceful resort and port, in an ideal location to explore the Sinai coast. The area has a laid back atmosphere and is surrounded by mountains, desert and beaches. Dahab Dahab means gold in Arabic, named by the local Bedouin tribes due to its glimmering golden beaches. Having established itself as a hippy village in the 70's, Dahab now has a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those wishing to escape the crowds. Great beaches, great water sports and a great place to pick up some souvenirs. SOURCE - CDNN NewsWire |
