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Dahab
ℹ️Practical info — Dahab
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Blue Hole is famous for diving, but for a quieter snorkeling experience with beautiful corals, head to the Eel Garden or Lighthouse Reef early in the morning.
- The main promenade is pedestrian-only; renting a bicycle is the best way to explore the areas outside the central strip.
- Dahab is notoriously windy, which is great for kite surfing but means evenings by the sea can be chilly; pack a light jacket.
- Pick-up trucks act as local shared taxis; always agree on the fare before hopping into the back.
- Respect local Bedouin culture; if invited into a camp or shop for tea, accept the cup with your right hand.
🍽 Food
Pick your own fish from the ice displays at the restaurants lining the main promenade and have it grilled to order.
Enjoy this sweet, sage-infused tea at the relaxed, carpet-lined cafes right on the water's edge.
Head to the Mashraba or Assalah areas for cheap, authentic, and delicious Egyptian street food.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy local spices, herbs, and everyday goods where the locals shop, away from the tourist prices of the promenade.
Look for colorful hand-woven bracelets and embroidered bags sold by local women along the beach pathways.
Walk south along the beach to the sandy spit of the Laguna for tranquil, shallow water and beautiful sunset views over the mountains.
Take a short taxi trip into this rocky, dry valley for peaceful bouldering or a quiet desert hike away from the coast.
Water temperature…
Dahab is a coastal town located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula, approximately 80 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh. Its name translates to 'gold' in Arabic, likely referring to the color of its sandy beaches or the mica found in the surrounding mountains. Originally a secluded Bedouin fishing village, Dahab emerged in the 1980s as a popular destination for backpackers and alternative travelers. Today, it is internationally famous for its exceptional diving sites, most notably the 'Blue Hole,' a submarine sinkhole exceeding 100 meters in depth. The town maintains a significantly more laid-back atmosphere than larger Egyptian resorts, blending authentic Bedouin culture with a global bohemian vibe. The Dahab Lagoon provides good conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent thermal winds. Additionally, the town serves as a strategic base for desert safaris and trips to Saint Catherine's Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Canyon · grotto · Christina Beach
- Nearby: Nuweiba (48 km)
- Population: ~8.000 (2017)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 13 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 25 | 20 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
Live webcam – Dahab
See what it looks like near Dahab right now.
Dahab: Na Lagunu · 3.9 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- The name 'Dahab' is the Arabic word for gold
- Home to the Blue Hole, a sinkhole over 100 meters deep
- Formerly a seasonal camp for the Tarabin Bedouin tribe
- Divided into three main areas: Masbat, Mashraba, and Assalah
- Renowned as one of the best windsurfing spots globally
- Located approximately 80 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your morning exploring the cultural heart of Dahab, from lively local markets to stunning mosques. By midday, transition towards the coastal wonders, taking time to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and unique underwater landscapes. As the afternoon progresses, uncover the historical ruins and historical ports that shaped the region. Finally, wind down the evening with a peaceful sunset walk along the gentle sandy shores, enjoying the calm Red Sea breeze.
Friday market
Eel Garden
Light House
Nabataens Port
Al Hoda Mosque
Christina Beach
In the morning, the market's awnings provide shelter while the rain intensifies the scents of spices and fabrics. At noon, we navigate the coastal path between showers, cautious of slippery tiles. Afternoon visits to stone structures offer dry spots to admire the stormy sea. The evening concludes in a covered beachside lounge, enjoying the rare sight of rain falling over the Gulf of Aqaba.
Friday market
Eel Garden
Light House
Nabataens Port
Al Hoda Mosque
Christina Beach
The cool winter morning starts fresh at the market, ideal for walking without the scorching summer heat. At noon, the gentle sun warms the coastal paths, perfect for extended exploration. Afternoon light at the mosque is golden and soft before the temperature drops. As sunset is around 17:00, we find a cozy, wind-sheltered spot early to enjoy the crisp desert evening.
Friday market
Eel Garden
Light House
Nabataens Port
Al Hoda Mosque
Christina Beach
Start your morning exploring the cultural heart of Dahab, from lively local markets to stunning mosques. By midday, transition towards the coastal wonders, taking time to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and unique underwater landscapes. As the afternoon progresses, uncover the historical ruins and historical ports that shaped the region. Finally, wind down the evening with a peaceful sunset walk along the gentle sandy shores, enjoying the calm Red Sea breeze.
Big Mosque
Friday market
Eel Garden
Light House
Lagona
The Islands
We start cautiously from the mosque in light rain, avoiding slippery asphalt patches. At noon, we cycle to the market, parking the bike under cover during the heaviest showers. Afternoon riding along the coast requires focus on the wet tiles, with frequent cafe stops to dry off. The evening ends in the south, breathing in the rare scent of wet desert air on the ride back.
Big Mosque
Friday market
Eel Garden
Light House
Lagona
The Islands
A perfect day for cycling begins under the bright winter sun at the mosque. At noon, we pedal leisurely to the market without breaking a sweat in the mild air. The afternoon ride south along the coast is refreshed by a cool breeze. Since it gets dark early, we plan the return from The Islands well before sunset to avoid riding in the chilly evening air.
Big Mosque
Friday market
Eel Garden
Light House
Lagona
The Islands
Start your morning exploring the cultural heart of Dahab, from lively local markets to stunning mosques. By midday, transition towards the coastal wonders, taking time to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and unique underwater landscapes. As the afternoon progresses, uncover the historical ruins and historical ports that shaped the region. Finally, wind down the evening with a peaceful sunset walk along the gentle sandy shores, enjoying the calm Red Sea breeze.
grotto
Canyon
Big Mosque
Nabataens Port
Christina Beach
Lagona
The Islands
We begin the drive cautiously at the Grotto, where rain turns the desert rocks into dark silhouettes. At noon, we avoid deep canyons due to flash flood risks, sticking to coastal roads. Afternoon visits to the mosque and port use the car as a dry base between downpours. The evening is spent in the south, watching the desert rain wash the dusty streets from the warmth of the car.
grotto
Canyon
Big Mosque
Nabataens Port
Christina Beach
Lagona
The Islands
The winter driving tour starts in pleasant temperatures at the Grotto. At noon, we take advantage of the mild sun for short canyon hikes without the summer heat. Afternoon visits to coastal spots are delightful with the fresh air through the windows. Around 17:00, we enjoy the sunset comfortably from the car before the desert night air turns chilly.
grotto
Canyon
Big Mosque
Nabataens Port
Christina Beach
Lagona
The Islands
Sights in the town Dahab (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Blue Hole?
Is Dahab expensive?
What is the atmosphere like in Dahab?
What is 'The Lighthouse'?
Can you go rock climbing?
Dahab: where is it located?
Dahab: what is there to see?
Dahab: when is the best time to visit?
Dahab: why is it worth visiting?












