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Dahab

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City
—°6
Dahab (Egypt)
ℹ️

Practical info — Dahab

🌤 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

🍽
Fresh Seafood

Pick your own fish from the ice displays at the restaurants lining the main promenade and have it grilled to order.

🍽
Bedouin Tea (with Marmaraya)

Enjoy this sweet, sage-infused tea at the relaxed, carpet-lined cafes right on the water's edge.

🍽
Falafel and Koshary

Head to the Mashraba or Assalah areas for cheap, authentic, and delicious Egyptian street food.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Assalah Square

Buy local spices, herbs, and everyday goods where the locals shop, away from the tourist prices of the promenade.

🛍
Bedouin Handicrafts

Look for colorful hand-woven bracelets and embroidered bags sold by local women along the beach pathways.

🧘
The Laguna

Walk south along the beach to the sandy spit of the Laguna for tranquil, shallow water and beautiful sunset views over the mountains.

🧘
Wadi Gnai

Take a short taxi trip into this rocky, dry valley for peaceful bouldering or a quiet desert hike away from the coast.

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131519222730313129252015
Rain mm344200000133

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

Population
8,000 (2017)
Coordinates
28.50130, 34.51340

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.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Dahab (6)

Canyon📍 landmark

A narrow limestone crevice near the Red Sea coast that is popular among hikers.

grotto📍 landmark

A natural sea cave that features good conditions for snorkeling and exploration.

Christina Beach🎡 recreation

A relaxed sandy beach on the Gulf of Aqaba, known for its clear waters and windsurfing conditions.

Light House📍 landmark

A famous shore-diving site known for its spirited coral reefs right off the coast.

Nabataens Port🏺 historical

Ancient ruins of a port once used by Nabataean traders for maritime commerce.

Friday market🎭 culture

A weekly market in the Assala district known for handmade crafts and local specialties.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Blue Hole?
A world-famous 120m deep dive site, known for its beauty and danger.
Is Dahab expensive?
No, it is significantly cheaper and more relaxed than Sharm el-Sheikh.
What is the atmosphere like in Dahab?
There is a laid-back backpacker and Bedouin vibe right on the seafront.
What is 'The Lighthouse'?
A popular area for diving, snorkeling, and with many cafés on the shore.
Can you go rock climbing?
Yes, the nearby Wadi Gnai has excellent opportunities for rock climbing.
Dahab: where is it located?
Dahab is located in Egypt.
Dahab: what is there to see?
Highlights include Canyon, grotto, Christina Beach.
Dahab: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Dahab: why is it worth visiting?
Dahab is a coastal town located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula, approximately 80 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh.
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