Nuweiba Travel Guide

General Information About Nuweiba

Nuweiba, a haven of tranquility on the coast of south Sinai, is situated around 180 km south of Sharm El Sheikh . It boasts an ideal central location and natural beauty, with turquoise waters edged by fine sandy beaches and rugged mountain chains. This scenery highlights Nuweiba as one of the most attractive destinations among Sinai’s resort towns.

It is divided to three primary sectors. The first is Nuweiba Tarabin , the northern area, and the second is the Town  which was founded around the former Moshav Neviot, and the third part which is the Dunes .

Although it remains Egypt’s wild land of implausible splendor, Nuweiba has risen to become a unique vacation off the beaten path for tourists who seek a personal experience of the kind and friendly hospitality of Bedouins. It is also surrounded by various national parks , other popular destinations to visit, and a seemingly endless list of natural and historical places  of interest. Not only that, but everyday in Nuweiba can be as energetic or relaxing as you desire.

Underwater activities are the main attraction in Nuweiba. Shallow reefs create interesting locations for snorkeling; and diving sites  are considered a promise of the unsurpassed diving experience. Opportunities exist, too, for trekking, either by camel or jeep, into the astounding Sinai interior or through the Coastline Mountains.

If you are seeking a destination where hotel options are available as well as camps and laid back accommodation, all combined with local charm, culture, and character, Nuweiba should certainly be high on your list

Historical Places

Mount Sinai 
Mount Sinai consists of a group of peaks, often known as the Holy Mountains. However, it is also the biblical name of the peak on which Moses received the 10 Commandments. Mount Moses is considered to be where Prophet Mohammed's horse ascended to heaven, giving it religious significance to Islamic believers. The peak can be reached by climbing the steps leading up to the top, or by following a winding path that runs east from the monastery. The steps pass the Fountain of Moses.

St. Catherine Monastery 
Situated approximately 1,570 feet above sea level at the foot of Mountain Moses, the center of a significantly valued pilgrimage, St. Catherine is considered one of the four most sacred monasteries in the Middle East. In 342 A.D., Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, formerly known as the Virgin, built a monastery at the site of the Burning Bush where it is believed that Moses received the 10 commandments. In the 6th century AD, Emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of the church of Transfiguration, in addition to a high enclosure wall with towers armed with Roman Soldiers to protect the monastery from Bedouins. Both the monastery and the church were later called St. Catherine. In the monastery lies a diversity of picturesque sights to visit; the enclosure wall surrounding the monastery was built from granite stones at an approximate height of 15 meters. On the northern side of the monastery rests the Great Church encompassing two aisles and a central nave. The nave ends with an altar near a reliquary of marble that contains the relics of St. Catherine. The monastery incorporates one of the most significant religious libraries in the world containing a massive number of rare historical manuscripts and decrees of various Caliphs and rulers. It also includes the Well of Moses north of the Great Church, in addition to the Burning Bush Well and St. Stephen’s Well to its south.

Tarabin

If the Bedouin culture is what interests you, then come and visit this charming part of Nuweiba. Tarabin is situated to the north of Nuweiba, and consists of a thick grove of palms and a shallow bay, in addition to the ruins of the Turkish fortress. The well inside these ruins has served as a fresh water source for the Bedouin people who have lived here for many centuries. It has a wonderful and exciting atmosphere, with restaurants and bazaars clustered together for a lively and colorful experience.

The Town

The Town marks a tribal territory between northern and southern tribes and the boundaries still stand to be respected. Its significance lies in its location as a center of touristic attractions. It is a bustling center with traditional bakeries, bazaars, and restaurants.

Dunes

The Dunes connect Nuweiba Town and Nuweiba port . There are many beautiful camps and family owned hotels that sit by the beautiful sandy beaches with spectacular coral reefs. The Dunes are further divided in Duna, where beach bungalows and smaller hotels and restaurants make the perfect romantic gateway, and Small Duna, where many of the larger hotels have been built.

Nuweiba Port

Nuweiba Port is also known as Nuweiba Muzeina, and it attracted business workers from all over the world. It was originally a summer location for the Bedouin Muzeina tribe until the construction of the port in 1985. This boom encouraged the Muzeina clan to settle here, and today there are still landlords to many shops and other businesses.

National Parks

Ras Mohamed National park 
This fabulous national park is situated at the southern extreme of the Sinai Peninsula, near the city of Sharm El Sheikh. It encompasses the two islands, Tiran, and Sanafir. Covering a 480 km² area of mostly water, the park’s shoreline is known for its exceptional coral reefs that are recognized among the world’s best, and the inland area includes a diversity of mountains, valleys, and sand dunes. The park was established in 1983 to protect the coral reefs, and offer both scuba divers and snorkelers the chance to swim amongst spectacular underwater scenery.

Abu Gallum National Park 
Abu Gallum National Park lies to the north of Dahab. It is a protected national park area, marking one of the areas of Sinai where visitors become awestruck by its unspoiled beauty. With no hotels, shops, loud music or big crowds, this 400 square kilometers protected area is a place where one can experience true rejuvenation and indulge in the charming blend of the sand and the sea. The park is home to a Bedouin settlement, and is a wonderful diving and snorkeling spot.

Nuweiba Tours

Nuweiba Attractions

Nuweiba Holidays

Until about the late 1960’s Sharm El-Sheikh was just a quiet fishing community but increasing investment has made the “City of Peace” one of the best known and most visited Egypt holiday destinations. Sharm El Sheikh offers sun, sea and sand with luxury five-star hotels, water sports and some of the finest Red Sea diving as well as shopping and entertainment. It’s a vibrant and lively resort with just about all the amenities you’d expect of a well developed tourist centre including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health clubs, camel riding, desert safaris and nearby antiquities to visit.

Scuba Diving in Nuweiba, the Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh lies at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula in the Red Sea. It offers a variety of dive sites from reefs and walls to wrecks. The climate is hot, the water is warm and clear, and the reefs are covered in life. Diving is readily available everywhere and there are nearly fifty dive Centers in the region. More Europeans learn to dive here than anywhere else in the world and diving is ideal for beginners. Whatever your experience, dive Centers require you to do one local dive before they will take you on a boat trip in order to give you an opportunity to orient yourself to Red Sea diving.

Shopping and Leisure in Nuweiba

For those who love to shop, Sharm El-Sheikh provides ample opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. Sharm El Sheikh is famous for producing jewellery, leather goods and rugs. Expect to haggle when shopping in Sharm El Sheikh! It is all part of the experience and the shop owners will be shocked if you don’t try to negotiate! The majority of shops and shopping centres are based in Naama Bay but Sharm Old Market is great for hunting out bargains. If you want real value for money you should go south-west to Dahab which is less busy and less commercialised than Sharm.

There is more to Sharm El-Sheikh than beaches, sea and shopping of course. It’s a well developed area that feels “European” with refined hotels, facilities and amenities. Sharm el Sheikh has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafes to visit as well as the hotels own all inclusive menus. The market area in Old Sharm is popular for its abundance of seafood restaurants and cheap prices. For those wanting a romantic evening, head to the” On Deck” restaurant in the Iberotel Lido hotel in Naama Bay where you can dine on a pontoon overlooking the water. The Il Mercato promenade, often called “Les Champs Elysee” of Sinai close to the Iberotel IL Mercato Hotel offers a varied selection of excellent cafes and restaurants.

There’s even an 18-hole Championship golf course in Jolie Ville Golf Resort, located only five kilometres from the main hotels in Sharm el Sheikh which is open to non guests. It includes a driving range and artificial lakes and is a perfect escape for those who love the game.

Nuweiba Nightlife

Pacha

Pacha is situated in the of Naama bay , and is the premier party place in Sharm El Sheikh that embodies the essence of the Pacha spirit with a twist of mystical Arabia added for pure indulgence.

Little Buddha

Little Buddha is located in the heart of Naama Bay , and being one of the hottest venues in Sharm El Sheikh, it provides its clientele with the finest dining experience, an eclectic atmosphere, sublime surroundings, and the latest sounds from around the globe.

Hard Rock Cafe

When in Egypt, knock the Sinai sand from your sandals and settle into the Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh for a tall cool drink to quench your parched throat. The restaurant's huge guitar and sky dome act as an oasis beckoning every desert denizen to a good time. It provides a fascinating atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes.

Camel Bar

It is a two-storey restaurant/bar that offers both indoor and outdoor areas. The lower floor is an ideal venue for those willing to indulge in a drink along with lively music, while the top floor overlooks Naama Bay and offers a more relaxing atmosphere with number of sumptuous international dishes and shisha.