Taba between coral reefs and mountains

At the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, the waters of the gulf meet Taba’s eastern mountain and plateau range. The combination of sea and mountains shapes the character of this town in South Sinai. Coral reefs and diverse marine life give the gulf a maritime character, while sandy beaches make for relaxing days by the sea. The area also features geological formations dating back around 5,000 years. Taba brings together several reasons to visit: underwater life, beach time and a striking landscape.

Coral reefs, marine life and days at the beach

The Gulf of Aqaba near Taba is rich in coral reefs and diverse marine life. Thanks to its underwater world, Taba is considered an important destination for diving and snorkeling. Both activities bring the gulf’s distinctive features to the fore. Those who want to focus their holiday more on experiences in the water will find a different emphasis here than at the sandy beaches, where visitors can enjoy relaxing days by the sea. You can choose between more active hours on the water and relaxing beach time without losing sight of the destination’s maritime character.

Mountains, geology and nature reserve

Alongside the seascape, Taba’s geological formations are among its distinctive features. They are considered unique and are estimated to be around 5,000 years old. This approximate age shows that they are a landscape feature formed over a long period of time. Taba was declared a nature reserve in 1998. Mountains, sea and geology offer different ways to experience the area: the destination can be explored not only through activities on the gulf, but also through its landscape.

Salah al-Din Castle nearby

Another idea for an excursion is nearby Salah al-Din Castle. The castle was recently restored and offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding area. It can be reached from Taba by a short ferry ride. A trip to this viewpoint adds a distinct landscape experience to your time on the gulf. If you plan to take the ferry, check the schedule in advance.

Choosing the right focus for your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Taba, it helps to decide first what kind of holiday you want. Diving and snorkeling bring reefs and marine life to the fore; sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing days by the sea. The landscape of mountains and gulf adds another focus to these maritime activities. Consider which of these aspects you would most like to shape your stay.

A different theme in South Sinai

In South Sinai, Saint Catherine offers a different cultural focus. The area is sacred to Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Saint Catherine’s Monastery was built between 548 and 565 AD at the behest of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I to house monks who had lived on the Sinai Peninsula since the 4th century AD. The Fatimid mosque in the monastery was built in 1106 during the rule of the Fatimid caliph al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah. This history adds insight into Saint Catherine’s religious and historical significance to Taba’s maritime focus.

The Mountain Trails in South Sinai offer a different focus, too: they are suitable for day-long explorations, while longer hikes can include overnight stays in tents. Two main routes lead to the summit of Mount Moses. The steeper Steps of Repentance consists of 3,250 steps carved into the rock; the easier Camel Trail is a gravel path with switchbacks. Both routes meet for the final 500 steps to the summit. Before setting out on a desert excursion or a mountain adventure on the Mountain Trails, visitors should check with a tour operator, hotel or licensed guide to confirm whether the activity is open to visitors.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nuweiba, Ra's Matarma, Dahab, Sharm El-Sheikh, Ras Sedr, El Tor, Saint Catherine.

Back to the main travel overview: South Sinai.