Safaga, Egypt Travel Guide

Discover Safaga: A tranquil Red Sea haven offering stunning beaches, world-class diving, and a rich cultural experience in Egypt.

Nestled on the shores of the Red Sea, Safaga is a charming coastal town in Egypt that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Known for its serene beaches and crystal-clear waters, this destination is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the bustling cities. The town's laid-back ambiance and friendly locals make it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Safaga is famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling sites. The Red Sea's vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life attract underwater enthusiasts from around the globe. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, the local dive centers offer various courses and excursions to suit your needs. Don't miss the chance to explore the Sunken City, a fascinating underwater archaeological site that dates back to ancient times. Aside from water activities, Safaga also boasts therapeutic properties thanks to its mineral-rich black sand and warm waters. Many visitors come here to experience the healing benefits of the natural hot springs and mud baths. The town is also a gateway to the Eastern Desert, where you can embark on exciting desert safaris and camel treks. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the traditional markets, where you can find handmade crafts, spices, and souvenirs to take home.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Safaga.

Visit during the cooler months from October to April to enjoy pleasant weather.
Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the coral reefs at your leisure.
Don't forget to try the local seafood, which is fresh and delicious.
Hire a local guide for a desert safari to learn about the area's history and geology.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong even in cooler months.

Explore Safaga: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Safaga

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

The Jetty

Discover the tranquility of The Jetty in Safaga, where stunning views of the Red Sea meet opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

4.7

FL-TEAM Safaga

Explore FL-TEAM Safaga: A premier destination for snorkeling, diving, and relaxation on the breathtaking Red Sea coast.

5.0

FRED LOMBARD PLONGEE

Discover the underwater wonders of the Red Sea at Fred Lombard Plongée, where adventure and marine beauty come together.

4.9

Cruise Pirs Safaga

Explore the vibrant atmosphere and stunning marine beauty at Cruise Pirs Safaga, your gateway to unforgettable Red Sea adventures.

3.1

Best landmarks in Safaga

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma

Experience luxury and adventure at Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma, where the Red Sea's beauty meets world-class hospitality.

4.9

3 TURTLES DIVING CENTER

Discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life with Safaga's premier diving center. Courses for all levels, unforgettable Red Sea adventures.

4.5

Amarina Abu Soma Resort & Aquapark

Luxury beachfront resort in Soma Bay with aquapark, pools, spa, and diverse dining for an unforgettable Red Sea vacation.

4.5

Ducks diving

Explore the Red Sea's depths with Ducks Diving in Safaga: Scuba diving for all levels, vibrant reefs, and unforgettable underwater adventures!

4.9

Best restaurants in Safaga

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

AL WARDANI RESTAURANT

Discover authentic Egyptian barbecue at Al Wardani Restaurant in Safaga - where flavors come alive!

4.2

Ali Baba Restaurant

Discover exquisite fish & chips at Ali Baba Restaurant in Safaga - where fresh flavors meet breathtaking Red Sea views.

4.2

Pizza Shiekh Najdy

Experience authentic Italian pizza with a local twist at Pizza Shiekh Najdy in the stunning coastal town of Safaga.

4.1

Koshary El Sheikh

Discover Koshary El Sheikh: A Culinary Gem Offering Authentic Egyptian Koshary in the Heart of Safaga.

3.5

Best bars in Safaga

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Dive Under Pub

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing drinks at Dive Under Pub in Safaga, your perfect spot for relaxation and entertainment.

4.3

Sol Y Mar’s Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views at Sol Y Mar’s Beach Bar in Safaga, a perfect retreat for relaxation and refreshment.

4.8

Beach Bar - Menaville Resort

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Beach Bar - Menaville Resort, where refreshing drinks meet breathtaking views of the Red Sea sunsets.

4.3

Cactus bob

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Cactus Bob, Safaga's premier cocktail bar, offering expertly crafted drinks and unforgettable experiences by the Red Sea.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Safaga

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Club Soda Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hurghada at Club Soda Bar, where lively music and exquisite cocktails create unforgettable evenings in Egypt's Red Sea paradise.

4.7

The Dance Club

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Dance Club in Hurghada, a premier disco club offering electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.

4.5

Papas Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Hurghada at Papas Club, where music, dance, and excitement come alive in a spectacular setting.

4.0

Golden Booda

Experience the electrifying nightlife at Golden Booda in Hurghada, where the music is vibrant and the atmosphere is unforgettable.

3.8

Best shops in Safaga

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Yosra Super Market

Discover the vibrant flavors of Egypt at Yosra Super Market, your one-stop shop for local groceries and unique souvenirs in Safaga.

4.2

معرض القدس للديكورات الحديثة

Explore a vibrant paint store in Safaga, offering modern décor and creative inspiration for your home and projects.

4.6

King Soliman & Amira - GEWÜRZE, TEE UND ÖLE

Discover the authentic taste of Egypt at King Soliman & Amira, your go-to grocery store for spices, teas, and oils in Safaga.

5.0

Raoul Bazaar

Explore Raoul Bazaar in Safaga for an enchanting selection of exquisite perfumes that embody the essence of Egypt in every bottle.

5.0

Explore Safaga on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Safaga, mapped for you.

Safaga Essentials

Safaga is accessible via Hurghada International Airport, located around 60 kilometers to the north. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to Safaga, which typically takes about an hour. There are also bus services available from major cities like Cairo and Luxor to Safaga. The journey by bus from Cairo takes around 6 to 7 hours.
Within Safaga, transportation options include taxis, minibuses, and rental cars. Taxis are the most convenient for short distances, while minibuses are a more budget-friendly option. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car offers greater flexibility. Be sure to negotiate taxi fares in advance, as meters are not always used.
The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Safaga, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash for your needs before heading to more remote areas.
Safaga is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Safaga does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant. Be cautious in areas with limited lighting and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
In case of emergency, dial 122 for police assistance, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire services. The local hospital in Safaga can handle most medical issues, but for more serious conditions, you may need to be transferred to a larger facility in Hurghada. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Salam' (peace). A handshake is appropriate for men, but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Safaga like a local, visit the local markets and try fresh seafood, a specialty of the area. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture and stories. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Red Sea for diving and snorkeling, as the area is renowned for its vibrant marine life. For a unique experience, take a trip to the Eastern Desert and explore the ancient quarries and wadis.

When is the best time to visit Safaga?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Safaga

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Safaga. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
- Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
- Yesنعم
  [naam]
- Noلا
  [la]
- Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
- Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
- Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhara]
- How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
- Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
- Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-ingliziya?]
- I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara al-qaima, min fadlik]
- I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل لحما
  [ana la aakol lahma]
- Cheers!في صحتك
  [fi sahtak]
- I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfaa, min fadlik]
- Help!النجدة!
  [al-najda!]
- Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
- Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
- Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [itassal bialtabib!]
- I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt al-tariq]
- I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]
- I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
- I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat attala]
- How much is it?بكم؟
  [bi-kam?]
- That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
- Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khaafid al-sa'ar?]
- What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-sa'ah?]
- It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'ah al-wahida]
- Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al-'ashirah wal-nisf]
- Morningصباح
  [sabah]
- Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd al-thuhr]
- Eveningمساء
  [masa]
- Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
- Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
- Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
- 1واحد
  [wahid]
- 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
- 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
- 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
- 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
- 6ستة
  [sitta]
- 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
- 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
- 9تسعة
  [tasia]
- 10عشرة
  [ashara]
- Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
- What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-eanan?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala al-kharita)?]
- When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati al-hafilat al-qadima?]
- A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirat (ila ...)]

History of Safaga

Safaga, known in ancient times as Myos Hormos, served as a crucial port during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. It was a key maritime link between Egypt and the Red Sea, facilitating trade with India and the Arabian Peninsula. Archaeological findings, including pottery and inscriptions, highlight its significance in ancient maritime commerce.
During the medieval period, Safaga was an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Mecca. The town provided essential services and supplies to pilgrims traveling by sea. The port also played a role in the spice trade, connecting the Mediterranean with the Arabian Peninsula and India.
Under Ottoman rule, Safaga continued to be a vital port. The Ottomans fortified the area to protect it from potential threats and to control the Red Sea trade routes. The remains of these fortifications offer a glimpse into the military strategies of the time.
In the 20th century, Safaga transformed from a small port town into a thriving tourist destination. The discovery of its pristine coral reefs and clear waters attracted divers and snorkelers. Modern infrastructure developments, including hotels and resorts, have made Safaga a popular spot for both leisure and adventure tourism.
Safaga is also known for its phosphate mining industry. The town's proximity to rich phosphate deposits has made it an important center for mining and export. The industry has significantly contributed to the local economy and provided employment opportunities for residents.