Egypt Holidays

Egypt is a country where history comes alive and the sun shines all year round. Here you’ll find golden beaches, the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, comfortable hotels, and legendary landmarks. Egypt is an ideal destination for family holidays, romantic getaways, or active adventures.

Every day brings something new — from diving among coral reefs to exploring ancient temples. You can marvel at the majestic pyramids, taste oriental cuisine, and feel the unique atmosphere of this country. Egypt offers an unforgettable vacation full of inspiration and vivid memories.

Egypt is one of the most popular holiday destinations, attracting travelers all year round with its warm climate, sea, and rich history. It offers the perfect combination of beach relaxation, active leisure, and cultural exploration. Egypt is ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, sightseeing trips, or peaceful retreats. Thanks to direct flights and a well-developed hotel base, traveling here is convenient and affordable.

One of the top resorts is Sharm El-Sheikh — a true paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Its coral reefs are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. The resort offers excellent tourist infrastructure, all-inclusive hotels, and a wide range of excursions. Hurghada is another favorite — a versatile resort with long sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of entertainment for families and couples. For those seeking peace and nature, Marsa Alam is the perfect choice, known for its pristine underwater landscapes.

Beyond the beaches, Egypt offers unforgettable tours and historical experiences. Travelers can visit the Giza pyramid complex, stroll through Luxor, explore ancient temples, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a millennia-old civilization. With such a wide variety of destinations, every visitor can find their perfect vacation — from adventurous activities to pure relaxation on the Red Sea coast.

Entry into Egypt for tourism purposes requires Polish citizens (including children) to possess a valid visa and a current passport. The key document is the passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of exit from Egypt. Polish tourists have several convenient options for obtaining a tourist visa:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): A single-entry visa ($25 USD) is obtained directly at the arrival airport (e.g., Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh) and grants the right to stay for up to 30 days.
• Electronic Visa (e-Visa): A single-entry ($25 USD) or multiple-entry ($60 USD) visa that can be processed online through the official government portal (it's recommended to apply at least 7 days before your trip).
• Free "Sinai Only" Stamp: Provided free of charge at airports in the Sinai Peninsula (e.g., Sharm El Sheikh) for a stay of up to 15 days, but it is valid only within the Sinai resort area. 

Ensure your passport meets the validity requirements and choose the visa option that best suits your travel plans to avoid delays and ensure smooth entry into the Land of the Pharaohs.

Visa Choice:

• Use the free Sinai Only stamp if you stay in Sharm. For Cairo/Luxor, buy the $25 visa sticker before the immigration desk.

Local Medicine:

• For any stomach issues, buy Antinal at a local pharmacy; it’s more effective than Western brands for local bacteria.

Internet:

•  Don't rely on hotel Wi-Fi. Buy a local SIM card at the airport arrival hall for better speed and coverage.

Tipping: 

• Known as "Bakshish". Keeping small $1 bills handy will significantly improve your service experience.

Egypt offers year-round beach holidays thanks to its dry, tropical climate. However, for maximum comfort, you should choose the “shoulder seasons”: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, the air temperature stays within the ideal range of +25...+32°C (77...90°F), and the Red Sea is incredibly warm (+25...+28°C or 77...82°F), which is optimal for both swimming and excursions. This is the best time for family travel.

Summer (June-August) is a period of extreme heat (often exceeding +35...+40°C or 95...104°F), suitable only for those who love scorching sun. Conversely, winter (December-March) is the cooler season; daytime temperatures are around +20...+25°C (68...77°F), but evenings are chilly (down to +15°C or 59°F). Winds also pick up in winter. If traveling during winter, choose sheltered bays in Sharm El Sheikh, which is better protected by mountains than Hurghada.

Therefore, choose spring/autumn for the perfect balance of warmth and comfort, or plan a winter trip while considering possible winds and cool evenings.

Egypt is a unique destination, offering an ideal balance between ancient history and world-class beach relaxation. The primary focal point remains the Giza and Cairo region, home to the famous Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Menkaure, as well as the majestic Great Sphinx. In Cairo itself, we recommend visiting the Egyptian Museum (or its new, not yet fully opened counterpart—the Grand Egyptian Museum) to see the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb, and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Old Cairo, including the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

For history enthusiasts, a journey through Upper Egypt is simply a must. Head to Luxor, often called the world's largest open-air museum, where the colossal Karnak and Luxor Temples await, along with the famous Valley of the Kings containing the tombs of the pharaohs. Further south, in Aswan, you should see the rock temple of Abu Simbel, which was saved from flooding thanks to an international UNESCO operation. The optimal way to see these sites is via a Nile River cruise.

Finally, the global recognition of the Red Sea cannot be ignored. The resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada offer the world's best diving and snorkeling amidst untouched coral reefs and rich marine life (especially in the Ras Mohammed reserve). For active recreation and relaxation, choose these coasts, or for unique experiences, visit the Coloured Canyon in Nuweiba or hike up Mount Sinai (Mount Moses). Egypt guarantees unforgettable experiences both on land and underwater.

Egyptian cuisine is a rich blend of spices, legumes, and grains. Here's what you must try:

• Koshary (Koshary): The national dish! It's a hearty mix of rice, pasta, and lentils, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
• Ful Medames (Ful Medames): A popular breakfast. Slowly cooked fava beans, seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Served with local flatbread.
• Ta'ameya (Ta'ameya): Egyptian falafel made from fava beans and fresh greens. Crispy patties, often served in a flatbread as a sandwich.
• Molokhia (Molokhia): The famous thick green soup made from jute leaves, simmered in broth with garlic and coriander.
• Mahshi (Mahshi): Vegetables (zucchini, peppers, grape leaves) stuffed with rice and spices.
• Hamam Mahshi (Hamam Mahshi): A delicacy – a pigeon stuffed with rice or wheat.
• Basbousa (Basbousa): A classic dessert – a semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup.
• Konafa/Kunafa (Kunafa): A dessert made from thin pastry threads, baked with a creamy or cheese filling and drizzled with syrup.
  
  

Enjoy the flavors of the Land of the Pharaohs!

Egypt is a treasure trove for those seeking both unique historical souvenirs and practical oriental goods. Your choice depends on how authentic or useful a gift you want to bring back. Here is a brief list of the best souvenirs and gifts from Egypt:

   Souvenirs (Classics)

• Genuine Papyrus: The most iconic souvenir. Look for flexible, non-cracking material with visible fibers (to distinguish it from fakes).
• Statues: Figurines of scarabs (for luck), cats, or pharaohs. Buy items made from alabaster or basalt, not fragile plaster.
• Cartouche: A personalized amulet (silver or gold) with your name engraved in hieroglyphs

 Oriental Aromas and Flavors

• Essential Oils: Highly concentrated oils (lotus, jasmine, black seed oil). Purchase them in specialized pharmacies.
• Tea and Spices: Be sure to buy the famous Egyptian karkade (hibiscus tea) and various fresh spices (saffron, cardamom) at local markets.
• Dates and Sweets: Egyptian dates (dried or glazed), as well as oriental sweets like baklava or halva.
   

Tip: Always haggle in the markets to get the best price!

Tap water in Egypt is not potable. Always use bottled water for drinking and even brushing your teeth to avoid "Pharaoh's Revenge" (stomach upset). Most All Inclusive resorts provide complimentary bottled water daily, so make sure to take advantage of this to keep your holiday stress-free.