Two things make Safaga unique: black sand dunes with curative properties and stiff breezes that make the Red Sea resort 65 kilometers south of Hurghada a must-visit for windsurfing enthusiasts. Safaga’s pollution-free beaches provide a healthy escape from hectic city life.

While there, make sure to take a trip to Tobia Island, where the beaches will leave you breathless, and check out Mons Claudianus in the Red Sea Mountains, the site of an ancient stone quarry where archaeologists can often be found hard at work. Day trips to either one can be arranged through any of the major hotels.

The Details

Any of the resorts a few kilometers north of the town are good bets. The Holiday Inn Resort (tel: (065) 326-0100) offers doubles for Egyptians for LE 320 half-board, 60 or $70 for non-Egyptians. The Lotus Bay Resorts and Gardens (tel: (065) 325-2443) is also a nice option, where a double for residents costs LE 300, $70 for non-residents. Both include breakfast and dinner in the price. Also check out the Safaga Palace (tel: (065) 326-0100), where a double start around $24.

For excellent seafood, the Positano at the Lotus Bay Beach Resort is topnotch, offering a view of the water and serving only the freshest seafood. If you are looking for cheaper accommodation, you can also stay at Sol Y Mar Safaga Paradise, about 50 kilometers away from Hurghada International Airport. Prices vary by the season; call for current rates (tel: (065) 326-0017).

For diving enthusiasts, Ducks Dive at the Holiday Inn Resort is the place to go (tel: (065) 326-0100). You can also try Barakuda Diving Center (tel: (065) 325-1040) or Divers International (tel: (062) 360-0865) But watch out: hammerhead sharks are common in the area!

You can fly from Cairo to Hurghada on EgyptAir then catch a mini-bus or taxi at the airport for the 40-minute drive into Safaga. The cost of a one-way ticket is LE 333 for Egyptians and LE 748 for foreigners. As for the round trip, the cost is LE 661 for Egyptians and LE 1,117 for non-Egyptians. EgyptAir operates 3-4 flights a day to Hurghada; the first flight takes off at 5am.

You can also take a SuperJet bus to Safaga from Cairo’s Almaza, Torgoman or Tahrir Square terminals (buses leave at 7:30 am and cost LE 60). et