Dahab, Egypt
Dahab is the Middle East’s prime beach resort for independent travelers.
The startling transformation from dusty Bedouin outpost to spruced-up tourist village is not without its detractors, who reminisce fondly of the days when beach bums dossed in basic huts by the shore. But for all the starry-eyed memories, there are plenty of pluses that have come with prosperity. Diving is now a much safer and more organised activity thanks to better regulation of operators; the town is cleaner and more family-friendly, offering accommodation choices for everyone rather than just hardened backpackers.
This is the one town in South Sinai where independent travelers are the rule rather than the exception, and Dahab’s growth has not destroyed its budget-traveler roots. Reeled in by its mellow ambiance, many travelers plan a few nights here and instead stay for weeks.
Epic Egypt Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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