Marsa Alam TOWN

Marsa Alam becomes one of the famous holiday destinations after the opening of Marsa Alam International Airport in 2011. The warm climate and the moderate current helps Marsa Alam to be one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations overlooking the Red Sea.

Fewer than one in a hundred tourists coming to the Marsa Alam area ever venture into the town itself. And for the few who do, there seems little reason, at first glance, to linger. Even the Rough Guide once described it as ‘undistinguished,’ adding that it consisted of ‘some government buildings and apartment blocks constructed for the expected influx of hotel staff to the area, grafted onto a fishing port where liveaboards now moor.'(2010)

Even fifteen years later, the wide wind swept main street is virtually empty during the day, the architecture is uninspiring and much of the town is little more than a giant building site. However it is gradually starting to feel more inviting as it grows.

You’ll already find a handful of small grocers and souvenir bazaars dotted around town, along with a hardware store, an electrical shop, at least two pharmacies, a currency exchange, and even a tiny bank. There’s also a decent-sized food market—though it’s a bit tucked away, so don’t hesitate to ask anyone near the centre for directions to the souk. Altogether, the town makes for a surprisingly handy little oasis when it comes to picking up everyday essentials.

But don’t rush off once you’ve filled your shopping bag. If you look beyond the visible you will soon discover that the town does have an upside. The people here are among the most hospitable and affable in Egypt.

When I stroll round this small town in the evening, chatting to the residents, I feel strangely attracted to the place. Everyone has a boundless optimism.

“Hurghada was just like this thirty years ago,” says a man who has just sunk his life savings into buying a tiny souvenir bazar. “But in ten years this place will be bigger than Hurghada or Sharm. Buy property here. You can’t loose.”

The hotel workers, who live here, sit in groups in one of the various small cafeteria or in The Father of the Crazy Ones pizzeria (Abo Elmaganen Pizza). They play draughts and dominoes, smoke shisha, or watch football on an outdoor television. There’s always much laughter.

If you are looking just for tourist sites you may wish to forget this town and head instead for El Quseir, the Wadi El Gamal National Park or Luxor (see also our Where to go page ?) However if you need to buy a few provisions or wish to make some new friends then Marsa Alam town, despite its’ rough and ready appearance, is the perfect place.

If you can speak Polish the following video gives you an excellent idea of what it’s like to do some shopping and have a meal in Marsa Alam. A tour of the town starts at approximately 2 minutes in.