Regions of Egypt: Sinai Peninsula. Sinai desert: description, area, interesting facts

If you have not been on vacation for a long time and do not know where to fly, but you want to warm country, choose Sinai peninsula, where there are conditions to have a great vacation.

Gateway between Africa and Asia

The Sinai Peninsula is located in the Red Sea and borders Asia and Africa, is part of the territory of Egypt. Most of land is in the desert, but there is also mountainous areas. The extraction of oil and turquoise is developed here.

Where is

On the map, the Sinai Peninsula has a wedge-shaped appearance. He is washed by the waters mediterranean sea, the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aqaba. Sinai has no clear boundaries, for this reason the area is also determined approximately (from 25 to 61 thousand square kilometers).

How to get from Moscow

To get from the capital Russian Federation to Sinai, you will need 4.5 hours for the flight. Between these countries constantly fly charter flights. Russians do not need a visa in Egypt. It is issued after arrival at the airport. On average, it costs 15 USD. That is, it allows you to enter the Sinai land once and stay there for no longer than thirty days. If a child under the age of twelve will fly with you, he will be given a free visa.

History of the peninsula

Sinai has an ancient history. According to archaeological data, people lived in this area 200 thousand years ago. From the middle of the XIII to the beginning of the XYI century, the land was owned by the Egyptians, but soon it fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1906, Great Britain took over the peninsula.

In the 1950s, as a result of the Suez Crisis, Sinai was attacked by France, Great Britain and Israel, whose goal was to control the Suez Canal. But America and the Soviet Union prevented this from happening.

In 1967, there was a six-day war, during which the Israelis occupied the lands of the peninsula, and the canal did not let large ships through.

In the seventies of the last century, Sinai crossed the borders of Israel. The conflict was short-lived, and the parties declared a truce. Calm and peace on the peninsula were violated in 2011 due to the intensification of Islamic militants.

When is the best time to go on vacation: weather and climate

The peninsula has a tropical climate, but in the north there are Mediterranean climatic conditions.

The peninsula is very dry.

In the south, due to the nearby mountains no cold winds and precipitation. Only a few millimeters can fall out in a year. Summer is usually extremely hot, and in the shade it can be about forty degrees above zero. In winter, the temperature drops so that even frosts are recorded in desert areas. But if you want to visit here in winter, it is better to fly south to the Red Sea, where there is a milder climate.

Did you know? The Egyptians place restrictions on the rights of women. The queue is always divided into male and female. When boarding a transport, a woman should take the front seat. In the subway, girls ride in the first car. If a man speaks to an unfamiliar Egyptian woman, he thus violates the rules of etiquette.

Weather

It is good to relax here all year round.

But summer weather is usually characterized by heat and dry winds called khamsins. The temperature rises to 50 °C. The weather in January and February reaches 29 ° C, and at night it can drop to zero.

Most often, tourists come in late spring, summer and early autumn. At this time, it is comfortable to relax on the beach.

Water temperature

In winter, the water warms up to 18 ° C, so swimming will not be very comfortable. In May, the most pleasant water, it heats up to 28 ° C. May is considered the most popular time of the year in Egypt for tourists, but at the same time the most expensive.

Important! If you want to save money on a ticket to Sinai, it's better to come at the end of the month, as tourists mostly visit the peninsula en masse in early May. And by the end of the month, the owners of resort bases reduce prices for accommodation.

Holidays in Sinai: the big picture

In Sinai, you will have the opportunity to choose your entertainment: relaxing holiday on the beach during the day or incendiary disco at night, a tour of local attractions or contemplation of nature untouched by man in the wild.

Active, Beach & Nightlife

The best beach holiday and nightlife mainly located in Hurghada. There you can visit Old Vic, Marriot's private beach, which costs $20 to enter.

"Paradise Beach" is a public beach, which is located near the hotel "Beirut". You will need to pay $5 to enter. There are toilets, showers, carousels for children, water and land attractions.

If you get to El Quiadad, visit See hourse beach. It is located near the Hilton Plaza Hotel. There are restaurants, children's entertainment, sunbathing facilities. Entrance will cost $40. But this price includes the use of all the benefits of local infrastructure and good service.

The most prestigious beaches are located in the northern part of Sinai near Alexandria.

Attractions and excursions

Here you can visit the national parks "Ras Abu Galum", "Nabq" and "Ras Mohammed". They are created on the principle of combining large area multiple ecosystems.

If you like baths and saunas, you will love the thermal waters.

Did you know? There are sources named after Moses, who saved the Jewish people from slavery. Travelers, according to legend, were exhausted and thirsty. Moses struck the ground with his staff, and water appeared.

There is a colored canyon on the peninsula, which is located near Nuweiba. It is long (about seven hundred meters) and high (about a hundred meters high).

Guides will be able to give you an excursion to the monastery named after St. Catherine. She was so named by Emperor Constantine the Great in honor of his mother.

Accommodation and meals

When buying a ticket, you can also get a taxi service and a hotel room with free meals.

Due to the use of various spices in dishes, a person unaccustomed to the national cuisine may experience indigestion. Therefore, eat only in hotels or restaurants, supermarkets. Don't trust street food. It is advisable to drink only boiled water.

For supporting local traditions You can drink some alcohol with your food.

It is better to live in hotels where rooms should be booked in advance. They have their own beach, they provide tourists with umbrellas, sun loungers, towels for free.

The rooms usually have a TV, telephone, air conditioning, mini-bar, refrigerator.

The hotel restaurant offers Buffet”, as well as national and European dishes.

All imported alcoholic drinks in the country are much more expensive than in Russia, but locally produced alcohol is much cheaper.

Important! Since the Egyptians are religious people, follow the rules for being in the mosque. Enter there, wrapping your shoulders, head, knees, taking off your shoes.

The best resorts of the peninsula

There are many resort towns on the peninsula that specialize in various types of recreation: diving,
camping, surfing and others, so each person will be able to choose a pastime that he likes.

Dahab

Dahab is an Egyptian resort located in the eastern part of Sinai in the Gulf of Aqaba at a distance of 100 kilometers from Sharm el-Sheikh. It is divided into old City, a Bedouin village called Assala, an area of ​​new buildings (hotels).

In the old town, you can walk along the coast, go to a campsite, visit a cafe, sea ​​port. This place is called Russian downshifting.

Naama Bay

Standard resort town Naama Bay is the oldest resort that accommodates many expensive hotels, shopping centers, hookah, bars, discos in nightclubs. It is convenient to swim on the beaches, as there are no corals at the bottom.

Taba

Taba is located within Sharm El Sheikh, is very popular among tourists. On the coast there are many lagoons, white-sand beaches, pools. Here every corner is thought out landscape designers. Also, lovers of outdoor activities will enjoy diving in the water cleared from coral reefs.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is characterized by coral beaches. Therefore, it is important to wear special shoes. Divers and fishermen may like it here.

There are beaches with bulk sand, there are no sharks in the coastal waters. Tourists will appreciate the absence of bad weather and strong wind. The city has very expensive restaurants, hotels, beaches. Here you can spend a fun night at discos, go on excursions to museums, take a walk in parks.

• If you are going to learn to dive, charge at least $200 per person for five days.
• Guided tours cost $60 for two. But there are also hundred-dollar excursions.
• If you are in the mood to buy fruits or vegetables, a couple of kilos will cost about $7.
• If you have a goal to buy expensive thing(for example, a large carpet), take a closer look, bargain with the seller, as a rule, sellers agree to the price offered by the buyer.
• Buy alcohol in duty free. If you buy in regular store, you will write it down in your passport.
• If you have already bought something from a particular seller, the next time you buy, you will be reduced in price and will be considered a friend.
• Girls should avoid short skirts and dresses. You can not sunbathe naked, it will cause a negative reaction from the locals.

The Sinai Peninsula is very colorful and picturesque. There are all conditions to learn diving and surfing. Comfortable rest can be provided in hotels of different classes. It is worth going here in May, as at this time there are the most favorable conditions for a comfortable stay.

The Sinai Peninsula is perfect place for a beautiful tan. As in many places in Egypt, there is something to see here, because according to the legend, it was here that Moses received covenants from God. Tourists from all over the world tend to Egypt in order to get impeccable conditions for recreation for little money. The gentle waves of the Red Sea, the bright sun, a huge number of historical sights make the rest on the Sinai Peninsula unforgettable.

In this article, we will try to describe all the features of a holiday on the Sinai Peninsula in 2019.

For many years, the Sinai Peninsula has been the subject of disputes and wars between Africa and Asia. Such a tasty morsel could not be shared. Due to its location and big amount minerals, disputes do not subside to this day. The strategic importance of the Sinai Peninsula grew after the construction of the Suez Canal in the 19th century.

Sinai Peninsula on the map:

This territory belonged at one time to Turkey, Israel. But after long disputes and wars, the peninsula returned to Egypt. Thanks to this, relative calm reigned over him. Holidays on the Sinai Peninsula are very different from holidays on other popular ones. Holidays in 2019 can become truly unforgettable.

Nature

The unique fauna of the peninsula can be attributed to its attractions. It is difficult to see more beautiful coral reefs anywhere else. The coast is a real paradise for divers. Many travelers come here to make an amazing dive and swim along the barrier reef.

The area is very hot. Therefore, most green oases are the subject of painstaking work of local landscapers.

The Sinai deserts are inhabited. There you can see wolves, foxes, mountain goats, hyenas and other numerous inhabitants.

Climate

The climate can be a real test for a tourist. In summer, the coast is swelteringly hot, up to 50 degrees during the day. Temperatures are very moderate at night. In winter, the daytime is 24-25 degrees, and the nights can be very cold. Snow sometimes falls in the mountains in autumn. Spring can be very rainy. If you are going on vacation in 2019 to the Sinai Peninsula, remember that if you do not tolerate the heat, try to spend more time by the sea and drink 3-4 liters of water daily.

The best holiday season

The best time of the year to travel is mid-autumn or early spring. During this period, there is no suffocating heat, the air temperature rarely rises above 30 degrees. The nights are warm, not lower than 18 degrees.

Visa

Between Russia and Egypt, there is still a need to obtain permission to enter the state. The procedure is very simple and does not require much effort or the collection of a huge amount of information.

If the tourist does not plan to move around the country, then it is enough to get a Sinai stamp at the receiving airport. It's completely free. But in this case, it will not be possible to go to or admire the Egyptian pyramids.

Only available to tourists South part coasts:

• The amazing resort of Sharm el-Sheikh and surrounding areas;
• Ras Mohammed Nature Reserve and famous mountains Moses;
• The golden beach of Dabah and a few small ones family resorts and townships.

You can stay on the peninsula according to the stamp for no more than 15 days. If this is not enough for the traveler, you need to apply for a visa. In 2019 consular fee is 25 dollars.

Currency

On the peninsula, the Egyptian pound is accepted into circulation. With money exchange local currency no problems will arise. Special points are available at airport hotels, large retail outlets and restaurants.

If Egyptian currency is not available, you can safely pay in euros or dollars. In this case, you will have to pay a little more.

Population and language

A large area of ​​the Sinai Peninsula is absolutely deserted, as deserts and mountains prevail here. The buildings of local residents make up only 4% of the total development of the area. Everything else is infrastructure for tourists.

The indigenous people of the peninsula are the Bedouins. For several millennia, they continue to roam the desert.

The word "Bedouin" means "desert dweller".

The national language is Arabic. The entire population involved in the service of tourists is fluent in English, Russian and other languages. Therefore, there will be no problems with communication.

Safety

No special preventive measures are required to enter the state. Epidemiologists recommend having routine tetanus and polio vaccinations. For your own safety, preventive vaccination against typhoid and diphtheria will not interfere.

While in the Sinai Peninsula, you must follow the usual security measures. Do not drink tap water. Personal hygiene should be carefully observed and fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed.

Keep in mind that it is very hot and dry here, so you should always have bottled water with you and drink as much liquid as possible per day.

It doesn't hurt to have medical insurance. Health care in the country is at a high level.

You can read about the safety of a trip to Egypt in 2019.

Recreation features

Egypt has long been very popular place recreation of Russian tourists. When visiting the peninsula, you should consider some of the nuances:

1. Despite the fact that Egypt annually receives millions of tourists from all over the world, do not forget that this is a Muslim country with its own traditions, especially in clothing. Too open wardrobe offends the locals. Therefore, a swimsuit, shorts and open T-shirts are only for the beach;
2. Do not forget to thank for any service. Baksheesh is a local specificity. Therefore, there should be a lot of little things in your pocket to thank the elevator operator, the maid, the doorman and any other person;
3. Remember the seller from whom you bought something. The Arabs have a great memory, if a tourist comes up again to buy something, he will become the best “friend” and receive a significant discount on any product.

How to get there?

After some tragic events, direct flights to Egypt for Russian tourists were cancelled. Based on a mutual agreement, after fulfilling a number of requirements regarding the safety of travelers from Russia, the airport in Cairo became available. From February 1, 2019, direct flights from Moscow will depart there.

Unfortunately, the most convenient air port Sinai has not yet adjusted the zone for Russians, so there will be no direct flights there yet. Therefore, you will have to get to it with transfers. Such services are provided only by foreign airlines.

The best option is to fly through. Its cost is about 500 euros, the time spent in the air is about 7 hours.

A trip with a connection to European cities– London, Geneva, Zurich.

You can use the services of tour operators neighboring states Belarus or Ukraine, from the airports of which there are direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh.

Where to stay?

There are about 200 hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, mostly 4-5 stars. Of course, you can find 3-star hotels, but they are inferior in quality. The average price in a hotel is from $50 to $100 per person per night, including meals. All-inclusive hotels offer a wide range of services:

• parking;
• Rooms for children;
• Separate beaches;
• Discos, clubs all on site;
• Free internet throughout.

In this resort, you can relax in an adults-only hotel:

• Royal Monte-Carlo. This hotel is considered one of the most expensive and comfortable on the coast;
• Cataract Lialina is a good budget hotel. Private beach, internet. The hotel has 98 rooms. For families with children, this can be a great option.

Best Resorts

Thousands of tourists come to the resorts of the Sinai Peninsula different corners peace. Many people fall in love with these places so much that they come here every year.

- the most popular and oldest resort on the Egyptian coast. Of course, due to the fact that here you can enjoy the warmth and sun almost all year round. Sea water it is so clean here that lovers of the underwater world can see very rare representatives of the fauna. Beaches, gentle entry into the water, shallow and very clean sand, all this makes Sharm El Sheikh a very attractive holiday destination. You can come here with children. Elderly people will also be very comfortable. Best time rest - autumn.

- one of the districts famous resort. The beaches here are sandy, corals near the coast are rare. Diving enthusiasts will find everything they need for diving here. Equipment and instructors are all at your service.

– the resort is located near the airport, only five kilometers. This is a very quiet and peaceful place. Those who are tired of city noise will truly rest here. Discos and nightlife in neighboring city. The beaches of Sharks Bay are not very comfortable. Swimming is recommended in special shoes.

- the most windless place on the coast. Quiet, calm bay. Coral reefs beckon with their beauty. The unique flora and fauna makes this resort interesting for diving enthusiasts.

is a resort for young people. Numerous restaurants and nightclubs, discos and show programs. Everything to keep you from getting bored. Round the clock entertainment and friendly staff establishments. Swimming in the sea is recommended in special shoes.

Hot Springs

It's amazing a natural phenomenon is located south coast peninsula near Sharm El Sheikh.

The main part of the tourists tends to the "Source of Moses". Its healing power is legendary. According to one of them, the prophet Moses struck the ground with a staff and at the same moment a healing spring poured out of it.

Tourists who want to cope with diseases of the joints and bones go to the Pharaoh's Baths, which were visited by the kings of Egypt many thousands of years ago. Water breaks out from under the rocks and rushes into the sea.

Entertainment

The most popular entertainment in the resorts of the Sinai Peninsula is diving and snorkeling. Every step of the way, they offer training. Equipment for this type of leisure can be rented. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts should know that these sports can be practiced here all year round.

Activities include walking along the coast in a jeep, and from October to April on camels. For European tourist- it's exotic.

What to see?

Those who are going on vacation to the Sinai Peninsula in 2019 should know that local campaigns offer a large number of excursions to choose from. What to see is up to you.

• In the area of ​​the Thisstelgorm, you can see sunken ships and reefs;
• Egyptian Park - Ras Mohammed - one of the most the best places for diving;
• Camel or jeep ride. The walk allows you to get acquainted with the life of the Bedouins;
• If you want to see the sunrise at Sinai, go to Mount Moses.

Kitchen

Sinai cuisine includes many traditional African dishes. Many years of European colonization, the transition of the island from hand to hand from one owner to another, gave the local food a European sophistication.

Don't even try to find pork dishes. The meat of this "dirty" animal is not sold in any supermarket or market. This is due to the peculiarities of the Muslim religion.

Also, in Sinai restaurants you will not find "steak with blood". All products undergo thorough heat treatment, which is associated with special climatic conditions. The local heat can quickly spoil even fresh meat or fish.

Main a traditional dish aish baladi - fragrant bread cake Any filling can be added to Egyptian bread.

The meat is usually served with rice or vegetables. Be sure to try torly, which is lamb with vegetable stew seasoned with lemon and marjoram.

Arabian kofta meatballs have an amazing taste. Sinai restaurants offer chicken cooked according to an old Cairo recipe. This dish will conquer any gourmet.

Never give up on fish. It is prepared according to special old recipes and served with a variety of sauces. Very impressive grilled fish.

The first courses are very tasty and rich. The local soup medemas is made from beans.

The familiar hibiscus tea comes from Egypt. This drink is offered everywhere. Also, visitors to the cafe will be offered a cup of aromatic coffee or black tea.

Food prices are not high. In an inexpensive restaurant, you can pay up to $3 for a three-course set meal.

It is not at all expensive to shop at local markets or supermarkets. The main thing is to move away from crowded places of tourists and make purchases in the same stores as local population. For example, a grant, strawberries or peppers will cost no more than $1 per kilo. The price of vegetables is very low, a kilogram of zucchini or eggplant costs no more than 35 cents.

If the price of the products is indicated in the price tag, there is no point in haggling, and if it is not there, then you can bargain for 20-30% of the cost.

shopping

The most popular souvenir that tourists from Egypt always bring is papyrus. In second place are plates with a unique Arabic ornament.

Shops and markets are open until late in the evening. Here you can find souvenirs for every taste. Tourists will be offered expensive items, such as handmade carpets. Be sure to purchase Arabic multi-colored jewelry. They are not expensive at all, but they look very nice.

A special Sinai souvenir is a T-shirt with a picture of a diver. The main thing is not to forget to bargain always and everywhere.

Tour price

Very often, the price of a trip to the Sinai Peninsula depends on the choice of the tour operator. The larger the company, the wider the range of its capabilities and the companies with which it works. Therefore, before the final purchase, it is worth "probing" several agencies and comparing their prices for the same items.

The next important determining position of the price is the class of the hotel, the higher it is, the more expensive the tour.

At the beginning of 2019 sale travel vouchers to Egypt by Russian and tour operators is not produced. It is planned that a direct flight to Cairo will be available to Russians at the beginning of the year. Flights to Sharm El Sheikh Airport will be possible presumably in autumn 2019.

The minimum cost of an all-inclusive tour for seven nights in a three-star hotel will be 30 thousand rubles per person and more.

The Sinai Peninsula is a paradise for perfect holiday. The warm waters of the Red Sea, endless beaches with velvety sand, excellent service and Arabic cuisine make the resorts of the peninsula a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. Many fall in love with the local scenery and hospitable hotels so much that they are ready to return to Sinai every year.

More about the peninsula - in the video:

The peninsula is surrounded by the Gulf of Suez, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. All northern part The peninsula is occupied by desert. The mountains in the southern part have a green, blue and red tint. According to legend, God spoke to Moses right in this place.

The Sinai Peninsula is famous for its great "silk" way . Caravans from the Far East followed it to Egypt. This area is famous for its hot springs, which are located along its west bank. Famous among tourists "Sources of Moses" or in another way Uyun Musa.

Thanks to unique coral reefs South coast The Sinai Peninsula has become a place of pilgrimage for divers from all over the world.

Civilization almost did not hook on this desert, the main population here is the Bedouins, who are gradually moving to a sedentary lifestyle, growing date palms and raising goats.

The Bedouins strictly adhere to their traditions, one of which is hospitality, thanks to which tourists, accompanied by them as guides, visit the desert.

The Sinai Peninsula is rich in minerals, including oil, and the fauna of the peninsula is represented by wolves and foxes, hyenas and antelopes, eagles conquered the sky, and tourists :).

In the south, in the corner of the triangle, the landscape is similar to the moon. It is dominated by granite rocks, the peaked mountains of Moses, St. Catherine, and others, where the Jews followed Moses 33 centuries ago.

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt in the north is beautiful sandy beaches stretching from to Mersa Matruh.

Unfortunately, there is reason to believe that the peninsula will not be a pearl for so long. Corals are gradually dying out, and tourists themselves are one of the reasons. It turns out that jeeps do the most harm, destroying a thin layer of lichens in the desert, as a result of which, during sandstorms, much more sand raised by them is deposited in the sea, the pores of corals become clogged and they die.

Damage to corals and a gradual increase in sea temperature and the acidity of the water itself.

In the south of the Sinai Peninsula, one of the most famous Egyptian resorts is located -. Here are well-known tourist resorts, Nuweiba and.

Since y with Egypt, then Russian tourist you only need a passport, where a visa stamp will be pasted at the airport, it allows you to stay in the country for a month.

Sights and excursions of the Sinai Peninsula.

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It was founded in 330, after the Byzantine emperor Constantine recognized Christianity and allowed Christians to found monasteries. It is the oldest active Christian monastery. The first monks were real righteous, apparently due to this, by the time of the conquest by the Arabs in the 7th century, most of the local tribes had become Christians. The monastery is located in a gorge between the mountains of Moses, Safsaf and Katharina at a level of 1570 m.

The so-called "Burning bush" grows in the monastery, it is believed that in the flame that engulfed this bush, Moses saw God for the first time. The monastery has more than 2,000 icons, and the local religious library is second only to the Vatican.

Near the monastery is (another name is the mountain of Moses). The summit reaches 2285 meters.

It so happened that many hundreds of tourists go to the mountain every day, most of whom come from Sharm el-Sheikh, since it is more convenient for a trip here. Usually everyone walks at night along the trail of 3400 steps, but this tradition is not of Christianity, but rather of the tourism industry, thanks to the spectacular sunrise. You can, of course, ride a camel, but such an excursion requires good nerves.

It must be borne in mind that the ascent is made at night along a long path, and the descent during the day along a low one, and the descent is also quite difficult.

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This national park is located in the south of the Sinai Peninsula. It combines 5 ecosystems: desert, coast, lagoon, corals and the sea itself. The park is strictly guarded, the construction of hotels is prohibited, and only a small part is allowed to visit tourists, but it is worth it. It's pretty here interesting island mangrove trees, and next to it is a real bird world with storks, herons, falcons, etc.

Here famous beach Main Beach with bright red corals, of which there are about 150 species, and, of course, the richest underwater world.

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The largest Sinai park with an area of ​​​​600 km 2. Located 35 km from Sharm El Sheikh. It is famous for the abundance of flora, there are about 130 species of plants.

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Located between Dahab and Nuweiba. famous beautiful scenery and luxurious nature due to the presence of fresh springs here.

Located an hour from Nuweiba. It is assumed that this is the former bed of a dried up river, which cut through the local rocks to a depth of hundreds of meters. It is famous for its "lunar" landscapes and bizarre play of colors and shapes. Must-see for the tourist.

Hot Springs.

Located along the coast near the road to Sharm el-Sheikh. The most famous is the "Source of Moses", it is believed that it appeared due to a blow with the staff of Moses to give water to the Jews who fled from Egypt and crossed the sea in this place.

The rock island, which was once a frontier post since the time of the pharaohs, and the famous Saladin built a citadel here in the 12th century, for the sake of which (and the museum) tourists come here.

Climate of the Sinai Peninsula.

The peninsula itself is, in fact, a tropical desert, and the climate is appropriate. The north of the peninsula adjoins the Mediterranean Sea, which moderates the climate of this area. Rains are extremely rare, there are whole years without precipitation, especially in the southern part, locked from rare northern cyclones by mountains.

In summer, the temperature often reaches 40 degrees, or even more, in winter in the desert there are even frosts in winter, except for the south adjacent to the Red Sea.

It is best for a tourist to go to the Sinai Peninsula from the second half of September to the end of October and in spring in April - the most comfortable temperature for relaxation.

A little .

The ancient Egyptians were familiar with the Sinai Peninsula as far back as the First Dynasty. From 1260 to 1518, the Mamluks of Egypt dominated here, and then until the last century it belonged to the Ottoman Empire.

In 1916, the British occupied the peninsula, and they also drew the current border with Israel.

In 1948, the Egyptians attacked Israel through the Sinai Peninsula, but to no avail, and in 1956 the Suez Crisis arose, England, France and Israel tried to seize the Suez Canal, but thanks to US pressure and Soviet Union were forced to leave.

In 1967, Israel occupies Suez, in 1973 Egypt makes an unsuccessful attempt to return the Suez Canal, and finally in 1979, as a result of a peace treaty, the Sinai Peninsula is gradually returned to Egypt until 1982.

Information for tourists on the Sinai Peninsula.

• Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport is located near Ras Nasrani, you can fly by regular Egyptair flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, a ticket costs about 461 dollars, it takes 4 hours to fly or by numerous charter flights.
• Tipping in Egypt is practically obligatory, here they are called baksheesh, they are given to everyone who provides any services: maids, porters, guides, waiters. Usually they give 1-2 pounds, it is no longer recommended, otherwise a queue of the afflicted will line up for the tourist.
• Egypt is a secular country, but we must remember the Muslim population, which will be offended outside the tourist zones at the sight of open shoulders, tourist shorts.
• When photographing someone, first find out if this person is against it, and photographing a woman can be paid. In addition, military installations and other strategic places such as dams, bridges are also prohibited from filming.
• In Egypt, you can bring no more than a liter of alcohol, but in Nyama Bay on Shamadura Street, a tourist can buy duty-free 4 liters in a duty free shop.

The Sinai Peninsula covers an area of ​​about 61,000 square kilometers. Geographically, Sinai is located in Egypt, but the peninsula is separated from its homeland by the Suez Canal. The water boundaries of the Gulf of Suez in the west of the peninsula separate Asia (as part of the World) from the African continent. In the east, Sinai is washed by the waters of the Arabian Gulf of Aqaba. In the northeast, on a 200 km stretch of the Mediterranean coast, there was a famous ancient route that conquerors, traders and travelers followed.

About twenty million years ago, Sinai was one with Egypt and Arabian Peninsula. Heat flows in the Earth's mantle created huge cracks that lifted and set in motion the rocks on the surface of this part of the Earth. Sinai is part of the Great Rift Valley, a gigantic fracture in the earth's crust that starts in East Africa and continues across the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba through the Jordan Valley (Dead Sea, Sea of ​​Galilee).

Geologically, Sinai is conditionally divided into three zones. The northern region is made up of sand dunes and beaches formed by fossils due to changes in the level of the Mediterranean Sea during ice age, two million years ago. The landscape is mostly flat, and the form is represented only by infrequent but huge sand and limestone hills.

The plateau of the central geological region is formed by limestone of the Tertiary period. The highlands expand to the south until they pass into the third geological region, consisting of granite and volcanic rocks. Limestone and sandstone deposits are replaced by granite and basalt. Both breeds are formed as a result volcanic activity at the bottom of the ocean, in ancient times.

History of Sinai

Archaeological expeditions and studies of the prehistoric past in Sinai lift the veil of secrets of the history of the peninsula. So, for example, bones and flint tools were found, clearly proving the presence of human life in the desert 200,000 years ago!

Also, very strange prehistoric structures were discovered, they were called "desert kite". They are stone walls of an unusual configuration, lined with a triangular tip leading down. They were probably used to hunt gazelles.

In the west of the peninsula there are ancient burial chambers of the early bronze age. Some of them have been preserved in excellent condition and they are located in different areas. Perhaps this suggests that the nomads used these places only for ceremonies or as places of rest during travel.

Tribes of people mainly settled in the area of ​​Mount Sinai (St. Catherine's Monastery) and have been mining copper and turquoise since ancient times. Among them were the tribes mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Islamic books, such as: Horites (highlanders), Rephaim, Edomites (descendants of Esau), Amalekites (nomadic people), Medianites (nomads of the Arabian Peninsula).

So, during the reign of Timna (3500 BC), the population of Sinai increased, and mining, copper smelting and turquoise mining flourished.

The reign of the first dynasty of the pharaohs is characterized by the profitable mining of copper and turquoise. A bas-relief discovered at Wadi Magara in Sinai depicts the pharaoh Sekhemkhet (2600 BC) and indicates the early presence of Egyptian pharaohs in Sinai.

Labor camps were set up near the mines. Copper and turquoise were delivered by the most ancient routes to the port of Markha near Abu Znaim. There, the minerals were loaded onto ships and transported to Egypt.

During the 12th Dynasty, at Serabit Al Khadem, a magnificent temple was built dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the maiden of turquoise, love and joy.

One of the moments of this historical period has importance. Workers wrote symbols on the walls, thus translating the signs of the hieroglyphic Egyptian alphabet into understandable signs of consonants. These evolved into the Proto-Sinaiticus alphabet from which the Semitic languages ​​arose.

Many architectural monuments, as well as rocks and rocks with drawings, belong to the Nabataean culture (2-3 century AD). There are both Roman and Byzantine inscriptions.

Sinai and the Bible

From the reign of Thutmose III, Jews lived in Egypt. The exodus of the Jewish people probably took place during the reign of Ramses II (1290 - 1224 BC). One can only speculate about the reasons for the outcome. Most likely, this was due to the difficult economic situation, in the form of high taxes and forced labor. This was the reason for the exodus of milk and honey into the earth. Apart from biblical sources, there is no historical evidence, but ancient Egyptian papyri speak of Jews and other minorities living in Egypt.

One way or another, in the 3rd century, hermits who sought refuge and solitude in high mountains the central region of Sinai developed the idea of ​​Mount Sinai as the place where Moses received the 10 commandments. By the 19th century, Sinai had become popular with explorers and adventurers, and from this time on, research began on specific places of exodus, based on documentary evidence and geographical characteristics.

According to most researchers, the crossing of the sea by Moses and the Jews took place in the Gulf of Suez, the region of Lake Gorkoye. And then they went to Ayun Musa (Spring of Moses). Other biblical sites were associated with Elim (Wadi Garandel) and with sulfurous springs Hammam Pharaoh, in the Sin desert (Marha, the ancient port of Abu Znaima), Refedim (Wadi Feiran, Faran from the book of Exodus). Gebel (mountain) Serbal in Wadi Feiran was recognized as the mountain of the ten commandments by the early Christians. The oldest Bedouin settlements are located in this area, referred to as the Moses Valley.

Other scientists support the idea northern route as a possible path for the Israelites. "Yam Saf" - the sea of ​​reeds - was, in fact, a region of lakes along the Mediterranean coast, between present-day Port Said and Al Arish. Numerous thickets of reeds here to this day correspond to this biblical description. Tamarisk trees are used in the production of food known as manna. There are many of these trees in the north of Sinai, while almost none in the south. Quails are more common in the north than in southern Sinai. The names of places and settlements are in accordance with their old names, similar to the biblical ones: Arisha (Alush), Kadesh Varni (Kades), Livny (Livni).

In the West. From the north it is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The peninsula does not have exact boundaries, so different sources estimate its area differently.
Most of Sinai is covered with deserts. Only in the north along sandy beaches mediterranean coast stretched olive groves. In the northeast of the peninsula is Lake Bardaville, separated from the Mediterranean Sea only by a narrow spit. Found in the lake exotic species fish. The south of the peninsula is completely covered by mountains. volcanic origin. The highest point is Mount St. Catherine (Jebel Katerin) with a height of 2602 m. On the coast along the southern tip of the peninsula, you can swim even in winter; V last years there appeared many hotels and beaches. Unfortunately, the development of tourism is accompanied by clogging of the coast, so in recent years, scientists are increasingly talking about the ecological catastrophe of the peninsula. However, the inability to generate income from tourism has led to the fact that Sinai has long been a bone of contention for Egypt and Israel. Oil deposits have been discovered on the peninsula, in addition, despite the desert climate, some parts of the peninsula are habitable. Already today, land is being cultivated around individual oasis towns. During the Six Day War in 1967, Israel completely occupied the peninsula. Then, after the 1973 war, Israel announced its readiness for a phased withdrawal of troops and the return of the peninsula to Egypt. The reason for this step was not only the partial military success of the Egyptians, but also a political calculation: Israel had already staked on peaceful coexistence with its Western neighbor. Today, the entire territory of Sinai, with the exception of one part of the desert, is administered by Egypt. However, the Cairo government has so far failed to create favorable conditions for residents to move here from the overpopulated river valley.

pharaohs ancient egypt were the first to organize gold and copper mining on the Sinai Peninsula. Even more insistently, their messengers were looking for a blue semi-precious stone, thanks to which the Egyptians called Sinai "the country of turquoise."

Country of Moses

According to the Bible, the Israelites, leaving Egypt, crossed the western deserts of Sinai through the fertile lands of the Wadi Feran oasis, and then headed east deep into the peninsula. Such a route puts historians before the question: why did the people of Moses never meet the Egyptians in Sinai, who at that time were intensively developing deposits of turquoise, gold and copper ores here? Although the biblical narrative corresponds to the geographical realities of the Sinai Peninsula, it cannot be ruled out that it contains a number of errors. It is possible that the Israelis, moving east, stopped only in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula. In the Hebrew sources describing the Exodus, the body of water that the sons of Israel “forced” is called Yam Suf (“Sea of ​​reeds”). Perhaps the translator, who decided that the Red Sea was meant, was simply mistaken. It is more likely that Yam Suf is the Sirbonis lagoon, which today is called Lake Bardaville. If this assumption is correct, then the transmission of the tablets with the 10 commandments and the conclusion
The covenant between God, referred to in the books of the Old Testament as Yahweh, and his “chosen people” did not take place in the south of Sinai, on a mountain later called Moses, but in the north of the peninsula. Perhaps this happened on Mount Hillal, towering 892 meters above the surrounding plain. It is no longer possible to establish this exactly, since many mistakes made by translators crept into the Bible, which was repeatedly translated into various languages, which often leads to confusion in geographical names.

general information

Language: Arabic.

Currency: Egyptian pound.

Religion: Islam.
Largest cities: El Arish, Et-Tur, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba.
Main mountain peaks: Jebel Katherine, Jebel Musa, Jebel Sirbal.

International Airport: Sharm El Sheikh.

Numbers

Length: from north to south 370 km, from east to west: 220 km.

Population: about 200 thousand, mostly Bedouin, leading a semi-sedentary lifestyle.

Economy of the REGION

Tourism.

Climate and weather

Attractions

Curious facts