Holiday in Dahab

What makes Dahab special as a destination?

Dahab is Egypt's coolest coastal town – a former Bedouin village on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula that has transformed from a hippie hangout in the 1980s to an international mecca for divers, freedivers, and digital nomads, all while retaining its relaxed charm. There are no hotel complexes and no mass tourism – instead, colorful beach cafés, a bohemian atmosphere, and one of the world's most famous dive sites right at your doorstep. The Blue Hole of Dahab is a circular, 130-meter deep underwater hole in the coral reef that attracts divers from all over the world. Although it is considered one of the most dangerous dive sites in the world, on the surface, it is a paradisiacal snorkeling spot with crystal-clear water and colorful fish. The dive sites around Dahab – Canyon, Blue Hole, The Bells, Eel Garden – are among the best and most affordable in the world. A complete open-water diving course here often costs less than half of the European price. The waterfront promenade of Dahab, known as the Lighthouse area, is the heart of the town: dozens of beach cafés with cushions right by the water serve fresh fish, shisha, and smoothies while you gaze at the turquoise sea and the mountains of Saudi Arabia across the shore. Dahab has also established itself as the freediving capital – several world records have been set in the Blue Hole. For adventurers, the Sinai Desert right behind Dahab offers endless opportunities: camel tours through colorful canyons, Bedouin camps under the starry sky, and the ascent of Mount Moses (Jebel Musa) at sunrise. The Colored Canyon and White Canyon are impressive gorge hikes. Dahab is significantly cheaper than Sharm el-Sheikh and attracts a younger, more alternative crowd. Sharm el-Sheikh Airport is about 100 kilometers away.