Holiday in Safaga
City in Egypt — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇬
Country
Egypt
Type
City
Best time to travel
Year-round, windsurfing from April to October (strongest wind), diving year-round, wellness year-round (most intense in summer)
Budget/day
55-100 € (4-star, windsurfing equipment, dives)
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Hurghada about 4.5 hours direct flight, transfer to Safaga about 45-60 minutes south
About Safaga
Safaga is the insider tip among the beach resorts on the Red Sea – a small port city about 60 kilometers south of Hurghada, known for its unique black sand treatments, top-notch diving, and constant wind, making it a paradise for windsurfers and health tourists. While most Egypt vacationers flock to Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh, Safaga offers a more authentic, quieter alternative with a special therapeutic bonus. The black sand of Safaga contains high concentrations of radioactive minerals, which are said to have healing effects for psoriasis, rheumatism, and joint diseases. Since the 1990s, health tourists have been coming to Safaga specifically to be buried in the black sand – a treatment that is medically supervised by local clinics. The combination of intense UV radiation, saltwater, and the minerals in the sand has shown positive results in studies, making Safaga a unique wellness destination worldwide. For windsurfers, Safaga has been a well-known spot for decades: the narrow bay with its offshore Tobia Island offers a protected flat water area with constant side winds, providing ideal conditions for both beginners and freestyle professionals. Several professional surf stations with German-speaking staff and state-of-the-art equipment make it easy to get started. Underwater, Safaga boasts some of the most pristine reefs of the Red Sea. The offshore reefs like Panorama Reef, Abu Kafan, and Tobia Arbaa are less dived than the spots near Hurghada and are therefore in better condition. Hammerhead sharks and mantas are regularly sighted in the deeper waters. Safaga is also the starting point for dive safaris to the legendary Brother Islands and the Daedalus Reef. For culture enthusiasts, the port of Safaga is only 164 kilometers from Luxor – a day trip to the Pharaoh's tombs in the Valley of the Kings is easily possible.
Top 6 highlights in Safaga
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Black Sand Therapy
Globally unique healing treatment in mineral-rich black sand for psoriasis and rheumatism
Windsurfing Safaga Bay
Protected flat water area with constant wind, German-speaking surf stations, and perfect standing area
Pristine Dive Sites
Panorama Reef, Abu Kafan, and Tobia Arbaa – intact reefs with hammerhead sharks and mantas
Tobia Island
Offshore sandbank island with turquoise water, perfect for snorkeling trips and beach picnics
Day Trip to Luxor
Only 164 km to the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Karnak and Luxor
Diving Safari Starting Point
Starting point for liveaboard tours to the Brother Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone Reef
Hotels in Safaga
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Safaga
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Safaga
Recommended travel time
Year-round, windsurfing from April to October (strongest wind), diving year-round, wellness year-round (most intense in summer)
Summer
Very hot, 36-42°C, constant wind mitigates the heat, water 27-29°C
Winter
Warm, 22-26°C, sunny, water 21-23°C, occasionally windy
How much does a holiday in Safaga cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30-50 € (3-star all-inclusive, package tour)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
55-100 € (4-star, windsurfing equipment, dives)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
120-250 € (5-star, dive safari, private therapy)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Safaga
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Safaga
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Plan at least 2 weeks for black sand therapy for noticeable effects – hotels offer special wellness packages
Safaga is significantly quieter and cheaper than Hurghada – ideal for those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle
Visa on arrival at Hurghada airport for 25 USD – bring cash in dollars or euros
Definitely take the Luxor day trip – the bus travels through the desert and takes 3 hours
Windsurfers should book a hotel with its own surf station – equipment, wind, and access right on the beach
Food & drink in Safaga
These specialties you must try!
