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.

Winter
85
Relaxation
80
Adventure
70
Safety
70
Beach
60

Top 6 highlights in Safaga

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Black Sand Therapy

Globally unique healing treatment in mineral-rich black sand for psoriasis and rheumatism

2

Windsurfing Safaga Bay

Protected flat water area with constant wind, German-speaking surf stations, and perfect standing area

3

Pristine Dive Sites

Panorama Reef, Abu Kafan, and Tobia Arbaa – intact reefs with hammerhead sharks and mantas

4

Tobia Island

Offshore sandbank island with turquoise water, perfect for snorkeling trips and beach picnics

5

Day Trip to Luxor

Only 164 km to the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Karnak and Luxor

6

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.

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Hotels in Safaga vergleichen

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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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5 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!

Fish Tagine – slowly braised fish with tomatoes, peppers, and spices in a clay pot
Ful Medames – the Egyptian national dish for breakfast: fava beans with olive oil, lemon, and cumin
Hawawshi – flatbread filled with spiced minced meat and baked, Egyptian street food
Roz Bel Laban – creamy rice pudding with rose water and cinnamon, a popular Egyptian dessert
Sugarcane Juice (Asab) – freshly pressed sugarcane juice, sweet and refreshing, available at every street corner
Suitable for:WindsurfingDivingBlack SandWellnessRed SeaInsider TipClose to LuxorYear-Round

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