Summary

• Nuweiba is a hidden paradise on the Sinai Peninsula, known for its divine beauty.
• The name “Nuweiba” means “Bubbling Springs” in Arabic, reflecting the many wells in the area.
• Originating from the Islamic age, Nuweiba served as a resting point for pilgrimage trips and grew after the Israelis left in the 70s.
• Situated between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Sinai mountains, Nuweiba has a subtropical desert climate.
• Nuweiba offers a range of activities, from enjoying local cuisine to exploring Mount Sinai and Ras Abu Galum.
• Notable attractions include Pharos Island, Nabq Protected Area, and Abu Galum Protected Area.
• Nuweiba features various hotels, resorts, camps, and restaurants catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Nuweiba is a true piece of paradise that reflects the true heavenly beauty of the Sinia Peninsula. This article aims to offer every traveler all the information and facts about Nuweiba. This article was written by a group of skilled and knowledgeable tour guides, tour operators, and travel consultants who know all the facts about Nuweiba.

A hidden gem in the shape of Springing water is located in the holy land of Sinia peninsula, offering a portal to cast your eyes on a divine vision of allure and magic known as Nuweiba, where the memories of a lifetime are created to hold the finest images of tropical beauty and wonder. It has acted as a gateway between the Arab world and Asia. It is a magical vacation off the beaten path for tourists who desire a personal and rare travel experience and blissful interaction from the kind and friendly hospitality of the locals. Every moment spent in Nuweiba will be like being in paradise, where all the adventures of a lifetime are created.

History of Nuweiba

Nuweiba means “Bubbling Springs” in Arabic. The name Nuweiba can be traced to the many water wells located all over its surrounding land. The history of Nuweiba dates back to the early days of the golden Islamic age as a resting and meeting point for pilgrimage trips (haj) from Africa to Mecca and back.

Nuweiba first came into existence when it was the site of an old castle built in 1893, which was inhabited by different Bedouin tribes after the six-day war, the occupied Israeli army constructed the city, but later on in the 70s, when the Israelis left, the town expanded to the point where it became a gateway carries ferries between Aqaba and Jordan.

Location of Nuweiba

Nuweiba lies on a massive flood plain about 40 Squ km (15 sq mi), located between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Sinai mountains, 150 km (90 mi) north of Sharm El Sheik, 120 km from St. Catherine,465 km, and (290 mi) southeast from Cairo. Nuweiba Port was built in 1985 on the Gulf of Aqaba and serves as a ferry port that allows for easy travel between Jordan and Egypt.

Nuweiba is divided into three sectors. The first part of Nuweiba is Tarabin, which is found in the northern area and is made of thick grove palms, a shallow bay, and ruins of Turkish form. Tarabin is known for its nourishing and oriental atmosphere, including Bedouin-style restaurants and bazaars that enchant guests and allow them to fully relax and enjoy a taste of the local atmosphere.

The second section of Nuweiba is the town that was built in the early 70s. It is situated in the center of tourist attractions in the north and the Dunes in the south, in addition to a new commercial area that is under development. The last part is the beautiful oasis of Nuweiba Muzeina which was a rest spot for pilgrimage trips (haj) from Africa to Mecca and back.

Climate of Nuweiba

Nuweiba has a subtropical desert climate, with mild, warm winters and hot, dry summers, which provide a pure tropical vacation filled with wonder and magic. The region enjoys a lot of sunshine and average temperatures during the seasons.

Summer (June to August) features temperatures ranging from 32°C “90°F” to 27°C “81°F“; Autumn (September to November) has Temperatures ranging from 35°C to 27°C (95°F to 81°F); Winter (December to February) has Temperatures ranging from 25°C “77°F” to 15°C “59°F“, and Spring (March to May) has temperatures ranging between 25°C “77°F” and 20°C “68°F“. The entire area experiences very little chance of rainfall throughout the entire year.

Activities To Do In Nuweiba

Nuweiba is located across 5,097 km and contains a lot of hotels, restaurants, shops, cafes, diving centers, and more, which has made the town an amazing tourist destination that has more affordable prices than other resorts in Sinai, such as Taba & Sharm El Sheikh. Every traveler will have a chance to enjoy belly dancing and oriental shows and taste some delicious Bedouin cuisines.

Nuweiba is considered to be a gateway to many stunning landscapes, the holy Mount Sinai, the vibrant colored canyon, and the monumental Ras Abu Galum Protectorate, “One of the Best Places for Safari Experience in Egypt”, plus thrilling aquatic activities like snorkeling, diving, Hiking into the mountains and trails around Nuweiba like Mount Sinai, and heavenly super safaris across the Bedouin culture, plus stargazing in the heavenly skies of Egypt each adding a unique sensation to the traveler’s experience. It is a majestic place where everyone will enjoy the most delicious cuisines and experience the most culinary adventure.

Tourism In Nuweiba

Nuweiba is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, thus making it a gem for tourists seeking a tranquil escape. Between the town and the port of Nuweiba are a strip of modern hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers catering to beach holidaymakers and divers. Tarabin village is just one km north of Nuweiba City and is famous for its Bedouin-style camps where affordable huts are available for rent. In the northern direction of Nuweiba is Taba, where several beautiful beaches offer marvelous accommodation options.

Nuweiba contains the most beautiful beaches along the Red Sea, which are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and different water sports that showcase colorful fishes and vibrant coral reefs, while Mount Sinai offers both religious significance and stunning hikes. The nearby Colored Canyon showcases breathtaking rock formations. The Ras Abu Galum Protectorate features one of the most famous national parks in Egypt, hiking trails, and Bedouin culture. Travelers can enjoy the most ideal Bedouin lifestyle and cuisine. In this marvelous destination, everyone will enjoy fun Activities ranging from diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea to desert safaris, camping, and simply unwinding on the serene beaches of the Red Sea.

Top Attractions In Nuweiba

1. Pharos Island

Pharaoh’s Island sits off Egypt’s eastern Sinai Peninsula in the northern Gulf of Aqaba which is about 250 meters east of the shore. It is located 60 kilometers north of Nuweiba and 7 kilometers south of Taba. It is famous for its unique site overlooking the Gulf of Al Aqaba. Plus, you can witness Jordan, Taba from Pharos Island, and Saudi Arabia; the island holds the Fort of Saladin, which is considered an architectural gem built in 1170 A.D and used to protect Egypt against the Crusaders and contains majestic untouched outer and inner walls with control towers. The island covers about 3.9 hectares and features a shallow lagoon separating it from the shore, accessible only by boat during high tide. Its harbor is roughly 35 by 65 meters, which was likely artificially created and offered significant protection. This island was strategically located, linking sea routes to Southern Arabia and East Africa and land routes leading north to Syria and Egypt.

It’s made of solid granite and stands as a historical junction point between sea and land routes. The island is found along with El-Gendi Fortress on the Sinai Peninsula, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List due to its cultural significance. The island has seen various periods of occupation as it dates to the Iron Age, with findings of pottery suggesting inhabitants dating back to the 13th-12th centuries BCE. During the Crusades, there were conflicting accounts about the establishment of a castle on the island. Some sources suggest Crusader’s presence, while others contest this. Later, in the 12th and 13th centuries, it was believed to have been fortified by the Ayyubids. It was inhabited by Muslims and Christian captives since the 14th century who primarily engaged in fishing activities.

2. The Nabq Protected Area

Nabq Protected Area is located 25 kilometers from Sharm El-Sheikh which is a renowned tourist destination declared a protected area in 1992. Its primary aim is conserving coral reefs and mangrove trees. This coastal sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts, which offers serene landscapes courtesy of its abundant mangrove trees that line the shore, thus providing a picturesque and soothing atmosphere. These trees also play a crucial role in salt refining and serve as habitats for birds and fish, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise with diverse species, including migratory birds.

The area hosts various animals like gulls, herons, and terns. Nabq offers exceptional diving and snorkeling experiences, unveiling stunning underwater marvels of coral reefs and diverse marine life. The presence of Bedouin tribes adds cultural depth, with locals guiding visitors through camel rides and camping experiences.

3. Abu Galum Protected Area

Abu Galum, “One of the Camping Spots in Egypt” is situated northeast of South Sinai near the Gulf of Aqaba, which is a wildlife reserve spanning 500 km² established in 1992 with a focus on protecting coral reefs and mangroves. It boasts stunning geographical features like granite mountains meeting a coastal plain, vibrant coral reefs, sinuous valleys, freshwater springs, sand dunes, and more. The reserve holds diverse ecosystems, including high-altitude deserts and wadis that sustain various flora and fauna.

Winter rains create flash floods, carrying seeds and materials to lower areas and establishing new plant growth. Small water-retaining spaces serve as reservoirs for local wildlife during scarcity. Abu Galum hosts 167 plant species, 44 unique to the area that is influenced by a tropical climate with predominant Mediterranean conditions. Fauna includes Nubian Ibex, Hyrax, Red Fox, Striped Hyena, and diverse reptiles, including dangerous species like the Black Cobra and Horned Viper.

Nuweiba Beaches

Nuweiba is a magical tropical wonder filled with many beaches found in a marvelous laid-back atmosphere that is loaded with stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and golden sands. The beaches of Nuweiba are true pieces of heaven, some of which include Shark Bay Beach, which gained the reputation of being an ideal paradise for divers and snorkelers where some of the most magical collections of colorful fish, turtles, and coral reefs can be seen. The shallow and sheltered bay of Laguna Beach is ideal for families and young children who can enjoy the gentle waves, soak up the sun, and create marvelous sandcastles.

Tarqumiya Beach is ideal for kitesurfers and windsurfers due to the wide-open space and the consistent winds, which makes it ideal for catching air and riding the waves. The beautiful Ghazala Beach is a great escape from the crowds where everyone can relax under the shade of palm trees while witnessing the breathtaking views of the Sinai Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.

Nuweiba Hotels & Resorts

There are a number of marvelous hotels & resorts all across Nuweiba, including Nuweiba Club Resort, which provides the most amazing accommodations, delicious food, tasty drinks, excellent services, and a variety of activities. The resort is known to offer a wide selection of lovely means of comfort, like private beach access, swimming pools, a spa, and live entertainment.

The charming eco-lodge of Tarran is a traditional Bedouin-style bungalow built from materials in the area that focuses on sustainability and is one of the tropical and desert natures of Sinia. The relaxing Bawaki Beach Camp is a marvelous budget-friendly option with tents and bungalows right on the shore.

The beach camp is filled with all the needed amenities and highly unique features like fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant and relaxing yoga sessions. Sea Breeze Hotel is a true family-friendly hotel located in a great prime location on the beachfront where all the family members will enjoy the most beautiful swimming pools, spa treatments, playground, and kids’ club.

Nuweiba Camps

The camps of Nuweiba are great places to enjoy where the eco-friendly camp of Dayra will offer the most breathtaking chance to sleep in traditional tents, gather around campfires under the stars, and enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh local ingredients plus enjoy relaxing and thrilling yoga classes, desert excursions, and stargazing sessions. Mermaid Camp Nuwbiea delivers a marvelous mix of tents and bungalows with stunning sea views plus the chance to enjoy fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, take a dip in the pool, and participate in windsurfing or kitesurfing lessons.

Star Dune Camp is a very intimate place that offers a peaceful escape with comfortable tents and breathtaking desert views, plus on-site restaurants, yoga classes, and the chance to embark on desert safaris or snorkeling trips. The family-friendly Cinderella Camp Nuweiba delivers a number of different accommodations, from tents to bungalows and private villas, plus the chance to enjoy the playground and kids’ club and savor delicious meals at the on-site restaurant.

Best Places To Eat In Nuweiba

There are a number of epic restaurants in Nuweiba where everyone can enjoy the most delicious cuisines and natural foods, such as Al Sultan restaurant, which includes fresh seafood, traditional Egyptian dishes, and more while enjoying stunning sea views and a very relaxed atmosphere. El Hemeya is a great local restaurant that features authentic Egyptian cuisines like flavorful tagines, grilled meats, and fresh salads.

The vegan Habibi Falafel is a great spot that features authentic falafel wraps, hummus, and baba ghanoush. La Playa is a superb beachfront restaurant that serves a vibrant atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes like grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp.

Nuweiba Facts

• Nuweiba is known for its picturesque beaches, clear waters, and stunning coral reefs, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
• It is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba and offers beautiful views of the Red Sea.
• Nuweiba maintains a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking tranquility.
• It serves as a gateway to other destinations in the Sinai Peninsula, including Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai, which holds religious significance for Christians and Muslims.
• The town has a rich history, with traces of ancient civilizations and Bedouin culture present in the area.
• Nuweiba attracts visitors interested in alternative forms of tourism, such as eco-tourism, meditation retreats, and yoga camps.
• It’s accessible by road from other Egyptian cities like Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh, and there are ferry services connecting it to Aqaba in Jordan.
• Nuweiba offers breathtaking views of the night sky, perfect for stargazing due to its relatively remote location and lack of light pollution.
• The area is popular for camping, with several beach campsites offering a unique experience of sleeping under the stars by the sea.
• Visitors can enjoy authentic Bedouin cuisine, often consisting of grilled meats, traditional bread, and herbal teas, providing a taste of local flavors.