PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there: The main gateways for the Northern Egyptian Red Sea are Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, with Marsa Alam being the principal gateway for the Southern Red Sea. All three have international airports with direct connections to cities in Europe and the Middle East. You can also take a domestic flight from Cairo. Liveaboards are a popular way to see the Red Sea, and itineraries start in one of the three gateway cities

Getting around: While airlines are a fast way of getting around, if you have more time to spare, there are good bus and taxi options. Local operators run day trips to the local dive sites, but distances are large, so stay in the most appropriate place for the sites you want to visit

Time zone: UTC+02:00

Capital: Cairo

Languages: Arabic, with English widely spoken

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)

Calling code: +20

Electricity: 220V

Plug type: C (European-style) F (German-style)

Best time to visit: March to April, September to November