Perceptions of the Laid Back Resort of Dahab

Dahab translates to ‘Gold’ in Arabic and this relaxed resort around sixty minutes north of Sharm el Sheikh and less than sixty minutes from the international airport is a treasure in the Sinai peninsula. Sharm el Sheikh is tailored considerably more for tourists while Dahab was normally a more laid back surroundings historically where backbackers would travel to looking for a less busy getaway. Even though the interest in the destination is growing, it is still a superb place to go to for anyone looking for a more low key destination.

A large number of first time visitors to Egypt will opt for the large destinations of Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada but Dahab features a appeal of its own that people returning to Egypt discovered. All along the main bay are several small cafes and restaurants, a number have their own little bit of beach. People go to Dahab to sit back with a drink and look out over the clear, blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Dahab is also a renowned location for scuba divers who travel here to dive the legendary ‘Blue Hole’. The dive centres in Sharm el Sheikh and Nuweiba regularly bring divers here for a day trip and this gives an indication of the attraction of the dive site. Of all the fantastic dive sites in Egypt, the Blue Hole in Dahab is considered one site that every diver must experience. It isn’t the only dive site in the Dahab region and the water is teeming with vibrant fish and gorgeous coral reefs.

For those searching for a little retail therapy, you’ll find the regular mementos available coupled with places to get jewellery, perfumes and other fragrances. It is usually possible to bargain with the market stall owners to try to obtain a good deal and haggling is also a part of the shopping experience in most of the normal shops regardless of what they are selling.

Dahab is also a great starting point to head out and explore the Sinai. Snorkelling tours are common as are quad bikes out in the desert. Day trips to St Catherine’s Monastery high in the Sinai mountains are recommended, even if you pick the very early start time to see the sun rise from Mount Sinai. For everyone wanting a stress-free destination which has a bit of character, Dahab is probably worth thinking about.