Egypt Villa Holidays

Welcome to the Villa Holidays guide to Egypt villa holidays and planning your villa holiday to Egypt.

Introduction to Egypt

Egypt is the most north-easterly country of Africa. Its eastern boundary touches Arabia beyond the Red Sea, to the south is Sudan and west is Libya. In the north, it lays on the eastern end of the Mediterranean. Visitors have gone to Egypt since ancient times and the modern provision of holiday villas in Egypt continues the process.

Overview of Egypt

Physically, Egypt is a large country of about 390,000 square miles. It is also one of the most populace, with some 77,000,000 people. Most of the population live in about 6% of the land – the fertile areas along the river Nile. It is this area which has given the country its name: Egypt means “black land” referring to the rich Nile silt – the rest of the country was “red land” – desert.

The Capital Cairo and the second major city, Alexandria are both in the north, on the Nile Delta. Most of the major settlements are to be found in this area. The ancient towns are further south, the most notable being Luxor, an ancient capital.

The river Nile has dominated the landscape and way of life for centuries. All the ancient sites, the pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Karnak, for instance, are adjacent to the river.

Recently there has been considerable modern tourist development around the Red Sea coast, which is where most Egypt holiday villas are to be found.

Climate of Egypt

Egypt is hot. It has two seasons, a mild winter and a hot summer. The northern coast, around Alexandria benefits from the sea breeze occasionally. Because Egypt has a desert climate, the nights can be cold in the winter months.

During a stay in the Egypt villas, visitors can be sure of a warm holiday. Many choose to visit in the winter, when it is not quite so hot – average daytime temperatures are around 25º. In the summer, temperatures are nearer 35º and sometimes higher.

There is virtually no rainfall at all.

Best Areas for Villa Holidays in Egypt

The major tourist development of holiday villas in Egypt has been along the Red Sea coast, in the east of the country. The first development was at Sharm el Sheikh and this is still one of the largest holiday venues.

Travelling south along the sea coast, there are now many holiday resorts. Many Egypt villas are found at El Gouna and Hurghada on the western coast and a newer development can be found at Marsa Alam.

On the eastern coast of the Red Sea, on the Sinai Peninsula, Dahab provides an alternative area to visit.

For visitors looking for history and ancient sites during their Egypt villa holidays, there are villas available in Luxor, by the southern Nile, in Cairo itself, or at Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast.

Transport

Flying to Egypt is relatively easy, with nine airports to land at, en route to Egypt villa holidays. The major airport is at Cairo and is regularly served by British Airways, KLM, Easyjet and Egypt Air from UK airports.

For holiday flights there are a number of companies flying to the smaller airports. For example, Thomas Cook goes to Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Luxor; Easyjet goes to Hurghada and Taba. In the main season there are also cheap flights to Egypt, such as Monarch, offering good value.

Travelling within Egypt is probably best by train. The services are good and the prices reasonable, although the best, air-conditioned compartments are more expensive.

Bus services are very variable outside of the major cities. To visit specific sites, particularly the historical ones, there are a number of excursions arranged by local companies. The tourist office near your Egypt holiday villas should have details of availability.

The most elegant means of travel is probably along the Nile. Nile cruises are arranged to visit all the places of ancient interest.

Things to do in Egypt

  • Swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the Red Sea. See the glorious coral reefs and amazing water life.
  • Take a trip to Sinai and Mount Moses (alleged site of the Ten Commandments origin)
  • See the Pyramids.

All resorts offer a range of facilities, but for a traditional beach holiday, Sharm el Sheikh has beautiful golden beaches. Nuweiba and Taba provide equally attractive beaches.

Festivals and events in Egypt

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country and the Islamic festivals are all observed. Ramadan (Sept), Moslem New Year (Dec), the Prophet’s birthday (Feb), are all holidays with celebrations or rituals.

There are a number of political holidays, which are usually accompanied by parades, etc. Most notable are Sinai Day, in April, International Labour Day (1st May) and Revolution Day in July. Businesses will be closed, even in the Egypt holiday villas areas.

In addition there are a number of re-enactments of ancient festivals, such as “Leylet en Nuktah” – the rising of the waters. This celebrates the coming of the ancient floods, bringing rich soil to the land.

Typical cost of living in Egypt

The currency is Egyptian pounds and the rate of exchange is around 8EGP: £1 (check current rate)

  • A bottle of imported wine 43 – 60 EGP
  • 3 course meal 100EGP
  • Taxi fare around 5EGP for about 4 miles.

Useful tips when visiting Egypt

Baksheesh (tips) is customary for almost everyone. Although a relatively small amount (say 0.5 or 1EGP) it can increase the overall costs.

A visa is required for all Egypt villa holidays and these can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Egyptian Food and drink

  • Dolma : grape leaves stuffed with a rice mixture of meat or vegetables
  • Samak: fish. It comes “mashwy” – grilled, or “makly” – fried
  • Pigeon: stuffed with rice and roasted
  • Flava beans in a variety of dishes.