Sinai Peninsula

The Sinai Peninsula is located on the easternmost part of Egypt, right between the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, which are both forks of the Red Sea. Western and northern shores are practically isolated, but the eastern coasts are bustling with several tourist attractions as well as Bedouin settlements.

The Sinai Peninsula is home to Mt. Sinai, a famous Biblical location mentioned in the Book of Exodus. This is where Moses fled, after being exiled for the death of an Egyptian. Forty years later, this is the same setting where God is believed to have handed down his ten commandments to Moses. Mt. Sinai is a popular place of pilgrimage for followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam because of its religious significance. The Sinai Peninsula also offers the tourists and visitors access to the ancient monasteries, stunning canyons and hot deserts.

At the foot of St. Sinai is the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine, one of the oldest monasteries in the world. It is overwhelming to see that after all these centuries, the icons, manuscripts and objects inside are still perfectly intact. Visitors should see St. Catherine’s main church, the old refectory, and the chapel of the burning bush, the library, and the Fatimid mosque.

The Colored Canyon is among the most unique and beautiful features in the Egyptian desert. Millions of years ago, the Colored Canyon was once an ancient ocean, which eventually receded into a now-waterless area. What remains of the ocean are only the beautiful sandstone and limestone in the Colored Canyon, in multitudes of colors, shades and hues.

If you are into hiking, this is the place for you. The Sinai Peninsula has so many hiking trails, which you can easily arrange at the Bedouin Camp in Katerina Village. You can hire a Bedouin guide and a camel to help carry your things to your destination. To escape from the extreme desert heat, the Red Sea offers one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world.