Taba

Guide for Your Trip to Taba, Egypt: What to Do in This Peaceful Destination of the Red Sea

If you’re looking for a unique and peaceful vacation spot, Taba, Egypt should be on your list. Located at the end of the Gulf of Aqaba, Taba shares borders with Israel (Eilat) and Jordan (Aqaba), making it an intriguing destination for those who love to explore border areas. But that’s not all – Taba also boasts natural beauty both on land and at sea, with routes through the desert and mountains providing a different charm for active and curious tourists. Diving enthusiasts will also find good dive spots here.

In addition to its natural beauty, Taba has increasingly sophisticated and modern infrastructure, making it easy for travelers to find everything they need. Taba’s hotels are of the highest quality, with Taba Heights to the south offering a wide variety of resorts – one of the most notable in the country. Egipto Exclusivo can help you organize every detail of your trip to Taba, whether you plan to spend your entire vacation there or just a few days within a larger program

No matter what you choose, the information we provide on this page will surely be of interest to you. Take note of our tips and suggestions on what to do in Taba, and get ready to explore Egypt’s Red Sea.

Location of Taba in Egypt and Its Main Features

Taba is situated in a unique location at the eastern end of the Sinai Peninsula, making it one of the easternmost points in Egypt. It shares its borders with Israel and the city of Eilat, and the main checkpoint between the two countries operates normally at this point. It is also close to Jordan and Saudi Arabia, with the Jordanian city of Aqaba only 20 km away in a straight line, and the Saudi city of Haql located approximately 40 km away.

Aside from its geostrategic location, Taba’s natural setting is also exceptional. It is washed by the waters of the Red Sea, located towards the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba, which is a narrow sea strip that separates the Sinai Peninsula and the Arabian Peninsula. Behind Taba rise steep and golden mountains, with the desert just on the other side, offering extensive possibilities for active tourism.

Although the town of Taba has a small urban nucleus, the coast has been developed with tourist constructions along several tens of kilometers to the south. The most important tourist destination in Taba is Taba Heights, located approximately 20 km south of the border with Israel, where you can find some of the best resorts and hotels in Taba.

Climate in Taba

One of the biggest draws of Taba, and Egypt in general, is its year-round warm climate, which makes it a popular destination for those seeking a respite from colder temperatures during the winter months. However, it’s important to note that during the summer, temperatures can be extremely high and the sun can be intense, as rainfall is practically non-existent and clouds are rare. Therefore, we recommend taking appropriate precautions to stay protected, such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and bringing a water bottle for hydration, especially if you plan to explore Taba’s surroundings.

Here are some key climate facts to give you an idea of what to expect during your visit:

Average maximum temperatures: In the summer, temperatures typically reach around 40°C, while in the winter, they hover around 20°C.
Average minimum temperatures: During the summer, nights are also warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C. In winter, temperatures usually don’t fall below 10°C.
Precipitation per year: On average, Taba experiences only 10 rainy days per year, with rainfall being minimal.

Taba's Historical Significance in Egypt

Despite being a relatively new settlement, Taba’s strategic location has played a significant role in the history of Egypt. Even before the town’s emergence, the medieval fortress of the Island of the Pharaoh, located off the coast of Taba, served as a passageway for the Crusaders on their route from Cairo to Damascus. Today, Egipto Exclusivo offers guided tours of the fortress, which was later seized by Saladin in the 12th century.

Historically, Taba was mainly inhabited by fishermen and Bedouin nomads, who still constitute a significant portion of the local population.

However, it was at the end of the 19th century when Taba gained its geopolitical importance. As Egypt was under British protectorate at the time, the border post between the United Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire was established here, with Rafah chosen as the other boundary point to the north. This move aimed to limit Anglo-Saxon influence in the Gulf of Aqaba, preventing their domination from extending along the entire coast.

Taba’s location has played a crucial role in Egypt’s national security, and its natural beauty and warm climate have made it a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re interested in its history or seeking a relaxing vacation spot, Taba is sure to leave a lasting impression.

From its inception, Taba has maintained a frontier spirit that persisted through the 20th century. After the British Protectorate fell following World War I and Egypt declared independence, Taba became part of its territory. During the Sinai War (or Suez Crisis) of 1956, Taba retained its status as an Egyptian border territory. However, it was temporarily lost after the Six-Day War (1967), when the entire Sinai Peninsula came under Israeli control. Despite the Camp David Accords of 1982 resulting in Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, Taba was the last territory to be returned to Egypt due to its strategic importance.

Egypt then decided to promote the tourism sector in Taba, following the successful development of other destinations such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik. Though slower to develop, the resorts and hotels in Taba are now a benchmark within the wide range of Egyptian tourism.

In the early 21st century, Taba faced extremist attacks, but it is also remembered for an important summit between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority in 2001, known as the Taba Summit. The two parties came close to reaching historic peace agreements, but a change of Israeli government ultimately prevented their signing. Despite this setback, Taba’s legacy as a significant location for diplomacy endures.

What to do in Taba

Despite not being centered around a large city, Taba offers a variety of interesting proposals, including historical and artistic ones. Active tourism, both on the waters of the sea and inland, is its main attraction, but there are also many other things to do in Taba. Here are some great plans you can organize in Taba with Egipto Exclusivo.

Relax on Taba's Beaches and Hotels

For those seeking a few days of relaxation, a good plan is to simply enjoy the sun and a good swim in the hotels of Taba. All resorts and tourist complexes have their own pool and outdoor rest area, surrounded by a natural environment full of tranquility.

Of course, the white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and turquoise background are the main attraction, often associated with private resorts. Here are the most popular bathing areas:

Baza Beach
Fjord Bay
Taba Heights Beach

Pharaoh's Island

Pharaoh’s Island is the only historical and cultural attraction located in Taba, making it a popular stop for visitors on vacation. The small rocky island is located several hundred meters from the coast and features a medieval castle on its heights. The castle’s origins date back to the early 12th century during the Christian Crusades to the Holy Land, as it was part of the route between Cairo and Damascus.

In the late 12th century, Saladin conquered the island and rebuilt the fortress, establishing the appearance that can be seen today. The walls and crenellated towers are well-preserved thanks to successive restorations. Following the conquest, a population of fishermen settled on the island, and their control was entrusted to the Mamluk governors of Aqaba.

Today, the fortress is included in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, awaiting greater protection in the future. Visitors can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the gulf from several points within the enclosure. Egipto Exclusivo can organize a visit to this monument in Taba, allowing visitors to appreciate its rich history and cultural significance.

Golfing in Taba

Golfing is a popular activity in Taba, and the 18-hole course located in the Taba Heights hotel area is a great option for those who want to experience it during their vacation. With its unique views of the golden desert mountains on one side and the Gulf of Aqaba and the coasts of Jordan and Saudi Arabia on the other, this course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Trekking in Taba

For active tourists looking to explore beyond the resort and hotel areas, trekking is a popular activity in Taba. There are many surprising corners to discover on foot with specialized guides among the golden mountains behind the city. One example is the Wishwashi Canyon, which features natural springs and rock walls that appear to be straight out of a movie

Diving in Taba

Although the dive sites are not as spectacular here as in other parts of the Red Sea, especially in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, it is still worth considering. This is especially true for those who are starting in this activity, as there are diving centers that offer classes and provide the necessary equipment. In addition, some companies have boats for diving in other parts of the Gulf of Aqaba, with the intention of spotting dolphins and even diving with them. There are several companies that specialize in this, often associated with the hotels in Taba.

Bedouin Cultural Experiences

Taba is home to a large Bedouin population, and for those interested in learning about their culture, there are many options available. You can visit traditional Bedouin shops, which are often set up within the resorts themselves, to learn about Bedouin crafts and sample typical Bedouin food.

Another option is to experience the Bedouin way of life by joining a camel trek into the desert. These treks vary in duration and provide a cultural experience that complements the natural beauty of the desert environment. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about Bedouin traditions, enjoy tea with the locals, and watch the stars at night in a truly unique setting.

Motorized Routes Through the Desert

For those who seek adventure and speed, Taba offers motorized routes through the desert that are a thrilling way to explore the area. Egipto Exclusivo offers 4×4 routes and other motor vehicles, such as quads, that allow visitors to enjoy a safari-like experience. Some tours are led by professional drivers, while others give participants the chance to drive their own vehicle with a guide.

Cultural Day Trips

Taba offers easy access to several points of interest on the Sinai Peninsula, making it an ideal base for cultural day trips. Private transportation is necessary for these trips, as they are more than two hours away by road. Here are the most common proposals:

St. Catherine’s Monastery: 180 km away, it is the main historical-artistic monument of the Sinai Peninsula. The monastery features an extraordinary basilica, a mosque, and one of the most important libraries in the world (which is generally not open to the public), along with sacred places such as the Burning Bush, which was a divine revelation to Moses. You can find more information about St. Catherine’s Monastery on our page dedicated to the Oasis of St. Catherine.
Mount Sinai: Also 180 km away, this sacred mountain is the subject of pilgrimage trips. Moses received the Ten Commandments from God here, making it a significant site for religious and cultural exploration. The ascent to the summit is a trekking route in itself, although it can be done with the help of Bedouins and their camels. More details about Mount Sinai can be found on our St. Catherine’s Oasis page.
Serabit el-Khadim: About 350 km away, this location is a bit further from Taba, but it is probably the most important pharaonic site in the Sinai Peninsula. It is an excellent option for lovers of archaeology and the ancient world. Here you can see the ruins of a Middle Kingdom temple dedicated to Baalat, the turquoise goddess. The temple was a mining complex used to extract this precious mineral.

Practical Information for Traveling to Taba

If you’re considering a trip to Taba, Egipto Exclusivo can assist you in organizing your transportation and accommodation. We collaborate with several hotels in Taba and have access to excellent private transportation providers.

How to Get to Taba

Taba is located on the eastern coast of Egypt and is not well-connected for international flights. However, its location on the Gulf of Aqaba makes it accessible by various means of transportation. Here are the details:

By plane: Taba has its own international airport which mainly serves seasonal or charter flights catering to tourists. While frequency and destinations vary each year, some cities usually have direct connections with Taba, such as Katowice and Warsaw (Poland), Vilnius (Lithuania), Prague (Czech Republic), Bratislava (Slovakia), Birmingham, London, and Manchester (United Kingdom), and Brussels (Belgium). Additionally, flights from Cairo also arrive, making it easier to connect to other cities with just one layover.
By car: Taba’s location on the border makes it easy to enter Egypt from Israel, as it’s only 325 km away from Jerusalem, for example. If you’re traveling to Taba from other parts of Egypt, here are the distances to the main cities in the area:

- Sharm El Sheikh: just over 200 km (2.5 hours)
- Suez: 280 km (3.5 hours)
- Port Said: 430 km (5 hours)
- Cairo: just over 400 km (4.5 hours)

By bus: Generally, major bus companies don’t include Taba in their long-distance network, so you would have to go to Dahab, a tourist destination on the Sinai coast about 130 km to the south, where there are more bus routes.
By boat: Taba’s port is small and only has one dock to serve passengers of small and private boats. However, it’s a viable option to arrive from Aqaba, the Jordanian coastal city just 20 km away by sea. In any case, there are more departures from Nuweibaa, about 70 km to the south, where a new marina has recently been built.

Getting Around Taba

Getting around Taba can be a bit challenging as there is no urban bus network and renting vehicles is not very common. The only option for travelers is private taxis. Bicycles are only suitable for recreational purposes, while walking is not practical in such a spread-out tourist destination along the coast.

At Egipto Exclusivo, we understand the importance of reliable and comfortable transportation for your vacation. That’s why we recommend reserving trusted private taxis. We provide the best-tailored transportation service with quality vehicles and professional drivers. Our service is available for all types of journeys, both along the coast of Taba and throughout the Sinai Peninsula, ensuring that you have the availability you need to make the most of your trip.

Accommodations in Taba

When it comes to accommodations, Taba offers a more upscale experience compared to nearby destinations like Dahab, which tend to cater to backpackers and surfers. Taba’s recent development as a tourist destination means that most of its accommodations are new and well-maintained. You can find options ranging from 5-star hotels to lower-rated ones.

The most luxurious area to stay in Taba is Taba Heights, which houses a golf course and resorts with ample space. On the other hand, if you’re looking to stay closer to the border crossing, you can find hotels in the city center, including the famous Hilton that has its own casino.

Tourist Information in Taba

Taba doesn’t have a dedicated tourist office, which is common in other international destinations. However, most hotels in Taba provide information and services to tourists. Hotel receptions can be a useful resource for quick queries during your stay.

If you need more in-depth information or assistance during your trip to Taba, Egipto Exclusivo offers a range of services, including guides and other support options. With our help, you can make the most of your visit to this beautiful tourist destination.