Top 10 things to do in Sinai in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

22 Jan 2025

Known as “The Land of Turquoise” by the Ancient Egyptians, Sinai is a truly blessed place. Its resonance goes beyond the religious; from the moment you set foot on its mountains or in its valleys, an overwhelming sense of being blessed washes over you. The southern part of Sinai, in particular, captivates visitors with its stunning peaks and vibrant coral reefs. This is a landscape that is both peaceful and exhilarating. It attracts those seeking an escape—be it for tranquillity or adventure. With that blend in mind, here are the ten things to do in Sinai.

Top ten things to do in Sinai

  • Climb Mount Sinai (Jebel Moussa)
  • Scuba Diving 
  • Rock Climbing
  • Try Your Lungs at Free Diving  
  • Surf the Winds
  • Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Museum
  • Climb Abbas Mountain (Jebel Abbas)
  • Ras Mohammed Reserve  
  • Hike Sinai Highlands Trail    
  • Trek to Serabit El-Khadem

  1. Climb Mount Sinai (Jebel Moussa)

    One of the standout experiences in Sinai is climbing Mount Sinai, one of Egypt’s highest peaks. While the journey up may be tiring, the breathtaking views of the sunrise or sunset that greet you upon arrival make every step worthwhile, washing away any fatigue.

  2. Scuba Diving

    Scuba Diving in Sinai
    The Thistlegorm wreck off Sharm El Sheikh and Yolanda Reef off Ras Mohammed are just two of the world-class diving sites on offer in Sinai. The little-visited “The Islands” in Dahab is a coral wonderland—a maze of underwater alleyways and valleys.

  3. Rock Climbing

    Rock Climbing in Sinai
    During the cooler months (October to April), rock climbers head inland to explore the desert’s crags and boulders. The best spot is the granite cliffs of Wadi Gnai, south of Dahab, which offer more than 40 routes for various skill levels.

  4. Try Your Lungs at Free Diving

    If you haven’t watched the Netflix documentary “The Deepest Breath”, set in Dahab, watch it and fly straight to Sharm. With dramatic drop-offs accessible just a few strokes from the shore, and many knowledgeable instructors, South Sinai is the perfect destination to learn this sport.

  5. Surf the Winds

    Surf the Winds in Sinai
    The consistent, strong winds and calm waters make South Sinai a top destination for kite and windsurfing—it’s an exhilarating experience you won’t want to miss during your time here. The prime spot for beginners and pros alike.

  6. Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Museum

    Saint Catherine's Monastery and Museum
    The monastery and its museum are absolute treasures of art and history. They showcase the intersection of nature, religion, and culture. A visit here leaves a lasting imprint on your memory, like the image of the burning bush that’s said to run through every rock in the area.

  7. Climb Abbas Mountain (Jebel Abbas)

    Ever thought about building a palace atop a 2,384-meter mountain? Abbas Pasha did. Although he died before it was completed, leaving the unfinished ruins for all to enjoy on the summit of a mountain he chose specifically for its healing powers.

  8. Ras Mohammed Reserve

    Known for its beautiful, secluded diving spots, Ras Mohammed is surrounded by coral reefs on most sides and sand dunes and mangrove trees on all the others. It is home to many rare birds and the sought-after hammerheads, manta rays, and whale sharks.

  9. Hike Sinai Highlands Trail

    Hike Sinai Highlands Trail
    Saint Catherine is one of Egypt’s most picturesque areas of outstanding natural beauty and an ideal destination for hikers. Choose the Sinai Highlands Trail for a genuinely immersive Bedouin experience that will take you over the highest peaks, rocky passes, and dramatic valleys in this place of spiritual serenity.

  10. Trek to Serabit El-Khadem

    The remains of the Temple of Hathor, the only Ancient Egyptian site in Sinai, are yet more proof (if such a thing is possible) of Egypt’s twin beauties: the ingenuity of its people and the astounding beauty of its nature. This lesser-known destination is a true hidden gem, as it was also the site of ancient turquoise mines.

Bonus Hike: Visit the Herb Doctor 

No trip to South Sinai is complete without a visit to Dr Ahmed’s herb garden in Saint Catherine. A local herbalist who has made the mountains his home, Ahmed grows local herbs still used by the Bedouin and understands their therapeutic benefits.

Bonus Hike: Visit the Herb Doctor 

Best Time to Visit Sinai

Sinai is characterized by its diverse dry climate. In the summer, you can visit St. Catherine and enjoy the various fruits. In the winter, snow only falls in St. Catherine. If you do not prefer cold weather, you can visit Dahab or Sharm El-Sheikh in the winter, as its weather is moderate and spring-like in the summer. In general, the best times to visit South Sinai are from September to June.

Tips for Traveling in Sinai

Life in Sinai is rough and ready. The majority of its residents are either native Bedouins (from a host of different tribes) or resident tourists (from mainland Egypt or abroad). Here are some tips for visiting South Sinai, along with the ten things to do in Sinai that we mentioned.

  • Protect the environment.
  • Get involved in the many beach and sea clean-ups.
  • Take nothing away, and leave nothing behind. 
  • Bring your own sunscreen, a sun hat and light clothing. One jacket is enough in winter.
  • If you plan to visit Saint Catherine in winter, be well prepared: gloves, jacket, fleece, and thick socks. 
  • Be kind and generous to the Bedouins. They are the indigenous people, and their once uncrowded lives and livelihoods have been transformed due to tourism.
  • Bring with you any medication you need.
  • Be open-minded; South Sinai is home to a mix of nationalities, cultures and beliefs.
  • Be prepared for gratitude. Sinai may be crowded now for the Bedouins, but it is still very quiet. The silence of the desert or mountaintop is where you get to know yourself. Be ready for moments of deep introspection and appreciation of life, the universe, and everything.

Is Sinai worth visiting?

The best people to answer this question are the thousands of people who once visited Sinai and then left everything behind to stay there. They left their jobs, uprooted their families and children, bought land, and made this place their home for over thirty years. You will meet many such people from Nuweiba to Dahab to Saint Catherine. Is Sinai worth visiting? Of course, it is. The real question should be: Is Sinai worth leaving?

Can tourists go to Mount Sinai?

Tourists can climb Mount Sinai, accompanied by a Bedouin guide. Your guide will likely be a member of the local Jebelliya tribe from the village, who grew up on these mountains. They will be a fountain of knowledge of herbal wisdom and tales of jinn; they will also understand if you prefer to climb in the silence of your own breathing. You can even rent a camel to ride part of the way up and down. We highly recommend Sinai Hikes for this unforgettable experience.

How do I travel to Sinai?

You can reach South Sinai through Sharm El Sheikh Airport and then travel between cities by hire car or taxi or through tourism companies that provide minibuses for larger groups.

Conclusion

South Sinai’s nature and climate are completely unique in Egypt, as are the people who live there. You may regret visiting only because you’ll never want to leave. If you do manage to leave, you’ll be sure to book your next visit while in the taxi to the airport. Why? Because only in South Sinai will you meet such a diverse range of cultures all with the same easy-going yet adrenaline-filled mindset. Whether you are looking to chill or to challenge yourself, South Sinai is the place to go. It doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you are single or have a baby in a sling, you will find what you are looking for in Sinai… and you may well just find yourself along the way.