Egypt holidays: Uncover the wonders of the ancient world

Cairo

Best for: first-time visitors, history and culture, city breaks, nightlife

Cairo is Egypt's sprawling capital city, and it's a must-visit for anyone interested in the country's ancient history and culture. This city gives holidaymakers access to Egypt's most famous sights: the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx of Giza. You can also find the country's best museums in Cairo, such as the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Cairo is the place to be if you love being at the heart of the action, exploring different neighbourhoods, visiting local markets and experiencing nightlife. If you have your eye on a city break as opposed to lounging by the beach, Cairo is a great option for you.

Hurghada

Best for: beach holidays, desert excursions, couples, families, watersports

Another Red Sea hotspot, Hurghada is the ideal beach holiday destination for couples and families who want a more traditional Egyptian vibe, as well as lower costs compared to Sharm El Sheikh. There are just as many things to do in Hurghada, and adventure seekers particularly love this destination for both its water- and land-based activities.

In terms of where to stay, Hurghada Marina is a popular spot thanks to the restaurants, bars and nightlife right on its doorstep. Families tend to favour Makadi Bay, and you'll find plenty of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in this part of Hurghada. For something more luxurious (think spas and private beach access), consider staying in Sahl Hasheesh.

Aswan

Best for: relaxation, history and culture, Nubian villages, day trips to Abu Simbel, Nile river cruises, hot air balloons

Less chaotic than Cairo and Luxor, Aswan is the place to be for history and culture - but at a much more laidback pace. Nile Corniche and Elephantine Island are the two most popular areas to stay in. While you'll be spending most of your days sightseeing at the likes of the Temple of Philae as well as the nearby Nubian villages, you'll also be able to stock up on souvenirs at markets and eat traditional dishes.

Aswan is also famous for being a base for Abu Simbel day trips. These excursions start very early, since the sites of Abu Simbel are three hours away, but they're a highlight of any stay in Aswan. Nile river cruises and hot air balloon rides are also popular in Aswan, and visitors often end an Egypt holiday by booking a few days at the coast.

When is the best time visit Egypt?

While the Red Sea coastal resorts can boast of year-round sunshine and pleasant sea temperatures, the same can't be said of other parts of Egypt, especially if you're planning to see the country's outdoor attractions and historical sites. It gets extremely hot in Egypt during summer, with the temperature often exceeding 40°C.

This is why October to April is considered the best time to visit Egypt. You'll still experience warm weather, but not the stifling heat of the summer months, making both outdoor sightseeing and beach holidays more comfortable. This is why Egypt is considered a winter sun destination for UK holidaymakers. Thanks to this, late December and dates around New Year's Eve can be expensive.

Q: What's the best way to find cheap Egypt holiday deals?

A: Since you already know that you want Egypt as your holiday destination, you can set up alerts on your favourite travel websites so that you can see cheap holiday deals when they come in. The HolidayPirates team adds daily Egypt holiday deals here too, so it's worth checking back. Above all, be flexible. If you see a cheap deal but it doesn't exactly align with your desired dates, go for it anyway, as flexibility is the best way you'll get the cheapest Egypt holiday deal of all.

Q: When is the best time to visit Egypt?

A: October to April are the best months to visit, as the weather is warm but milder than the peak summer months. This makes for more comfortable outdoor sightseeing and beach holidays.