Lonely beaches in secluded bays, warmth and guaranteed sunshine as well as a piece of very authentic Egypt: For my travel report Marsa Alam I ventured a little deeper into the south of the desert state. The notorious Marsa Alam manatee - the dugong -, countless turtles and a few relaxing days on the beach await me at the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort near Port Ghalib. What is there to discover in the deep south of Egypt? How's the snorkeling? And is the hotel worth it? I have put together the most important tips and experiences for you in my travel report Marsa Alam.

Finally back in Egypt, we think as we get off the plane in Hurghada at 28 degrees and a bright blue sky. The air smells like Summer and the warmth comes straight into the newly landed plane. After all, it is now the end of November and in Germany the first snow has just fallen. It's nice to soak up some sun and warmth at the end of the year. This is a great way to recharge your batteries before winter. Experience shows that this works pretty well in Marsa Alam.

Because anyone who knows Egypt knows that the Red Sea is guaranteed sunshine almost all year round. For us, the approximately 4,5-hour flight follows Hamburg Another 230 kilometer long car journey, which flies by in the air-conditioned minibus. Admittedly, we didn't actually land in Marsa Alam, but only near the airport and the small and dignified port town Port ghalib, which is about 60 kilometers north of the coastal town. But we have heard a lot about Port Ghalib - the small holiday resort with the famous harbor is well known.

Video – My meeting with the manatee

While I was researching my Marsa Alam travel report, I also came across the manatee. What a unique experience that I absolutely have to share with you.

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Video – 10 things to do in Marsa Alam

Below I have picked out an informative video that introduces ten things you can do in Marsa Alam. This will give you a nice impression of what the region has to offer.

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We've loved Marsa Alam for a long time - but Port Ghalib?

In the pompous lobby of the Three Corners Fayrouz Resort Once we arrive, however, we are initially faced with a bit of a culture shock: just in time for prime time, there is a lot of dancing in the main building - people are literally dancing on the tables, and many holidaymakers are drinking heavily. It's loud and busy. We ask ourselves: Is the large and popular hotel near Port Ghalib really the right holiday destination for us? It doesn't look like it at first.

Will we end up returning more stressed than when we arrived? And I'll finally be one again Manatee in Egypt get to see? In my travel report about Marsa Alam, I have put together many valuable tips and experiences for you about staying in the five-star hotel near Port Ghalib.

What you should know about Egypt

My travel reports & blog posts about the land of the pharaohs

Blog| Travelogue | points of interest & sights | Most beautiful regions | Hotels | the quseir | Makadi Bay | Marsa Alam | Safaga | Sharm El Sheikh | Soma Bay | Jog | Diving | snorkeling | animals | turtles | Hedge | Dolphins | manatees

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Travel Report Marsa Alam - tips at a glance

What can you expect from a holiday in the region?

• Great upscale and, above all, secluded hotels and resorts with their own beach access and house reef.
• Best beach holiday and wellness holiday with all-inclusive for a few really relaxing days at the pool and beach.
• Excellent snorkeling and diving on house reefs with lots of fish and colorful corals, as well as some of the Red Sea's best dive sites such as the famous Elphinstone.
• Numerous excursion options to the Wadi El Gemal Nature Park, on a camel tour or with a jeep and quad into the desert.

Marsa Alam travel report – my impression of the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort

In the all-inclusive hotel, the bear tap-dance

I have always had good experiences in Marsa Alam so far. Always. Should anything change now? This much can be revealed in advance: We had a somewhat bumpy start with the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort – an all-inclusive, worry-free hotel. After our almost 12-hour journey, we arrive there completely exhausted, while the holidaymakers sip cocktails to their hearts' content, dance to the booming bass on the terrace and some have already drunk a lot to their thirst.

And it doesn't get any better in the room either: the toilet door is stuck, the bed is divided into two rock-hard single beds and the view is straight onto the fence that runs around the Three Corners Fayrouz Resort. So that's it for our summer vacation in Egypt November until beginning December? What's with all the positive reviews online? We were guided by all the positive reviews that there were, for example TripAdvisor and HolidayCheck* gave. Because the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort is praised and recommended everywhere.

Of course my impression was wrong – the resort is great

You can certainly imagine that our first impression was a little misleading. When I step out onto the terrace the next morning in my swimming trunks, the sun is already in the bright blue sky, the temperatures are at a relaxed 22 degrees Celsius and behind the fence not far away lies the Red Sea and the impressive marina of Port Ghalib.

We have partial ocean views and a very short walk to Relax Beach, which is significantly smaller and quieter than the resort's main beach. In retrospect, I have to say that Fayrouz's Relax Beach with its two umbrellas and four loungers was the most beautiful beach I have seen in Egypt in recent years.

The reception tried very hard to look after us

So you can be wrong - we are directly happy about the positive turn. After a small note at the reception, the room will be straightened up by three friendly hotel employees with Egyptian hospitality and the single beds are also history very quickly. Time to have a hearty breakfast, pack the beach bag and blast into the scorching summer sun. There can dem Beach vacation (tips) nothing to stand in the way, right?

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Beach vacation in Marsa Alam – tips and experiences

Isn't that too boring?

I'm not per sé a friend of pure beach holidays and Beach vacation. When traveling I need a bit of action, adventure and adventuresto really relax and switch off. I usually rent a car and explore everything on mine Destination. This is not really possible in Egypt, as holidaymakers often hardly leave the hotel. In addition, my thoughts are at work most of the time and it's difficult to switch off.

I need something to do on the beach lounger

I get bored within minutes on a beach lounger and feel the urge to either do something or go straight to the next post for mine Travel Blog to write or something on Instagram to post. That's why it wasn't clear from the beginning that my beach vacation in Marsa Alam would be a great experience. So was the beach holiday in Egypt like a dip in the toilet for me? As is so often the case, things turned out very differently than planned. That's why I really want to share my Marsa Alam experiences with you.

The idea of ​​a beach holiday in Marsa Alam

And so I accepted the idea of ​​a beach holiday in Marsa Alam. After all, it was a gloomy November and pandemic at home. During this time, Egypt has emerged as a perfect, sunny and warm holiday destination. And I agreed to relax on the beach, look at my smartphone a little less and do something overall Digital detox to operate.

Beach vacation in Marsa Alam is not boring

I quickly realized that a beach holiday doesn't have to be boring at all. You lie on the lounger for an hour, sip a coffee and if you feel like it, you grab your snorkeling gear and it takes two minutes to get to the colorful coral reef. On every snorkeling tour I not only saw colorful fish, but also larger sea creatures such as blue spotted rays or sea turtles.

And in between you can go to the all-inclusive beach restaurant in the hotel, after all the sea air makes you hungry. Afterwards we often took a short walk on the 368 meter long jetty. In the afternoon there was a swim in the pool for a change and a little jog through the desert at sunset – whoops, it's already time for dinner. That's why I notice very quickly: It doesn't always have to be a thrill and a big adventure - the day goes by far too quickly even if you take it easy.

Marsa Alam things to do

The most important activities at a glance

• Relax on the hotel beach, enjoy the sun and warmth and simply unwind.
• Swimming, snorkeling and diving in the lagoons and house reefs of the hotels and resorts.
• Diving trips - full or half day trips by dive boat or from shore.
• Snorkeling with a manatee from Marsa Alam.
• Smaller excursions like camel safari, quad tour or jeep safari in the desert.
• Visit Wadi El Gemal National Park south of Marsa Alam.
• Visit the nearby towns of Marsa Alam and El Quseir or stroll along the port of Port Ghalib.
• Make larger trips within Egypt to the pyramids, Cairo or other regions of the country.

Excursions and leisure activities in Marsa Alam

What can you do on vacation?

If you're looking for a place where you can find both relaxation and adventure, you've come to the right place. The region is known for its crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs and diverse leisure activities. Snorkeling, diving, camel tours and trips to the Wadi El Gemal desert natural park are just some of the activities you can do on your vacation.

This is particularly recommended snorkeling and Diving on the house reefs located directly in front of most resorts. There is a fascinating underwater world to discover here with colorful fish, sea turtles and corals. One of the most famous diving sites in the region is the famous Elphinstone, considered one of the best diving spots in the world. What else can you do? I'll introduce you to the best leisure activities and things to do in Marsa Alam.

1. Diving and snorkeling at world famous reefs

Scuba diving and snorkeling are absolute musts for holidaymakers vacationing in the region, as the true splendor of the Red Sea lies beneath the surface of the water. There is some wonderful diving in the region and access some of the most beautiful dive sites in the Red Sea. With the local diving schools, which are usually located in each hotel and resort, you can go on scuba excursions, full-day and half-day dive boat tours, as well as shore dives.

The dive centers in Marsa Alam are often under European management. You can get your diving license there with PADI or SSI. The Red Sea is the ideal place to start scuba diving because of the excellent diving conditions.

If scuba diving is too much effort for you, you can simply go snorkeling on your own. Our hotel had an excellent house reef, where there was really a lot to see: colorful corals, many different fish, even small schools of fish and many larger sea creatures such as blue spotted rays and sea turtles.

My tip: get into the water very early in the morning

A visit to the reef is particularly worthwhile in the early morning, as there are not as many waves then, there are fewer snorkelers in the water and you can usually see more animals. It's also worth snorkeling once or twice a day because you'll always see other marine life on your tours - such as a baby turtle, which is extremely rare to see.

2. Go swimming and soak up the sun on the beach

If you don't want to spend your time in Marsa Alam snorkeling, there are still many ways to enjoy the area. For example, you can just relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The crystal-clear, lukewarm water and the fine sandy beach invite you to linger and offer the perfect place for sunbathing or swimming.

However, it can get quite crowded on the main beach, so it is advisable to seek out more secluded coves. There you will find more peace and privacy and can enjoy the sound of the waves and the picturesque surroundings. However, it is advisable to get up early to grab a sun lounger, as most holidaymakers come to the beach in the early hours of the morning and reserve their loungers. If you do that too, you have the best chance of getting one of the coveted places.

Nice beach bar in Fayrouz

There is also a beach bar and restaurant on Fayrouz beach, which is great for a break between sunbathing and swimming. Here you can enjoy refreshing drinks and local specialties.

If you want to relax from the beach, there are many other activities in the region. For example, a trip to the Wadi El Gemal National Park or a camel ride through the surrounding deserts. There are many ways to enjoy your time in Marsa Alam, whether you want to laze on the beach or go on adventures.

3. A visit to the manatee in Marsa Mubarak

Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort has one major advantage: it's just 500 meters from Marsa Mubarak Bay, home to a manatee. If you are vacationing at the hotel, you should definitely pack your snorkeling equipment and go paddling in the bay.

Here, too, early morning or late afternoon is recommended, because during the day there are many excursion boats in the bay and dozens of snorkelers in the water. Finding the manatee is a matter of luck. But if you live in the hotel next door, you can try several times. We were lucky enough to have one this time in Egypt Manatee in Marsa Alam to see and it was just an incredible experience.

4. Swimming and snorkeling with turtles and dolphins

Turtles are ubiquitous in Marsa Alam. There are so many of these reptiles that almost every time you snorkel or dive you will see one or more. I love sea turtles and have seen hundreds of them diving over the years. However, I still get excited like a little kid when I see a turtle in the water.

It's a little harder Swim with dolphins in Egypt. These fascinating marine mammals are also common in the Marsa Alam region. However, the animals are often visited by far too many excursion boats and harassed by dozens of snorkelers. Of course, this has nothing to do with sustainable tourism.

If you want to swim or snorkel with dolphins, you should visit a reputable local diving school and ask about their experiences. Surely the dive center can plan a day trip with you to watch dolphins. Even if you are not a diver, you can also go on a day boat. Dolphins often accompany the boats on the exit - and while the divers are in the water, you can go snorkeling.

4. Trip to a secluded beach

In Marsa Alam and along the entire west coast of the Red Sea there are numerous secluded and idyllic beaches that are worth a visit. One of them is Marsa Aassalaia, north of Marsa Alam. Here you can swim, bathe, snorkel, dive and enjoy the beauty of the region to the fullest. There are several ways to reach these remote beaches.

Many hotels and resorts offer organized excursions where experienced experts show you the most beautiful bays in the region. Diving centers and water sports centers often offer trips to the best snorkeling and diving spots.

A trip to a secluded beach has many advantages over staying at a hotel beach. Here you usually have much more privacy and can enjoy the untouched nature of the Red Sea even more. The untouched nature, the turquoise blue water and the picturesque surroundings are incomparable and offer an unforgettable experience.

5. Quad tour in the desert

An unforgettable adventure awaits you in Marsa Alam with a quad bike tour through the desert. The terrain and the desert landscape are the perfect place to accelerate with the quad and let the adrenaline shoot through your veins. Driving through the pristine nature of the desert at high speed and kicking up the dust is a unique experience.

During the quad tour there is often an opportunity to visit a Bedouin tribe and learn about the culture of the locals. Here you can linger over tea and pastries and get an insight into the life of the Bedouins. A quad bike tour is a great way to discover the beauty of the desert and take in the scenery to the fullest.

Jeep safari recommended

If you like it a little quieter, you can also opt for a jeep safari. With an off-road vehicle you can go deeper into the desert and experience even more of the fascinating landscape. A jeep safari is also a great way to spot wildlife and get up close to nature. For those looking for even more adventure and action, there are also longer tours with overnight stays in the desert. Here you can sleep in the open air and enjoy the peace and quiet of the desert.

6. Sunset camel ride on the coast

A camel ride along the coast at sunset is an unforgettable experience not to be missed when staying in Marsa Alam. The leisurely pace of the tour allows you to fully enjoy the landscape and live in the moment. The camel tour is a great way to experience the beauty of the coastal landscape.

The tour takes you past picturesque dunes, deep valleys and breathtaking views of the sea. It is an unforgettable experience to sit on the back of a camel and enjoy the beauty of nature.

7. Excursion to Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib and El Quseir

If you are on vacation in Marsa Alam, you can also visit the surrounding places. Port Ghalib was within walking distance from our hotel and we were always able to take relaxing walks to this holiday resort and stroll along the harbor.

If you are on holiday in Marsa Alam, this usually means that you are not staying in Marsa Alam, but within a radius of around 60 kilometers from the place. But you can also take a trip into the city. Alternatively, you can also visit El Quseir, which is about 80 kilometers north - on the way to Hurghada.

8. Major excursions from Marsa Alam within Egypt

As an experienced traveler to Egypt, I have visited this fascinating country a dozen times and got to know many of its facets. But despite all the enthusiasm, there were also trips where I found myself a little bored at times - be it because the diving in some places wasn't as interesting as I had hoped, or because I felt like it wasn't enough of Egypt to have seen.

1. Wadi El Gemal National Park

Wadi El-Gemal National Park is one of Egypt's three major national parks. The park covers an area of ​​more than 5.000 square kilometers south of Marsa Alam and includes a diverse landscape, ranging from deserts and mountain ranges to coastal landscapes and mangrove forests.

2. Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza

Anyone who loves Egypt as a travel destination and has often been to the land of the pharaohs and pyramids will sooner or later not be able to avoid visiting Cairo and the pyramids of Giza.

3. Visit to Sharm El Sheikh and Sinai

From Hurghada and Marsa Alam you can fly comfortably and cheaply with new, modern domestic aircraft to Sharm El Sheikh and discover the seaside resort at the southern tip of Sinai.

4. Discover the Temples of Luxor

Luxor is a city on the east bank of the Nile in southern Egypt and an important cultural and historical site. Ancient Thebes, the capital of the pharaohs at the height of their power, was once located on the territory of today's city.

5. Aswan in the very south

The city of Aswan is a popular tourist destination and relatively easy to get to from Marsa Alam. With a distance of about 370 km, the city can be easily reached by minibus on well-developed roads. The city is close to the famous dam that was built in the 1960s and created one of the largest reservoirs in the world, Lake Nasser.

Book your well-deserved vacation now!

Book your dream vacation now at favorable conditions on the renowned booking portal HolidayCheck – top rated by Stiftung Warentest (01/2024). Click and browse now!

The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort

Our hotel in Marsa Alam

The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort is actually a small town unto itself -- the four-star property has 471 rooms and suites spread across extensive grounds. The guests come from all over the world - especially from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, at least some of the rooms and the garden are getting old and in need of renovation. There are four restaurants, a main buffet restaurant and three a la carte restaurants.

Rooms

Standard rooms are functional and suitable for short stays. The rooms are equipped with bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, minibar, safe and television. Unfortunately some beds are separated. You then have to ask the staff to make a double bed out of two single beds.

In principle, a renovation would be desirable. It's noticeable that -- at least in our room, but other guests seem to feel the same way -- the decor is a bit dated. There was also minor damage and problems in the room, but they were fixed immediately by the front desk and the technicians. In case of problems, the service is very courteous and helpful.

Restaurants

We really enjoyed the food at the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort – you can tell by the fact that we definitely gained a few pounds after our all-inclusive vacation. Dinner consists of various themed evenings such as "Taste of Italy", "Around the World", "Wonders of the Far East", "French Romance", "Oriental Night" or "European Buffet" - there really is something for every taste .

The only downside: the panorama buffet restaurant (main restaurant) is sometimes crowded at peak times and generally very lively. As an all-inclusive guest, you will receive vouchers for the à la carte restaurant Chez Pascal or the Lagoona restaurant twice a week.

Service

We found the service in the hotel to be very good. The staff is very helpful, friendly and there is a family atmosphere. Especially when you see the staff more often, they are really very attentive and really care about you. If you have any requests or problems, you can simply contact the reception of the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort. The friendly employees are very solution-oriented and will be happy to help you.

Hotel Amenities – Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort near Marsa Alam

Hotel facilities	Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort
Address	Quseyr to Marsa Alam Road، خليج كورايا، Port Ghalib، Egypt
Phone	+20 100 009 5561
Website	threecorners.com/en/red-sea/fayrouz-plaza-beach-resort/
Reviews	Google - TripAdvisor - HolidayCheck*
Stars (country category)	four stars
number of hotel rooms	471 rooms and suites
room	basic room, premium room, suite
Room Amenities	Bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, minibar, safe, television
room view	Sea view, garden view, to the rear
Polish	a main pool, a secondary pool, two whirlpools
Beach	800 meter long private beach with free sun loungers
Wi-Fi	free in the lobby and at the pool
Parking	free at the hotel
Restaurants and bars	four restaurants (buffet, a la carte), pool bar
Meals	All inclusive, half board, breakfast
Wellness:	Spa and wellness center with steam bath
Fitness	Small gym with modern equipment available as well as opportunities for boccia, volleyball, archery, water aerobics and yoga
Shops	Clothing, snacks, souvenirs, art, hairdresser, pharmacy
Children's programme	available
Special services in the hotel	Currency exchange, ATM, laundry service, doctor, bicycle rental
How to get there	Marsa Alam Airport – 15 minutes; Hurghada Airport – 2 hours 45 minutes
All statements are without guarantee.	Ratings as of January 31, 2022

Travel pictures Marsa Alam

Impressions in the picture gallery

Marsa Alam Tips – Who is a Red Sea Holiday Suitable For?

The Marsa Alam region is ideal for anyone who wants to escape the typical Hurghada mass tourism and is looking for a quieter retreat to really unwind. The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort is a bit livelier. But at Relax Beach you can also have peace and quiet here.

The resorts at Marsa Alam are often ideal for spa holidays, beach holidays and diving holidays. If you're interested, you also have the option of an active holiday - numerous options for excursions, you can go jogging on the beach or work out in the fitness center.

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Travel Report Marsa Alam - Tips for a perfect beach holiday?

My conclusion

A holiday in Marsa Alam and the quite luxurious hotels there is ideal for anyone who wants to spend a relaxing beach holiday and be pampered to the fullest. Just let your mind wander, de-stress and detox a bit, bathe, swim, snorkel and dive, maybe do a little sport and in between go on a short camel ride or a quad bike tour into the desert - the Marsa Alam region is ideal for this.

A highlight is of course the manatee in Marsa Mubarak and the colorful fish on the numerous beautiful house reefs. We chose the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Resort in Marsa Alam for our trip because the hotel had excellent reviews and was comparatively cheap. Overall, this accommodation was very good value for money.

Disclaimer: Our trip was fully paid for by ourselves and all experiences described in my travel report Marsa Alam correspond to my subjective experiences on site.

Have you already been to Egypt or Marsa Alam? Share your experiences in the comments.