Al-Ain Al-Sokhna is an Egyptian town in the Suez Governorate, lying on the western shore of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Suez. Being a year-round sunshine destination with gentle waves of the clear Red Sea makes Al-Ain al-Sokhna an ideal destination to break from the city’s congestion.
Location of Ain Sokhna
Ain Sokhna lies 55 kilometres (34 mi) south of Suez and approximately 120 kilometres (75 mi) east of Cairo.
Name
Al-Ain Al-Sokhna, which translates as “hot springs, ” refers to the nearby sulfur springs flowing from Gebel Ataqa, the Eastern Desert‘s northernmost mountain.
History
Recent archaeological excavations have shown an ancient Egyptian port and settlement. The site was first brought to attention in 1999 by Professor Mahmud Abd El Raziq. French and Egyptian archaeologists have been investigating this area since that time.
As early as the Old Kingdom, ancient Egyptians organised seafaring expeditions on the Red Sea from this port. Archaeologists also found similar material at the Wadi Maghareh, where many Old Kingdom inscriptions are found.
Activities in Al Ain Al Sokhna
If you are looking for exploration, then Ain al Sokhna should be your destination of choice. The city is a short drive away from Cairo, marking the perfect location to enjoy Giza Pyramids and the glorious beaches.
Its crystal waters and pristine beaches are why Ain El Sokhna is a centre for deep-sea fishing. At the same time, Zaafarana is among the world’s premier diving locations and is famous for its wind and kite surfing. Beaches and water sports aren’t only what this tourist resort has to offer you, as it is also a favourite spot for underwater photography and an ideal one for camping. With a constant breeze, windsurfing is also popular in this city. On land, desert safaris in the nearby oasis and mountain canyons add to the list of attractions.
The spectacular high mountains, glistening sandy beaches, and clear water make Ain El Sokhna a holiday destination. Tourists will discover the true meaning of fishing, diving, skating, and mountain climbing. It also plays a significant role in therapeutic tourism as it contains a lot of sulfur and mineral springs that cure various diseases.
Sightseeing from Sokhna
There are appealing options for those who want to cram in some sightseeing: One of the world’s most remarkable feats of engineering, the Suez Canal, is less than an hour away. Make stops at St. Anthony’s Monastery and the Monastery of St. Paul. The former, which bears the name of one of the earliest advocates of Christian monasticism, is among the oldest inhabited monasteries in Egypt. With a fortress-style architecture built to withstand Bedouin attacks, it encloses gardens, a mill, a bakery and five churches. In addition, it features a series of unique wall paintings of holy knights and the hermits who founded the monastery. Its library is home to over 1,700 manuscripts. A picturesque two-kilometre hike from the monastery will bring panoramic views of the mountains and the Red Sea at the cave where St. Anthony lived as a hermit.
Ain El Sokhna is also very convenient for excursions to the sights of the desert just outside Cairo, including the Pyramids of Cheops, Chechen and Mykerinus, and the Great Sphinx.
Water Sports & Snorkelling in Ain al Sokhna
A relatively recent development on the Gulf of Suez, Ain El Sokhna is not a highly developed Scuba diving centre yet. Still, it does feature some excellent reefs and crystal clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling. Various water sports are available, including water skiing and kite surfing.
The resort of Ain El-Sokhna extends along the Red Sea shoreline for about 60 km from the southern borders of Ras El Adebbya in the north to Ras El Zaafarana in the south. Its turquoise waters are rich in marine life, and coral reefs are perfect for snorkelers; windsurfing is becoming increasingly popular with a constant breeze. Thus, it is well geared up for deep-sea fishing.
Ain El Sokhna is renowned for the unspoilt and pristine beaches, which are broad, clean, sandy, and less crowded than those of the more southerly Hurghada or Safaga and Marsa resorts Alam.
Desert Adventures from Ain al Sokhna
Desert safaris to the nearby oasis and mountain canyons of the Western Desert add to the list of attractions in Ain El Sokhna. Trips to the Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert and the Valley of the Golden Mummies are growing popular.
The Siwa Oasis also exists in the Western desert. The site dates to Greco-Roman Egypt, where the ruins of the temple of Alexander the Great stand. The Greeks, Alexander the Great in particular, made the Siwa Oasis famous by discovering and telling the world about the Oracle of Amun.
Golfing in Ain El Sokhna
The lush new International standard 9-hole golf course at the Jaz Little Venice Golf Resort was due to open by the end of 2010. With direct access to Ain El Sokhna’s beautiful beach, this 5-star resort offers spacious and modern accommodation with breakfast and a shuttle service from Cairo International Airport. Also, it offers challenging greens, fairways and bunkers to suit experienced golfers without putting off the novice. So you won’t even need to carry your clubs! Tee-ing off and driving on maintained gardens against the backdrop of clear blue skies and crystal clear waters would exceed your expectations.
Climate
Köppen-Geiger, a climate classification system, classifies its climate as a hot desert (BWh), like the rest of Egypt.
