Pharaohs Island and Colored Canyon

located approximately 2 to 3 hours away by car from Sharm El Sheikh, and around 2 hours from Dahab , you will find the stunning Coloured Canyon near Nuweiba. Pharaoh's Island is an island situated in the northern Gulf of Aqaba ,The beautiful Pharaoh’s Island got its name because it was settled in the time of Ramses III, and was also known as “Coral Island”, just off the coast of Egypt's eastern Sinai Peninsula.

Saladin Castle
Discover the magnificent Saladin Castle situated on Pharaoh's Island in Taba. This fortress offers breathtaking views of Egypt, occupied Palestine, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, surrounded by serene blue waters. Located in the narrowest point of the Gulf of Aqaba, it is easily defensible and has been coveted by invaders throughout history. The castle's construction dates back to 1116 AD, during the reign of Baldwin I, King of Jerusalem. Its strategic location on a major trade route between the Far East and Europe made it a vital stronghold. During the Crusader era, the castle collected taxes from Arab merchants and safeguarded pilgrims traveling between Jerusalem and the monastery of St. Catherine. restored ruins of a Crusader castle from the 12th century are worth exploring. This castle was strategically built to protect the pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. It was captured by Salah ad-Din in 1170 and served as an Arab stronghold against the Crusaders until it was abandoned in 1183.

The island itself doesn't have much tourist appeal, but the surrounding area is attractive, especially for diving and observing aquatic life. The remains of ancient foundations from the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods show that the island was once a popular route. Another advantage of visiting is the opportunity to dive or snorkel in clear waters without the crowds. Thomas Edward Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, visited the island and its ruins during an intelligence mission in 1914. He was fascinated by the adventure and the evocative ruins of the island.

Restoration efforts are underway on Pharaoh's Island. The Egyptian tourism authorities are working hard to promote this historical site, which holds the remnants of a fascinating past. The restoration work on the Citadel, along with a proposal to UNESCO for its inclusion on the World Heritage List, are part of this promotion. While smaller in size compared to the Citadel of Cairo, this island holds great significance and is considered a precious gem in Sinai.

The Colored Canyon is located near the small oasis of Ain Furtaga, around twelve kilometers north of Nuweiba. It can be reached by following the track starting from Wadi Watir, which is a beautiful wadi that connects Nuweiba with Nakhl. The canyon is known for its narrow walls, which are about 40 meters high and just over a meter wide in some places. These walls are made of sandstone that exhibits a wide range of colors, including dark brown, red, and straw yellow. These colors are a result of the presence of magnesium and iron oxides in the sandstone.