The Sinai region is a peninsula and forms the eastern part of the national territory of Egypt. Geographically, the peninsula already belongs to the Asian continent. The Mediterranean Sea bounds Sinai to the north, half by the State of Israel, and half by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the east – here, separated by the Gulf of Aqaba. The southernmost part of Sinai is the Ras Mohammed, a cape and national park at the exit of the Strait of Tiran. The Red Sea begins here and is also one of the largest resort areas of Egypt- Sharm el Sheik.

The approximately 61,000 square kilometer landmass is desert-like and characterized by rugged, barren mountains, especially in the south. The western border of the Sinai forms the Gulf of Suez, at the northern end of which the Suez Canal begins. The name Sinai is somewhat contradictory because there are several designations with this name. On the one hand, the peninsula’s area is called that. On the other hand, a mountain on this peninsula bears the name Sinai. A place in the Old Testament also bears this name (Sinai peninsula of the Bible), and a desert in this area bears this name (Et Thi).

Where is Sinai Peninsula?

The Sinai Peninsula is located in the eastern part of Egypt. It is part of the Egyptian territory and state. To reach it, you must cross the Suez Canal, excavated towards the end of the 19th century. And which made the peninsula physically detached from the rest of the Egyptian hinterland. However, the Suez Canal is connected by an underground tunnel that facilitates the connection between the peninsula and the rest of Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula is bordered to the east by the Gulf of Aqaba. To the north by the Mediterranean Sea and the west by the Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal.

The Sinai peninsula extends for a length (from north to south) of about 380 km and a width (from west to east) of about 210 km, for a total area of ​​about 61,000 km². The coasts extend for a long stretch, reaching a full length of about 600 km. The Sinai Peninsula is also a critical strategic point as it connects the African continent and the Asian continent. 

Colored Canyon

One of the special excursions in this area is undoubtedly a hike through the Colored Canyon. This canyon in Sinai peninsula is a gorge dug deep into the terrain. Whose sandstone walls have been sculpted over time by the forces of nature. Giving rise to different tones of color due to gradations in the rock. A fantastic play of colors is offered to the visitor in connection with the sun’s light. Just walking through the canyon. Which gets relatively narrow in some places, but it would be worth a visit.

The hike on-site through the canyon takes about 30 – 40 minutes. There is also a rest after crossing the canyon, and then the ascent from the canyon begins (in total, without getting there, about 1.5 – 2 hours). In some places in the Colored Canyon, the sandstone walls reach a height of 40 meters.

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There are other bathing and holiday resorts along the east coast of Sinai on the Gulf of Aqaba. Some of which are still under construction and some of which have been here for a long time. The bathing resort of Taba is relatively new here, the northern part of which was part of Israel for a long time. Today’s Hotel Taba Hilton was built in 1976 and opened in 1979 as Avia Sonesta. And has long been the bone of contention between the two neighbors, Israel and Egypt. Other seaside resorts are named Nuweiba. (Also, the ferry port to Aqaba). Dahab (diving center), and Nabq Bay. Although this place is small, it is an up-and-coming holiday resort.

At the bottom of this chain is the seaside resort of Sharm el Sheik, which has increased in recent years. Translated, the name means “Bay of the Sheikh.”There are good road connections and regular bus services to Eilat, Nuweiba, Dahab, Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez, among others. From the city’s port, there are regular ferry services to Hurghada and Aqaba (via Nuweiba). Also, the cruise ship dock at Sharm el Sheik port. The international airport Sharm el Sheik with more than five million passengers annually, shows the importance of the seaside resort.

Representation of the Sinai Peninsula

Conclusion

The Sinai Peninsula is a god-given paradise for Egypt and its people as a tourist site in the first position. It has tons of unmissable natural attractions not to be missed.

A unique feature of the Sinai Peninsula is the Ras Mohammed National Park, located at the southern tip of Sinai Peninsula. You can see the Gulf of Suez to the west and Aqaba to the east. When the Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt, the southern tip of Sinai – Ras Mohammed – was declared a protection zone. Any kishing and other human activities are prohibited here to protect the unique underwater world. In 1983, the Egyptian Environment Agency (EEA) established the area as a Marine Protected Area to protect marine and terrestrial fauna. The name Ras Mohammed means “Mohammad’s Head,” where “head” in this case means “headland.”

In the northern part of Sinai peninsula, not far from the Suez Canal, is the so-called Ajun Musa – the oasis of Moses’ springs. In earlier times, this was a meeting place for those who wanted to explore Sinai and its deserts. According to the tradition of the Old Testament, the place Mara is said to have been located here. At this place, Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, is said to have made the bitter waters sweet.