Egypt is unrelentingly romantic and here’s everything you need to know about planning your Egyptian honeymoon!
Planning a wedding can be stressful enough, now throw in a honeymoon – what’s supposed to be a once in a lifetime trip you’ll never forget – on top of it all and it can be really stressful. If you’re tired of the typical honeymoon spots like Greece, Italy or the Bahamas, why don’t you opt for something more exciting… like a honeymoon in Egypt!
Egypt is likely on your bucketlist, but have you thought about it as an once in a lifetime honeymoon destination? While it’s known for it’s beautiful chaos, and rich history, you’d be surprised by the amount of romance to be found!
Just picture it – desert camping under the stars, kisses with the Sphinx and swimming in the bluest water you’ve seen! We’ll you’ve ended up on this page so there’s already an interest in honeymooning in Egypt, but let me sell you even harder!
Why choose Egypt to honeymoon?
Egypt is genuinely an exotic and underrated honeymoon destination. It’s likely not the first spot that comes to mind when you think of a honeymoon. But here’s just three reasons why you wouldn’t regret a honeymoon in Egypt:
- Multi-faceted: there’s genuinely something here for everyone (take a look at these 30+ bucket list and honeymoon worthy places in Egypt). Consider a cruise on the Nile, a camel ride by the pyramids, diving in the Red Sea or why not all of the above!
- Budget Friendly: your dollars will stretch much, much further in Egypt compared to many other stereotypical honeymoon destinations in Europe or the Caribbean. Luxury can really be experienced here on a budget. This is the place to be able to splurge on five star hotels guilt free.
- Simply stunning: My husband is Egyptian and infallibly anytime we travel somewhere, he says how there’s a place equal to or even more beautiful in Egypt. Let me tell you, while sometimes it’s insanely annoying, he’s often right! Egypt is a popular destination for local couples as well, when you’ve seen some of the beaches they have to offer, you’ll understand why!
While Egypt is just one of many incredible African honeymoon destinations, I must say that it would genuinely be the trip of a lifetime! It’s a different honeymoon style than just sitting on the beach of your all inclusive hotel. Egypt is a country that does require more planning and can be done indepently or through a tour, or a mix of both.
Best time to honeymoon in Egypt
Egypt is a reliable honeymoon destination with good weather for many months of the year. Depending on where you’re looking to travel, here’s an overview of when is the best time to go to Egypt.
The best times to visit Egypt are from late March to late May, and late September to early November. In a nutshell, the best time to travel to Egypt is Spring or Autumn. Months to avoid entirely would be July and August – throughout most of Egypt it’s really just too hot.
My personal favorite month to travel to Egypt is October. The crowds at the beaches have subsided but yet the weather is often still comfortably warm. As always though, make sure to check the weather in advance as well as the timing for Ramadan (the month of fasting) where many shops will be closed throughout the day.
Top places to visit on your Egyptian honeymoon
Cairo
Honestly, unless you’re planning to do a week at an all inclusive and nothing else, you have to visit Cairo, even if just for one day and night. Nothing says romance more than sitting on your balcony as you watch the sunset over the last remaining wonder of the world, the Great Pyramids.
Of course Cairo has more to offer than just the pyramids, like the souk labyrinth of Khan el Khalili, stunning mosques or museums packed to the brim with Ancient Egyptian artefacts to satisfy your inner Indiana Jones.
Cairo is a great entry point into Egypt, chaotic, but very charming.
Suggested hotel: Marriott Mena House
Aswan & Luxor
A cruise down the Nile, is seriously a must. I’ve travelled to Egypt many times, and this by far has been my favorite excursion we’ve done to date. If you have even a remote interest in history, this place will transport you back in time.
A Nile cruise will take you to all the must-see temples and monuments housed along the Nile ranging from 3 to over 7 days from Aswan to Luxor or vice versa. There are many options for more luxury cruise lines, and there’s no better way to travel between these two cities than along the Nile.
The cities themselves, Aswan and Luxor are also incredible. In and around Aswan is where you’ll find some of the most impressive Ancient Egyptian monuments, like Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. Not only that, but Aswan is home to a unique culture and ethnic group of people, called the Nubians. The Nubian traditions and cultures are well preserved here and there’s a great opportunity to learn more about them and visit their beautiful colorful homes/hotels. Luxor itself is also famous for many things, most notably, as the ideal place for hot air ballooning.
Suggested hotel: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract
Beach destinations in Egypt
There’s no shortage of beach resort options in Egypt, there’s even two seas; Mediterranean sea and the Red Sea. Here’s a list of some of the top honeymoon beach spots in Egypt to consider.
Sahl Hasheesh
– Luxury relaxation
– Active nightlife
Suggested honeymoon resort: Oberoi Beach Resort
Sharm El Sheikh
– Great option for diving
– Lots of excursion options; from desert safari’s to climbing Mount Catherine
Suggested honeymoon resort: Savoy Sharm El Sheikh
Hurghada
– Diving and snorkelling galore
– Option to explore nearby islands
Suggested honeymoon resort: Hurghada Marriott Red Sea Beach Resort or Kempinski Soma Bay
Gouna
– Perfect spot for foodies
– Party scene
Suggested honeymoon resort: Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna
Dahab
– Extremely laid back
– Plenty of options for adventurous tours nearby
Suggested honeymoon resort: Jaz Dahabeya
Marsa Alam
– Divers paradise
– Picture perfect beaches
Suggested honeymoon resort: Concorde Marine Beach Resort
Suggested Egypt honeymoon itinerary
Here’s a suggestion on an itinerary if you have about two weeks in Egypt. It should give you plenty of time to see the key sites, but also enough time for relaxation and romance, it’s a honeymoon after all!
Day 1-3: Cairo
Like I said, if timing is an issue, you can opt to spend less time in Cairo. But with sites like the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque and Khan el Khalili market – 3 days in the Cairo would be great start to get your feet wet in the busy capital city.
Cairo is a great place to splurge on accommodation, take a look at some of these incredible pyramid view hotels for inspiration!
Day 4-8: Nile Cruise
The Nile cruise comes in a variety of lengths and you can choose which port to begin in. We opted for the 4-day option starting in Luxor and spent an extra night in Aswan after the cruise. Depending on the activities you want to do like Abu Simbel or a hot air balloon ride, you’ll need to check with the tour provider to ensure they are included, or arrange something after or before the cruise.
Days 9-14: Let’s go to the beach!
With the many beach resort options listed above, pick one (or multiple) to soak up the sun in depending on your travel style! The Red Sea resorts would be a better option for weather and variety of water activities, Mediterranean is best if you are looking purely for clear beaches. The resorts along the Red Sea will have better weather (and warmer) throughout most of the year, so consider this as well.
If you’re looking for true luxury this one came recommended above and beyond all others by many local friends, Sahl Hasheesh. It has one of the best honeymoon resort options at the Oberoi Beach Resort where you can even opt for a suite with a private pool, is that romantic or what!
What is a couple looking for when they are planning a honeymoon? Relaxation after the big day? An adventure for the newlyweds? Romantic walks on the beach? A bonding experience? Egypt is the perfect place to offer all that and even more!
Some additional guides that may help with your trip planning:
- Egypt travel tips for first-timers
- 10 reasons to travel to Egypt – this is the year!
- What to wear in Egypt a guide for women
- Tipping Etiquette in Egypt with tips from a local (my hubby!)
- Where to stay in Cairo, advice on the best neighbourhoods
- The best food to try in Egypt – that’s vegan too!
- Amazing pyramid view hotels you should consider staying at
- The best 15 spots in Cairo for instagram photos
- 4-day Nile Cruise review from Aswan to Luxor
- 7 Egyptian themed movies to watch before you travel to Egypt
- A two-day itinerary for Alexandria Egypt
Like this article about honeymoons in Egypt? Pin it for later!
