Egypt’s southernmost Red Sea resort, Marsa Alam is one of the fastest growing holiday resorts in the country. Numerous tourism projects are being established in order to rival the popularity of the already established Egyptian resorts of Sharm el Sheik and Hurghada. However, it is often what has been found in the area for centuries that tourists find the most rewarding. The surrounding areas near to Marsa Alam contain some of the most fascinating aspects of the ancient world.
The surrounding coastal area was once rich in deposits of copper, lead, gold, emeralds and semi-precious stones and is thought to have contained the first emerald mines anywhere in the world. Tourists are able to visit the mines in the Wadi El Gamal National Park south of Marsa Alam. Here visitors will be able to visit the only source of Emeralds during the Roman Empire and a mine which is rumoured to have been linked to Queen Cleopatra. The ancient history will come alive as you explore the source of the stones that may have adorned one of the most famous Queens in history.
The mines are one of the many attractions in the area with perhaps the most magical being the many rock carvings and inscriptions in and around Marsa Alam. In the surrounding mountains there is huge evidence to show the presence of Stone Age man in this area. The smooth rock surface was perfect for prehistoric art with depictions of hunting scenes showing many animals including giraffes, ostriches and hunting dogs. For those with interest in the prehistoric world this can prove an invigorating experience.
If you have more of a keen interest in the Ancient Egyptian times then a visit to Wadi Hammamat not far from Marsa Alam can prove the most enchanting aspects of Egypt holidays. Here you can view ancient graffiti from Pharaonic times as the smooth walls of the Valley of the Baths were the perfect place to document ancient techniques and traditions. When making the trip here you will be able to see drawings of reed boats, amongst others, dating back to 4000 BC.
With so much ancient history to be viewed it is no wonder holidays to Marsa Alam are fast becoming one of the most popular options for Egypt Holidays. If an alternative resort is sought with bountiful treasures to be discovered then Marsa Alam is the perfect resort for you.