Dahab – An Ultimate Sea and Desert Connection • Baladi Guide

Dahab – An Ultimate Sea and Desert Connection

Why Visit Dahab?

Dahab is a small town in South Sinai, Egypt which sits between the Red Sea and majestic mountains. Its laid-back vibe is home to both Bedouins and Western nomads. If you want to reconnect with nature, Dahab is the perfect spot.

How to go there

From Europe: Flights are available from many major international airports in Europe and nearby countries (Italy, UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Belgium) to Sharm El-Sheikh. From Sharm El-Sheikh, you can take a private taxi to Dahab for around $20. I recommend booking your accommodation in Dahab in advance.

From Cairo: You have two options: take a flight (faster but more expensive, about 1 hour) or a bus with GoBus (recommended) or other companies, which takes 9 to 12 hours depending on traffic and police stops.

From Hurghada: There used to be a direct boat connection between Sinai and Hurghada, but unfortunately, it is no longer available. Now, your options are either to take a direct flight to Sharm El-Sheikh followed by a private taxi to Dahab, or take a bus to Cairo and then another to Dahab. Some companies also offer direct buses from Hurghada to Sharm El-Sheikh, but these are not daily, so it’s best to check schedules in advance.

From Sharm-El-Sheikh: If you’re in Sharm El-Sheikh, the journey to Dahab is the easy part—just 1.5 hours away. The most affordable option is taking a bus, with BlueBus operating daily, which is my favorite when I have time to plan. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around $20.

Check the best season to come to Dahab!

Best Time to Visit

Low season: Least amount of tourists in March, April, May, June, and November.
Mid-season: Moderate crowds in February.
High season: Peak tourist months are January, July, August, September, October, and December.

So, what’s the weather like in Dahab right now?

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Top Attractions and Activities

Water Adventures: Dive sites like the Blue Hole for snorkelling or diving, Laguna Beach & Abu Galoum (Blue Lagoon) for kitesurfing.
Unique Experiences: Visit Saint-Catherine for the monastery or for a hike up Mount Sinai or a peaceful multi-day retreat; Egyptian Food Tour with Antonio; jeep safaris, boat trips and camping under the stars (look at all the daily events in Dahab).
Spots Around: Nuweiba, White Canyon, Colored Canyon & just 3 hours from Aqaba, perfect for visiting Petra in Jordan!

Best Places to Stay

Hotels comfortable with Red Sea views:

Nour Boutique: A beautifully designed Moroccan-style hotel with a pool, perfectly located in Dahab. Every time I pass by, I’m amazed by the stunning architecture. Nour also hosts various events, like yoga sessions.
Dar Dahab: A stunning Bedouin-style design crafted by a Swiss architect, located right on the beach—beautiful, simple, and peaceful. Plus, with the Baladi Pass, you can enjoy a discount there!

More affordable options:

For me, Alf Leila, Sukoon Guesthouse, and Ghazala Lounge are great budget-friendly options, each with its own unique vibe. They’re cozy, well-located, and perfect for a relaxing stay. Ghazala is slightly farther along the beach and features a lovely restaurant. Alf Leila houses The Breakfast Café, offering a decent Western breakfast. Plus, with the Baladi Pass, you can enjoy fantastic discounts at all these places!

Best Places to Eat

Here are my top 3 favorite restaurants in Dahab (≈10€/person):

Nawaem: My #1 restaurant in Dahab, I’d even go as far as to say you won’t find a restaurant this exceptional anywhere else in Egypt—this Middle-Eastern restaurant is a true hidden gem. With the Baladi Pass, you can have a free dessert at Nawaem!
El Dorado: An amazing Italian restaurant in Dahab—honestly, I can’t understand why it’s rated only 4.2★ on Google, especially when so many average places have over 4.5★. This is exactly why I don’t fully trust Google Maps ratings. Everything here is homemade, from the pasta to the pizza, and the Italian owner’s warm hospitality adds to the charm. The cozy atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for locals who appreciate great food.
Zanooba: It’s a great local spot, and while you need to book in the morning for dinner due to its slow-cook style, it’s hardly a downside when you know a delicious meal awaits. This place offers a unique Egyptian-Western fusion cuisine. With the Baladi Pass, you can have a free dessert or a free drink at Zanooba!

Here are my top 3 affordable restaurants in Dahab (less than 5€/person):

Jeera restaurant: my favorite Indian restaurant here—consistently great quality every time I’ve tried it. Perfect for lunch! For drinks, I recommend heading next door to Mahalawy Juice for their amazing and affordable homemade juices.
LemonGrass: the best Thai food in town, perfect for both lunch and dinner—don’t miss their delicious Pad Thai!
Alpha: for a tasty and healthy lunch, try the Levantine falafel sandwich—what sets it apart is the homemade bread. If you’re after a more authentic Egyptian falafel experience, head to a local spot like Abo Ahmed. While you’re there, don’t miss their shrimp-shaped fries—no actual shrimp involved, so no need to worry!