Red Sea General InformationThe Red Sea Riviera is divided into two areas. The firstis a stretch of land overlooking the Gulf of Suez andthe Red Sea from Ain Sukhna in the north to Marsa Alamin the south. The second region is made up of SouthernSinai, from Taba in the north to Ras Mohamed in the south. COAST OF SOUTHERN SINAIThis attractive peninsula has a magic quality and is notedas a land of history and sanctity. It is located eastof the Suez Canal and borders the Red Sea, between thegulfs of Aqaba and Suez. It also offers a unique opportunity to experience thecolourful and hospitable Bedouin culture and visit a numberof spectacular National Parks. For the adventurous, thereare diverse activities from desert safaris to mountaineeringand the chance to go off-the-beaten-track to visit a numberof key historical sites. RED SEA COASTThe Red Sea is one of the northernmost coral seas, offeringan ideal recreational area to Europeans in particularbecause of the short flying distance. monastery houses a fine collection of manuscripts, altarsand wall paintings, and is located 90 km south of AinSukhna, in the cliffs of Gebel Al Galala Al Qibliya. Themonastery has two guesthouses and visitors can spend thenight there prearrangements are recommended). OF ST ANTHONYEighty-five kilometers away, at the foot of Gebel Al GalalaAl Qibliya, stands the Monastery of St Anthony. The Saintis said to have lived to 105 and inhabited a nearby cave. This was once an important mine during Roman times becauseof its porphyry, a beautiful purple and crystal gemstonenot found anywhere else. It was used mainly in decorativework and became a symbol of royalty. There are remainsat the site of buildings that used to comprise a complexof temples, shrines and fortresses. Located deep in the Eastern Desert, between Safaga andthe Nile, this amazing Roman settlement was the largestof its kind in Egypt. This quarry settlement – situated south east ofEl Quseir in the Eastern Desert – was once renownedfor producing bekheny, a green, semi-precious rock usedfor decoration. A variety of inscriptions can be foundthere dating from Pharaonic times to the last century,including unusual graffiti. This ancient port lies just a few km north of El Qseir,and was once a thriving haven for trading ships departingto India. Remains of the old port can still be seen today.