Information
Landmark: Pharaoh's IslandCity: Suez
Country: Egypt
Continent: Africa
Pharaoh's Island, Suez, Egypt, Africa
Overview
Pharaoh’s Island-also called Coral Island or Geziret Faraun-sits just off the coast near Taba, in Egypt’s eastern Sinai, its rocky slopes rising from the clear Red Sea like a quiet witness to centuries of history, what’s more famous for its towering medieval fortress, vivid coral reefs, and prime location, it draws history buffs, divers, and curious travelers from all over.One, in addition location and accessibility: the Red Sea, just off Taba’s sunlit shore in Egypt.Interestingly, It’s about 8 km, or 5 miles, south of Taba-just a ten‑minute drive down the coastal road, in conjunction with just 13 kilometers-about eight miles-from Eilat, it’s close enough to spot from across the Israeli border.Just 15 km (9 miles) from Aqaba in Jordan, it’s close enough to spot from across the border on a clear day, in conjunction with getting there’s easy-you can hop on a petite boat or catch a ferry from Taba or one of the nearby resorts.Mind you, Tour operators based in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, and Nuweiba run trips out to the island, sometimes leaving at dawn with the scent of salt still sharp in the air, as well as number two stood alone, sharp as a chalk mark on a blackboard.For centuries, Pharaoh’s Island has served as a vital military outpost and busy trading hub, guarding the narrow mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba where the waters of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia converge like meeting blue threads, in addition the Phoenicians were the first to settle on the island, turning it into a bustling trading post where the scent of salt and spices hung in the air.The Ancient Egyptians might have held it for a time, drawn by its spot near busy trade routes where camel bells and voices carried on the wind, on top of that in 1116 AD, King Baldwin I of Jerusalem and his Crusaders built a stone fortress on the island, its walls catching the glare of the sun, to command the trade routes linking Arabia, Sinai, and the Levant.The island sat in the perfect venue to levy taxes on passing merchants and keep the trade routes guarded, like a gate standing over a narrow blue strait, also in 1170, the famed Muslim commander Saladin-Salah ad-Din-drove the Crusaders from the island, raising his banner once more over its stone walls.He reinforced and enlarged the fortress, turning it into a vital stronghold that could hold off European forces, its stone walls frosty and unyielding in the morning mist, likewise the fortress served as a naval base, keeping watch on enemy ships that cut through the sparkling, choppy waters of the Red Sea.During the Ottoman and modern eras, the fortress stood under their control for centuries, its stone walls weathered by sun and wind, subsequently though it was eventually abandoned, the area still carried weight-its stone walls and high perch spoke of both history and strategy.Today, the site stands remarkably well preserved, drawing tourists, historians, and even divers who drift past its sunken stones, furthermore three.Top Spots and Activities - like catching the sunset from the ancient pier, while on Pharaoh’s Island, the star attraction is Saladin’s Fortress, a medieval stronghold whose sun-warmed stone walls remain among the best-preserved Crusader castles in Egypt.The fortress has thick stone walls and tall towers built to keep out attackers, their surfaces rough and cool to the touch, besides lookout posts offer sweeping views of the Gulf of Aqaba, where sunlight glints off the water like polished glass.Actually, Inside the fortress, you’ll find storage rooms stacked with crates, narrow living quarters, and even a miniature mosque, furthermore from the fortress, you can take in a sweeping view-Egypt’s golden sands, Israel’s coastline, Jordan’s rugged hills, and Saudi Arabia’s distant shores all visible at once, partially Number two, while the island’s encircled by vivid coral reefs, where parrotfish flash past in bursts of color, drawing snorkelers and divers from all over.The ocean teems with colorful fish darting past, sea turtles gliding slowly through the blue, and coral shaped like twisted fingers, meanwhile the Red Sea’s crystal-clear water lets you spot straight to the coral below, making it perfect for exploring beneath the surface.Three, furthermore from Taba, Nuweiba, and Sharm El-Sheikh, you can hop on a boat tour-some skim over clear, turquoise water to nearby islands waiting to be explored, a little You can wander the island’s winding paths, step inside the aged stone fortress, and stretch out on the warm, sunlit sand, simultaneously number four sat there, plain and round, like a coin waiting on a table.Perched in a breathtaking spot, Pharaoh’s Island invites you to snap shots of its ancient fortress, the shimmering Red Sea, and even distant shores across the horizon, alternatively number four stood alone, sharp as a chalk mark on a dusky board.The best time to go is October through April, when the air stays mild and the water glitters clear in the sun, consequently skip the summer stretch from June to August-it’s scorchingly boiling then, often hitting 40°C (104°F) and making the pavement shimmer.Five, along with why should you visit Pharaoh’s Island, where the wind smells faintly of salt and history?✅ Rich history: A fortress that dates back to the Crusader and Islamic periods.✅ Breathtaking views: The only area in Egypt where you can behold four countries at once, to boot ✅ Fantastic diving and snorkeling: Home to some of the best coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba.In a way, ✅ Easy access from Taba, Israel, and Jordan, likewise ✅ A unique mix of history, adventure, and relaxation.This fortress, with walls that once echoed to Crusader horns and Islamic calls to prayer, carries centuries of history, furthermore breathtaking views await-the one spot in Egypt where you can stand in the warm breeze and glimpse four countries at once.You’ll find incredible diving and snorkeling here, with coral reefs so vivid they light up the clear waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-20
