TUR

Best choice for activities: Wind, kite, surfing hiking - Monastery Saint George - Hammam Moussa

Trips: Hiking canyon Tur 

Al-Tur is the capital of South Sinai, located 100 km. north of Sharm el Sheikh (a one hour drive by car) along the west coast, and its climate is milder than Sharm el Sheikh because of a refreshening breeze. These winds make Al-Tur a hotspot for experienced wind surfers. The city hardly knows any tourism. Its history dates back to the time of the pharaohs and is more extensive than most other places in Sinai, though unknown to many as this is not a tourist zone of Sinai. Beside the Monastery of St. George (part of the Monastery of St.Katherine), directly on the bay, ancient houses built of coral and fossil can be found and you can visit the thermal baths (beneficial for skin diseases and arthritis) of Hammam Moses and get a tast of Al-Tur's rustic life.

This 3-star simple sea-side hotel is located on the peninsula of Al-Tur's sheltered bay and thus surrounded on 3 sides by the sea. There are several small gardens, bars and a restaurant. There are 56 rooms, 6 suites and 10 bungalows, all with sea view, ensuite bathroom/shower, air-conditiong, terrace/balcony, mini bar/fridge, satellite TV and phone. There is WIFI and for those on a tight budget there are wooden shacks, directly on the beach, with shared bathrooms and showers. The staff are very friendly and will do all they can to make you feel welcome. A well-equipped surfing center operates on the hotel's private beach.

If you don't mind spending more money this 3-star quiet sea-side hotel is your other option. There are 24 detached sea view bungalows with veranda doors which open up to the central garden. The bungalows are nicely decorated and each has a bathroom with tub, shower and toilet, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite, wireless internet, a safe and a mini-fridge.

The beach in front of the hotel is a hotspot for experienced wind surfers but there is no surfing center operating at the premises to take care of safety precautions.