The border town between Israel and Egypt, this Egyptian Riviera was once a rest town for traders using the caravan route to the fort of Aqaba at the northern-most edge of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Recently, Taba has experienced a growth spurt on its coastline and is now home to a number of leading hotel chains that have built luxurious resort hotels around a new luxurious resort called Taba Heights, which is 15 km south of the border.

Although Taba is a man-made holiday resort, it offers a wonderful vantage point for traveling into the Sinai desert, visiting Bedouin camps, and enjoying the still unspoiled coastline.

The views across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan and Saudi are very picturesque, especially at sunset when the mountains appear to turn red.

Taba Attractions

The Monastery of St. Catherine ? One of the most popular excursions from Taba, St. Catherine’s Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Sinai. This monastery was constructed under the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, it is built around what is thought to be the site of Moses’ Burning Bush.

It is a well-preserved monastery with a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art, including Arab mosaics, Greek and Russian icons, Western oil paintings, paintings on wax, fine sacerdotal ornaments, enamels, marbles, chalices, and reliquaries, including one donated by Czar Alexander II in the 19th century, and another donated by Empress Catherine of Russia in the 17th century. St. Catherine’s Monastery also holds the world’s second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts.

Mount Sinai (or the Mountain of Moses) – Mount Sinai is considered sacred by the Muslims, Jews and Christians; it is believed that God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses on this mountain.

The 2,285-metre-high summit is easy to scale and most hikers stroll up during the night to avoid the heat and to capture the view of a stunning sunrise. You could also dare yourself to go by camel caravans or up the Steps of Repentance which has 3000 steps carved into rock monks.

Pharaoh’s Island and Salah El Din Citadel – One of Taba’s main attractions, Pharaoh’s Island is quite stunning. This rocky island is surrounded by outstanding blue and turquoise water that was once a Phoenician port.

Pharaoh’s Island is crowned by the ruins of the 12th century crusaders’ fort. This fort was built to protect the pilgrims on their journey from Jerusalem to St Catherine’s Monastery, and to levy taxes on the Arab merchants. If you are interested, you could also go snorkeling in the reefs surrounding the island?s nearby waters.

Diving Sites – Taba offers boat diving as well as shore diving from its several dive centres. The Canyon offers a diving depth of 40 metres and a stunning topography with lots of soft coral and fish, and amazing hard coral formations. The Picasso Reef, 200 metres from the shore, is an underwater mountain that leads down 24 metres to huge table corals. On a level of 12 metres, this reef is full of fish, including Picasso Trigger Fish.

The Coral City has huge Brain and Mountain corals that support many Lion Fish, occasionally Stone Fish and tiny Silver and Glass Fish. The Angel Net is full of huge coral blocks. Taba also offers the most beautiful collection of small Red Sea Banner Fish at the Ben Coral.

Taba Cuisine

Ful is a type of bean that is cooked in several ways, e.g. in ful midamess, whole beans are boiled which can be eaten with vegetables, mashed with onions, tomatoes and spices. This is also eaten with many other food dishes. Molokhiyya, a leafy-green summer vegetable used in soups and salads, is also popular with the Egyptians.

International cuisine is readily available in the hotels. The Egyptian meat-koftas and kebabs are a must-try for everyone. Veggies can sample chickpea balls called falafels, hoummos, and baba ghanoug (aubergine and tahina). Conclude your meal with a dessert treat of lip-smacking sweet honeyed pastries or baklavas!

Taba Heights Beaches

Marriott Beach – This is only a half-kilometre of private sand beach, which has waterfalls, a Jacuzzi, a cave, and a huge outdoor freshwater slide. A favourite with tourists is the swim-up bar, the children’s pool, and the children’s club (for children of 4 to 11 years of age).

You could also indulge in a wide variety of beach sports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, pedaloes, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving.

Taba Parks & Gardens

National Park of Nabq ? Stretching over 600 square kilometers, this national park is home to a variety of animal life, including herons, ospreys, storks, foxes and gazelles.

National Park of Ras Abu Galum – Further up north is the Abu Galum natural reserve, which has granite coastal mountains. Here you will find an abundance of plant and animal life, which also includes the Nubian ibexes, hyraxes and red foxes.

The Perfect Time to Visit

Summer can be quite hot in the Sinai, with temperatures often touching 40◦C/106◦F ? although the cool ocean breeze provides some respite. Cooler times to visit is during March to May or October to November when the mercury hits a pleasant average high of 28◦C/85◦F.

Darren Panto sales & marketing Peltours – the UK?s leading tour operator to Egypt and the Red Sea. For more information on Taba Heights and the major resorts of the area visit http://www.peltours.com/tabaheights/information.html Alternatively, for a full and comprehensive Egypt holiday search visit http://www.peltours.com

Located on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, Africa, the Red Sea Riviera consists of a number of resort cities lying on the western shore of the Gulf of Aqaba and along the eastern shore of mainland Egypt, south of the Gulf of Suez. Choose from any of the listed popular destinations and enjoy your vacation with Pel Tours this season!

Sharm El-Sheikh
Nestled between the calm shores of the Red Sea and the national park of Ras Mohammed, Sharm el-Sheikh is the jewel of the Sinai Peninsula. For many visitors, the most striking scenery of this region is underwater in the colourful reefs encircling the peninsula. At this most extraordinary diving destination, you can snorkel or dive into an underwater playground of shipwrecks, coral gardens and azure-blue waters.

A multiplicity of hotels, restaurants, shops and bars lend Sharm El-Sheikh a cosmopolitan character. Naama Bay, with its hotels and diving centres, is the main tourist spot, while the resorts of Ras Um Sid, Ras Nasrani, Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay are also popular. Local excursions include diving courses and trips, desert safaris, and trips to Mount Sinai and the St Catherine?s Monastery.

Sharm El-Sheikh also offers great diving trips at the Ras Mohammed National Marine Park, which offers spectacular views of marine life and corals as well as shipwrecks for divers of all standards.

Dahab
Dahab, the Arabic word for gold, truly describes its sun-bathed beaches, which are a combination of soft sand, gorgeous blue water, and a luxuriant strip of palm trees spread all over. Almost 5 miles from town is the famous diving centre – Blue Hole. Towards the Israeli border is the Island of Coral, where the crusaders built a fort and the remains of which can still be seen.

Dahab has grown from a bustling village to an ideal retreat for holidaymakers and divers, wanting to escape from the chaos of everyday life. A 90-minute drive north of Sharm El-Sheikh, this holiday destination is an ideal resort for beginners and advanced divers, providing both shores and boat diving.

Assalah, the most developed part of Dahab, is an assortment of palm trees, campgrounds, shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants that lie along the shore of Ghazala Bay. This Bedouin village has a distinctly bohemian feel, and has some of the most spectacular, unspoiled and pristine dive sites off the Sinai peninsula. Hurghada

One of Egypt?s foremost resorts, Hurghada has some of the finest underwater corals in the world surrounding the shoreline, making the area a haven for divers and holidaymakers alike. Diving in Hurghada is an excellent experience, and it is an ideal location for advanced divers and those wishing to further their technical diving skills.

From tiny nudibranchs to giant whale sharks, this area has it all for a perfect Red Sea diving holiday: hard and soft coral, turtles and dolphins, mantas and moray eels, napoleons and tuna, and much more, including the wreck graveyard at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. Other activities include para-sailing, viewing the multi-coloured sea life from glass bottom boats, and deep-sea fishing.

Hurghada offers a wide variety of international cuisine and is famous for its excellent fish restaurants. During the night, this city comes alive with bustling bars, restaurants and clubs, and attracts a younger clientele, although revelers of all ages certainly won’t feel out of place.

El Gouna
Built on small islands and surrounded by lagoons and the Red Sea, El Gouna is a complete holiday destination offering all the amenities required for a relaxing holiday. This resort city offers great shopping, health treatments, and an excellent selection of restaurants, bars, clubs, beautiful beaches and uninhabited islands ? all within a 30-minute drive north of Hurghada.

In El Gouna, you can enjoy an unparalleled underwater paradise, travel through the desert, or take a hot-air balloon to experience some of the most beautiful scenery Egypt has to offer. It also has beautiful reefs with a good combination of hard and soft corals.

The city has three beautiful Red Sea beaches: Mangroovy, Zeytoona and Marina Beach. Although they do not have much underwater vegetation, these beaches are very beautiful, and swimming in them is a great experience.

El Quseir
To the south of Hurghada lies El Quesir ?a remote, un-commercialised coastal resort. Treasured for its peaceful location, it has become popular among holiday makers keen to experience the historical charm of Egypt yet relish in its slow pace. Inhabited since ancient times, this resort was an important commercial port in Roman times and later again as part of the spice route from India to Britain. It was also an important stopover in the pilgrimage from Egypt to Mecca. The ancient port still remains north of the town, and an Ottoman fort has also been recently restored.

Nuweiba
Nuweiba is a perfect destination for people looking for a quiet resort away from the main tourist areas. It is a small, peaceful area, situated on the shores of the Red Sea, giving easy access to the whole length of the Sinai coastline. This resort offers wonderful golden sandy secluded beaches and coves, stunning mountain scenery and a relaxed way of life. Nuweiba is an ideal place to learn to dive – with beautiful coral reefs and gardens teeming with life. The area is a haven for photographers as the cerulean waters allow them to focus on the smaller species such as multi-coloured nudibranches. If you are lucky, you may encounter one of the several types of seahorse varieties when diving. Taba and Taba Heights

Overlooking Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia, Taba is a paradise for active holidaymakers and outdoor types who enjoy the diving, surfing, sailing and catamarans, as well as walking or motorbike tours in the mountains. Recently, this city has experienced a growth spurt on its coastline and is now home to a number of leading hotel chains that have built luxurious resort hotels around a new luxurious resort called Taba Heights, which is 15km south of the border. Once completed, Taba Heights is expected to have 20 hotels, an 18-hole US Championship level golf course, a casino, a marina, as well as a full range of activities and water sports.

Darren Panto sales & marketing Peltours – the UK?s leading tour operator to Egypt and the Red Sea. For more information on Taba Heights and the major resorts of the area visit http://www.peltours.com/tabaheights/information.html Alternatively, for a full and comprehensive Egypt holiday search visit http://www.peltours.com

Bulgaria lies on the Black Sea, sharing the western coast with Romania and Turkey, with Greece on its southern border. If pristine white sand beaches and jagged coastline is not enough, Bulgaria also has some of the most impressive mountain ranges as it?s located at the southern reach of the Balkan range, it?s highest peak in the Pirin mountains reaching nearly 3000 meters. The mountains serve for more than just ski resorts; they also have an abundance of wildlife, forests and lakes for exploring.

Bulgaria?s Black Sea Coastline holds riches beyond belief. It?s sometimes difficult to fathom that such a small country could harbour such diverse environments in the abundance that Bulgaria provides; the coastline is no exception. The sandy beaches are clean and well cared for whether you spend your time in the resorts or hunting for the special, remote, secluded beaches. The current is mild and the temperature is warm; ideal for Bulgaria?s long summer days when a morning swim is definitely on the menu for utter relaxation. Along the coast you?ll also find a multitude of spas of still mineral waters, many of which are open to the public 24 hours per day. The north coast features high plains of vineyards, cliffs and 2000 year old Roman era ruins that make a mystical type of setting. The rocky beaches of the north are often free from the hustle of thousands of bathers in the south. Little known to the grand majority of tourists is that nestled on 100 meters on the beaches beneath the cliffs of the plateau are bathing spots and some of Bulgaria?s best sea food restaurants.

While there is more than enough fun to be had exploring the country by your own whit, driving, hiking, sailing, rowing, biking, walking and more, Bulgaria is full of resorts. The resorts also have a lot to offer on the coast. The largest of them, Sunny Beach (Bulgaria?s largest resort), Golden Sands and Albena are well known and attract visitors that come year after year to enjoy these cities constructed with only one goal in mind: Having the time of your life! Many of the veterans simply buy apartments on the resorts, especially popular in Bulgaria?s recent property boom. The resorts are continually changing with new attractions appearing every year, the latest of which are three new world class golf courses.

You?ll also find a lot of cultural events along the coast in the largest of Bulgaria?s Black Sea Coast cities, Varna (or Pearl of the Black Sea) and Burgas (respectively). The small island towns of Nessebar and Sozopol are among the most charming in Europe with history going back to ancient Greece and Rome preserved in sections of the towns. Sozopol also has one of Bulgaria?s most attractive cultural festivals lasting 10 days in the beginning of September. As the cradle of modern wineries, Bulgaria has vistas in which vineyards are visible for miles around in the mountains and plains west of Nessebar and Sozopol.

Bulgaria has a lot of offer for all of the seasons. From late autumn till mid spring Bulgaria?s three most popular ski resorts are open. Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo (which are in contest to hold a Winter Olympics event) are among the best resorts in Europe. These resorts are set in the Pirin and Rhodope mountains, the former of which carries the tallest peak in the Balkans. The mountains offer more than just some of the best skiing and boarding available. They have a number of lakes and forests that are simply remarkable in the early autumn for camping, hiking and living outdoors for weeks at a time in the mild weather.

Further south, the capital of Bulgaria?s wine culture, Melnik sits in rocky mountains close to the Greek boarder. Many, Bulgarians and foreigners alike visit Melnik to tour the vineyards, sample the wine and visit the monasteries which are numerous in the hills and mountains of the southwest. The winding mountain roads and multitude of small rivers, lakes and damns make for an enjoyable landscape and would satisfy any outdoor-centric individual.

With an abundance of high classed resorts, divine beaches, stunning mountains and forests, vibrant animal life, some of the friendliest people you?ll have the pleasure of meeting and the surprisingly low prices make Bulgaria a wonderful regular holiday destination, especially well suited to family holidays. There are few places that can compete in both the resort and tourist activities, a culture and people that are open, welcoming and warming as well as an abundance of natural and compelling reasons to visit this country for more than just a swim in clean waters.

Karim is an American expat currently residing in Bulgaria after completing a BFA in Fine Arts in the US and a MSc in Computer Science in the UK. He currently runs a number of businesses based in Europe including http://www.homesandinteriorsbg.com and http://www.investmentconsultingbg.com, primarily in Bulgaria.

Beautiful beaches, white sand coves, crystal clear shorelines and deep-sea waters are within minutes drive of anywhere. The island?s interior is home to dense pine-forests, refreshing rolling hills, traditional whitewashed villages and extremely friendly locals.

Ibiza Old Town itself is steeped in culture and history and the island’s capital, with its mediaeval walls and dominating Cathedral is one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean.

Of course if it?s nightlife you?re after ? look no further. Ibiza is the summer party capital of the world, and features spectacular night spots and world famous DJ?s.

The level of service has improved greatly on the island, with activities such as water sports, hot air ballooning, mountain-biking, boat rental and yoga easy to find and well-priced. For the full rock-star service, I would recommend hiring a villa complete with chef, maid and chauffeur; some villa rental agents are even offering a concierge service through which you can book tables at exclusive restaurants, get VIP tickets to the best clubs, hire boats or arrange other services such as masseurs in your villa. They can take the strain out of organising events such as weddings, and can arrange photographers, make-up artists and chauffeurs to make your special day as perfect as possible

If you are planning your summer holidays, take another look at Ibiza?I think you will find yourselves as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Check out the following websites for great accommodation options and a free concierge service:

http://www.internationalvillas.net http://www.specificallyibiza.co.uk

Bulgaria lies on the Black Sea, sharing the western coast with Romania and Turkey, with Greece on its southern border. If pristine white sand beaches and jagged coastline is not enough, Bulgaria also has some of the most impressive mountain ranges as it?s located at the southern reach of the Balkan range, it?s highest peak in the Pirin mountains reaching nearly 3000 meters. The mountains serve for more than just ski resorts; they also have an abundance of wildlife, forests and lakes for exploring.

Bulgaria?s Black Sea Coastline holds riches beyond belief. It?s sometimes difficult to fathom that such a small country could harbour such diverse environments in the abundance that Bulgaria provides; the coastline is no exception. The sandy beaches are clean and well cared for whether you spend your time in the resorts or hunting for the special, remote, secluded beaches. The current is mild and the temperature is warm; ideal for Bulgaria?s long summer days when a morning swim is definitely on the menu for utter relaxation. Along the coast you?ll also find a multitude of spas of still mineral waters, many of which are open to the public 24 hours per day. The north coast features high plains of vineyards, cliffs and 2000 year old Roman era ruins that make a mystical type of setting. The rocky beaches of the north are often free from the hustle of thousands of bathers in the south. Little known to the grand majority of tourists is that nestled on 100 meters on the beaches beneath the cliffs of the plateau are bathing spots and some of Bulgaria?s best sea food restaurants.

While there is more than enough fun to be had exploring the country by your own whit, driving, hiking, sailing, rowing, biking, walking and more, Bulgaria is full of resorts. The resorts also have a lot to offer on the coast. The largest of them, Sunny Beach (Bulgaria?s largest resort), Golden Sands and Albena are well known and attract visitors that come year after year to enjoy these cities constructed with only one goal in mind: Having the time of your life! Many of the veterans simply buy apartments on the resorts, especially popular in Bulgaria?s recent property boom. The resorts are continually changing with new attractions appearing every year, the latest of which are three new world class golf courses.

You?ll also find a lot of cultural events along the coast in the largest of Bulgaria?s Black Sea Coast cities, Varna (or Pearl of the Black Sea) and Burgas (respectively). The small island towns of Nessebar and Sozopol are among the most charming in Europe with history going back to ancient Greece and Rome preserved in sections of the towns. Sozopol also has one of Bulgaria?s most attractive cultural festivals lasting 10 days in the beginning of September. As the cradle of modern wineries, Bulgaria has vistas in which vineyards are visible for miles around in the mountains and plains west of Nessebar and Sozopol.

Bulgaria has a lot of offer for all of the seasons. From late autumn till mid spring Bulgaria?s three most popular ski resorts are open. Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo (which are in contest to hold a Winter Olympics event) are among the best resorts in Europe. These resorts are set in the Pirin and Rhodope mountains, the former of which carries the tallest peak in the Balkans. The mountains offer more than just some of the best skiing and boarding available. They have a number of lakes and forests that are simply remarkable in the early autumn for camping, hiking and living outdoors for weeks at a time in the mild weather.

Further south, the capital of Bulgaria?s wine culture, Melnik sits in rocky mountains close to the Greek boarder. Many, Bulgarians and foreigners alike visit Melnik to tour the vineyards, sample the wine and visit the monasteries which are numerous in the hills and mountains of the southwest. The winding mountain roads and multitude of small rivers, lakes and damns make for an enjoyable landscape and would satisfy any outdoor-centric individual.

With an abundance of high classed resorts, divine beaches, stunning mountains and forests, vibrant animal life, some of the friendliest people you?ll have the pleasure of meeting and the surprisingly low prices make Bulgaria a wonderful regular holiday destination, especially well suited to family holidays. There are few places that can compete in both the resort and tourist activities, a culture and people that are open, welcoming and warming as well as an abundance of natural and compelling reasons to visit this country for more than just a swim in clean waters.

Karim is an American expat currently residing in Bulgaria after completing a BFA in Fine Arts in the US and a MSc in Computer Science in the UK. He currently runs a number of businesses based in Europe including http://www.homesandinteriorsbg.com and http://www.investmentconsultingbg.com, primarily in Bulgaria.

Since distances on the Maltese Islands are small, you are never far from the sea and Malta has a large selection of beaches, both sandy or rocky, many people agree that Malta’s beaches are some of the nicest in all the Mediterranean. For those of you that like to enjoy yourself at night, Malta has great nightlife. In the towns of Paceville St.Julians and Sliema one may find many establishments catering to your every need. Paceville is more suited for the younger scene (16 – early 20s) featuring a hive of clubs, bars and pubs. In St.Julians and Sliema one may find an assortment or many fine restaurants, wine bars and cigar bars (especially around the Portomaso region). However, there is no shortage of bars and pubs and one may even come across the odd Irish Pub.

Malta has a rich and colorful history, dating back to the pre-historic times. Some of Malta’s first buildings were its pre-historic temples. These buildings are older (but not as famous) as the Egyptian Pyramids and are World Heritage Sites. The temples are well worth a visit, should one happen to be visiting Malta. Malta was ruled by several communities and these all left their mark, especially the Arabs and the British.

Whatever you look for in a holiday, it can be found in Malta. Be it extreme sports or simply relaxing by the beach.

Matthew Baldacchino
http://mattinmalta.wordpress.com

Beautiful beaches, white sand coves, crystal clear shorelines and deep-sea waters are within minutes drive of anywhere. The island?s interior is home to dense pine-forests, refreshing rolling hills, traditional whitewashed villages and extremely friendly locals.

Ibiza Old Town itself is steeped in culture and history and the island’s capital, with its mediaeval walls and dominating Cathedral is one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean.

Of course if it?s nightlife you?re after ? look no further. Ibiza is the summer party capital of the world, and features spectacular night spots and world famous DJ?s.

The level of service has improved greatly on the island, with activities such as water sports, hot air ballooning, mountain-biking, boat rental and yoga easy to find and well-priced. For the full rock-star service, I would recommend hiring a villa complete with chef, maid and chauffeur; some villa rental agents are even offering a concierge service through which you can book tables at exclusive restaurants, get VIP tickets to the best clubs, hire boats or arrange other services such as masseurs in your villa. They can take the strain out of organising events such as weddings, and can arrange photographers, make-up artists and chauffeurs to make your special day as perfect as possible

If you are planning your summer holidays, take another look at Ibiza?I think you will find yourselves as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Check out the following websites for great accommodation options and a free concierge service:

http://www.internationalvillas.net http://www.specificallyibiza.co.uk

Located on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, Africa, the Red Sea Riviera consists of a number of resort cities lying on the western shore of the Gulf of Aqaba and along the eastern shore of mainland Egypt, south of the Gulf of Suez. Choose from any of the listed popular destinations and enjoy your vacation with Pel Tours this season!

Sharm El-Sheikh
Nestled between the calm shores of the Red Sea and the national park of Ras Mohammed, Sharm el-Sheikh is the jewel of the Sinai Peninsula. For many visitors, the most striking scenery of this region is underwater in the colourful reefs encircling the peninsula. At this most extraordinary diving destination, you can snorkel or dive into an underwater playground of shipwrecks, coral gardens and azure-blue waters.

A multiplicity of hotels, restaurants, shops and bars lend Sharm El-Sheikh a cosmopolitan character. Naama Bay, with its hotels and diving centres, is the main tourist spot, while the resorts of Ras Um Sid, Ras Nasrani, Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay are also popular. Local excursions include diving courses and trips, desert safaris, and trips to Mount Sinai and the St Catherine?s Monastery.

Sharm El-Sheikh also offers great diving trips at the Ras Mohammed National Marine Park, which offers spectacular views of marine life and corals as well as shipwrecks for divers of all standards.

Dahab
Dahab, the Arabic word for gold, truly describes its sun-bathed beaches, which are a combination of soft sand, gorgeous blue water, and a luxuriant strip of palm trees spread all over. Almost 5 miles from town is the famous diving centre – Blue Hole. Towards the Israeli border is the Island of Coral, where the crusaders built a fort and the remains of which can still be seen.

Dahab has grown from a bustling village to an ideal retreat for holidaymakers and divers, wanting to escape from the chaos of everyday life. A 90-minute drive north of Sharm El-Sheikh, this holiday destination is an ideal resort for beginners and advanced divers, providing both shores and boat diving.

Assalah, the most developed part of Dahab, is an assortment of palm trees, campgrounds, shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants that lie along the shore of Ghazala Bay. This Bedouin village has a distinctly bohemian feel, and has some of the most spectacular, unspoiled and pristine dive sites off the Sinai peninsula. Hurghada

One of Egypt?s foremost resorts, Hurghada has some of the finest underwater corals in the world surrounding the shoreline, making the area a haven for divers and holidaymakers alike. Diving in Hurghada is an excellent experience, and it is an ideal location for advanced divers and those wishing to further their technical diving skills.

From tiny nudibranchs to giant whale sharks, this area has it all for a perfect Red Sea diving holiday: hard and soft coral, turtles and dolphins, mantas and moray eels, napoleons and tuna, and much more, including the wreck graveyard at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. Other activities include para-sailing, viewing the multi-coloured sea life from glass bottom boats, and deep-sea fishing.

Hurghada offers a wide variety of international cuisine and is famous for its excellent fish restaurants. During the night, this city comes alive with bustling bars, restaurants and clubs, and attracts a younger clientele, although revelers of all ages certainly won’t feel out of place.

El Gouna
Built on small islands and surrounded by lagoons and the Red Sea, El Gouna is a complete holiday destination offering all the amenities required for a relaxing holiday. This resort city offers great shopping, health treatments, and an excellent selection of restaurants, bars, clubs, beautiful beaches and uninhabited islands ? all within a 30-minute drive north of Hurghada.

In El Gouna, you can enjoy an unparalleled underwater paradise, travel through the desert, or take a hot-air balloon to experience some of the most beautiful scenery Egypt has to offer. It also has beautiful reefs with a good combination of hard and soft corals.

The city has three beautiful Red Sea beaches: Mangroovy, Zeytoona and Marina Beach. Although they do not have much underwater vegetation, these beaches are very beautiful, and swimming in them is a great experience.

El Quseir
To the south of Hurghada lies El Quesir ?a remote, un-commercialised coastal resort. Treasured for its peaceful location, it has become popular among holiday makers keen to experience the historical charm of Egypt yet relish in its slow pace. Inhabited since ancient times, this resort was an important commercial port in Roman times and later again as part of the spice route from India to Britain. It was also an important stopover in the pilgrimage from Egypt to Mecca. The ancient port still remains north of the town, and an Ottoman fort has also been recently restored.

Nuweiba
Nuweiba is a perfect destination for people looking for a quiet resort away from the main tourist areas. It is a small, peaceful area, situated on the shores of the Red Sea, giving easy access to the whole length of the Sinai coastline. This resort offers wonderful golden sandy secluded beaches and coves, stunning mountain scenery and a relaxed way of life. Nuweiba is an ideal place to learn to dive – with beautiful coral reefs and gardens teeming with life. The area is a haven for photographers as the cerulean waters allow them to focus on the smaller species such as multi-coloured nudibranches. If you are lucky, you may encounter one of the several types of seahorse varieties when diving. Taba and Taba Heights

Overlooking Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia, Taba is a paradise for active holidaymakers and outdoor types who enjoy the diving, surfing, sailing and catamarans, as well as walking or motorbike tours in the mountains. Recently, this city has experienced a growth spurt on its coastline and is now home to a number of leading hotel chains that have built luxurious resort hotels around a new luxurious resort called Taba Heights, which is 15km south of the border. Once completed, Taba Heights is expected to have 20 hotels, an 18-hole US Championship level golf course, a casino, a marina, as well as a full range of activities and water sports.

Darren Panto sales & marketing Peltours – the UK?s leading tour operator to Egypt and the Red Sea. For more information on Taba Heights and the major resorts of the area visit http://www.peltours.com/tabaheights/information.html Alternatively, for a full and comprehensive Egypt holiday search visit http://www.peltours.com

Since distances on the Maltese Islands are small, you are never far from the sea and Malta has a large selection of beaches, both sandy or rocky, many people agree that Malta’s beaches are some of the nicest in all the Mediterranean. For those of you that like to enjoy yourself at night, Malta has great nightlife. In the towns of Paceville St.Julians and Sliema one may find many establishments catering to your every need. Paceville is more suited for the younger scene (16 – early 20s) featuring a hive of clubs, bars and pubs. In St.Julians and Sliema one may find an assortment or many fine restaurants, wine bars and cigar bars (especially around the Portomaso region). However, there is no shortage of bars and pubs and one may even come across the odd Irish Pub.

Malta has a rich and colorful history, dating back to the pre-historic times. Some of Malta’s first buildings were its pre-historic temples. These buildings are older (but not as famous) as the Egyptian Pyramids and are World Heritage Sites. The temples are well worth a visit, should one happen to be visiting Malta. Malta was ruled by several communities and these all left their mark, especially the Arabs and the British.

Whatever you look for in a holiday, it can be found in Malta. Be it extreme sports or simply relaxing by the beach.

Matthew Baldacchino
http://mattinmalta.wordpress.com

The border town between Israel and Egypt, this Egyptian Riviera was once a rest town for traders using the caravan route to the fort of Aqaba at the northern-most edge of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Recently, Taba has experienced a growth spurt on its coastline and is now home to a number of leading hotel chains that have built luxurious resort hotels around a new luxurious resort called Taba Heights, which is 15 km south of the border.

Although Taba is a man-made holiday resort, it offers a wonderful vantage point for traveling into the Sinai desert, visiting Bedouin camps, and enjoying the still unspoiled coastline.

The views across the Gulf of Aqaba to Jordan and Saudi are very picturesque, especially at sunset when the mountains appear to turn red.

Taba Attractions

The Monastery of St. Catherine ? One of the most popular excursions from Taba, St. Catherine’s Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Sinai. This monastery was constructed under the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, it is built around what is thought to be the site of Moses’ Burning Bush.

It is a well-preserved monastery with a spectacular natural setting for priceless works of art, including Arab mosaics, Greek and Russian icons, Western oil paintings, paintings on wax, fine sacerdotal ornaments, enamels, marbles, chalices, and reliquaries, including one donated by Czar Alexander II in the 19th century, and another donated by Empress Catherine of Russia in the 17th century. St. Catherine’s Monastery also holds the world’s second largest collection of illuminated manuscripts.

Mount Sinai (or the Mountain of Moses) – Mount Sinai is considered sacred by the Muslims, Jews and Christians; it is believed that God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses on this mountain.

The 2,285-metre-high summit is easy to scale and most hikers stroll up during the night to avoid the heat and to capture the view of a stunning sunrise. You could also dare yourself to go by camel caravans or up the Steps of Repentance which has 3000 steps carved into rock monks.

Pharaoh’s Island and Salah El Din Citadel – One of Taba’s main attractions, Pharaoh’s Island is quite stunning. This rocky island is surrounded by outstanding blue and turquoise water that was once a Phoenician port.

Pharaoh’s Island is crowned by the ruins of the 12th century crusaders’ fort. This fort was built to protect the pilgrims on their journey from Jerusalem to St Catherine’s Monastery, and to levy taxes on the Arab merchants. If you are interested, you could also go snorkeling in the reefs surrounding the island?s nearby waters.

Diving Sites – Taba offers boat diving as well as shore diving from its several dive centres. The Canyon offers a diving depth of 40 metres and a stunning topography with lots of soft coral and fish, and amazing hard coral formations. The Picasso Reef, 200 metres from the shore, is an underwater mountain that leads down 24 metres to huge table corals. On a level of 12 metres, this reef is full of fish, including Picasso Trigger Fish.

The Coral City has huge Brain and Mountain corals that support many Lion Fish, occasionally Stone Fish and tiny Silver and Glass Fish. The Angel Net is full of huge coral blocks. Taba also offers the most beautiful collection of small Red Sea Banner Fish at the Ben Coral.

Taba Cuisine

Ful is a type of bean that is cooked in several ways, e.g. in ful midamess, whole beans are boiled which can be eaten with vegetables, mashed with onions, tomatoes and spices. This is also eaten with many other food dishes. Molokhiyya, a leafy-green summer vegetable used in soups and salads, is also popular with the Egyptians.

International cuisine is readily available in the hotels. The Egyptian meat-koftas and kebabs are a must-try for everyone. Veggies can sample chickpea balls called falafels, hoummos, and baba ghanoug (aubergine and tahina). Conclude your meal with a dessert treat of lip-smacking sweet honeyed pastries or baklavas!

Taba Heights Beaches

Marriott Beach – This is only a half-kilometre of private sand beach, which has waterfalls, a Jacuzzi, a cave, and a huge outdoor freshwater slide. A favourite with tourists is the swim-up bar, the children’s pool, and the children’s club (for children of 4 to 11 years of age).

You could also indulge in a wide variety of beach sports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, pedaloes, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving.

Taba Parks & Gardens

National Park of Nabq ? Stretching over 600 square kilometers, this national park is home to a variety of animal life, including herons, ospreys, storks, foxes and gazelles.

National Park of Ras Abu Galum – Further up north is the Abu Galum natural reserve, which has granite coastal mountains. Here you will find an abundance of plant and animal life, which also includes the Nubian ibexes, hyraxes and red foxes.

The Perfect Time to Visit

Summer can be quite hot in the Sinai, with temperatures often touching 40◦C/106◦F ? although the cool ocean breeze provides some respite. Cooler times to visit is during March to May or October to November when the mercury hits a pleasant average high of 28◦C/85◦F.

Darren Panto sales & marketing Peltours – the UK?s leading tour operator to Egypt and the Red Sea. For more information on Taba Heights and the major resorts of the area visit http://www.peltours.com/tabaheights/information.html Alternatively, for a full and comprehensive Egypt holiday search visit http://www.peltours.com