Ras Sidr is one of the best tourist destinations in Egypt. It is about 200 kilometres from Cairo on the Gulf of Suez and east of Suez City. Ras Sidr is divided into three regions: Wadi Sidr, the Sidr area, and Abu Suwayra. The city has been well-known since ancient Egyptian times, during the time of the Prophet Moses, and Jesus, and in the eras of the Greeks and Romans.
The area has become a popular spot for one-day trips for both locals and tourists. It offers many attractions beyond its beautiful beaches, including medical, cultural, and safari tourism. The coast of Ras Sidr extends for 95 kilometres along the Gulf of Suez.
Places to visit
1. Stronghold Point Military Museum
This museum is located about 20 kilometres from the city of Suez and overlooks the road to Ras Sidr. When you visit, you can see trenches and rooms used by Israeli military leaders and view their equipment and personal belongings from the Israeli occupation of Sinai. There is a high point on the site that was used by the commander of the Israeli battalion for observation, providing a stunning view of the Suez Canal.
The museum showcases one of the valiant battles of the Egyptian army on October 9, 1973. It tells the story of the 603rd Battalion, which survived 134 days without supplies in trenches to protect the area.
2. Al Jundi Castle
Al Jundi is a significant cultural tourism site in South Sinai. Built by Al Nasir Salah Al-Din Al Ayyubi between 1183 and 1187 from granite, limestone, and sandstone, it is located 70 kilometres from Ras Sidr on Ras Al Jundi hill, which is 2150 feet above sea level.
The castle also features a mosque made of the same materials, consisting of several levels, each serving a different purpose. The construction of the castle reflects the ingenuity of the Egyptians, as it shows their understanding of the environment. It is five kilometres away from water sources and near a torrent stream. Salah Al-Din built a dam south of the castle to collect water, and the castle has three water tanks and various rooms for guards, kitchens, and storage.
3. Pharaoh’s Baths
Pharaoh’s Baths are natural sulfur water springs located south of Ras Sidr, about 250 kilometres from Cairo. To reach them, take the Cairo to Suez desert road, pass through the Martyr Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel, and follow the Ras Sidr Al-Tur Road to Sharm El-Sheikh.
4. Grendel Valley
Grendel Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in South Sinai, featuring several oases, wild birds, and desert animals. Located 115 kilometres from the Martyr Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel, it extends about 85 kilometres and is covered with lush vegetation and freshwater from natural springs that flow year-round.
5. Ain Ras Sidr
The springs in Ras Sidr are known for their healing properties. Ain Ras Sidr is located in Wadi Asal, about nine kilometres from the city. The water temperature reaches 200 degrees Celsius and comes out vigorously from the ground, releasing steam and sulfur smells. It flows through a 100-meter channel into a depression about two meters deep, creating a natural swimming pool where the water temperature varies from very hot to warm. The spring produces about 20 cubic meters of water per day.
6. Wadi Qnet Cave
In Wadi Qnet Cave, you can learn about the civilization of the ancient Egyptians through inscriptions that show their interest in mining. The cave is named after a part of Wadi Qenit, where the Egyptians extracted turquoise. Remains of ancient workers’ huts can still be found in the area, and many inscriptions have been moved to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
7. Moses Springs
Moses Springs are freshwater springs located in Ras Sidr, about 35 kilometres from Suez and 60 kilometres from the Martyr Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel. Named after the oasis where 12 water springs erupted for Prophet Moses, only four springs remain today, surrounding a small oasis. Water now flows from one well, known as the Sheikh well, which is about 40 feet deep.
The oasis used to be lush, with many palm trees growing around the well. There are still four palm trees, and their dates are a mix of yellow and red.
This beautiful destination is on the way to Sharm El-Sheikh and is known for its pleasant climate and scenic views overlooking the Gulf of Suez. Visitors come for its healing properties as well, as the sulfur springs are believed to treat chronic osteoarthritis, rheumatic conditions, fibromyalgia, and muscle relaxation.
Ras Sidr also offers attractions like Al-Sidr Castle and Al Jundi Castle, which was built during the time of Saladin to defend against enemies. Additionally, there are the Pharaoh’s Baths, which feature spring water from the mountains.