Egypt's most tranquil city where the Nile is at its most beautiful
Aswan, located 900km south of Cairo, is Egypt's most beautiful and relaxed city. Situated on the Nile at the First Cataract (natural rapids), Aswan offers stunning river views with granite boulders, palm-covered islands, and traditional felucca sailboats creating an unforgettable landscape.
In ancient times, Aswan (ancient Syene) marked Egypt's southern border and served as the gateway to Nubia and Africa. Today, it's known for its laid-back atmosphere, Nubian culture, important temples like Philae, and as the gateway to Abu Simbel. The city is also home to the Aswan High Dam, one of the world's largest embankment dams.
Location: Agilkia Island (relocated from Philae Island)
Built: Ptolemaic period (380-30 BCE)
Dedicated to: Goddess Isis
Access: Motorboat from marina (EGP 100 round-trip)
Fee: EGP 300 ($10 USD)
Highlight: Beautiful island setting, Sound & Light Show available
Experience: Traditional sailboat cruise around Aswan's islands
Duration: 1-2 hours (sunset best), or overnight to Kom Ombo
Cost: EGP 200-400/hour (negotiate!)
Route: Around Elephantine Island, Kitchener's Island, past Nubian villages
Why: Most iconic Aswan experience - absolutely essential!
Location: West bank of Nile, around Gharb Soheil
Experience: Colorful houses, Nubian culture, hospitality, crocodiles!
Access: Boat from Aswan or organized tour
Highlights: Traditional Nubian houses, henna painting, local crafts
Food: Nubian tea and local dishes
Allow: Half-day with transport
Built: 1960-1970 with Soviet assistance
Size: 3,830m long, 111m tall
Created: Lake Nasser - world's largest artificial lake
Fee: EGP 100 ($3 USD)
Viewpoint: Panoramic views from monument
Historical Note: Saved many temples (Philae, Abu Simbel relocated)
Location: Ancient granite quarries, south Aswan
Size: Would have been 42m tall, 1,200 tons
Why Abandoned: Crack appeared during carving
Fee: EGP 140 ($5 USD)
Significance: Shows ancient quarrying techniques
Allow: 30-45 minutes
Distance: 280km south of Aswan (3.5 hours drive)
Built: Ramesses II, c. 1264 BCE
Tours: Early morning departure (4 AM), return by noon
Cost: Tours from $40-80 USD (transport + guide)
Entry: EGP 500 ($16)
Worth It: Absolutely - Egypt's most impressive temple!
Location: 45km north of Aswan
Unique: Double temple dedicated to two gods (Sobek & Horus)
Built: Ptolemaic period (180-47 BCE)
Fee: EGP 200 ($6 USD)
Highlights: Crocodile mummies, medical instruments reliefs
Visit: En route to/from Luxor or by day trip
Access: Public ferry from Corniche (EGP 5)
Highlights: Aswan Museum, ruins of ancient Yebu, Nubian villages
Experience: Walking around quiet villages, local life
Museum Fee: EGP 140 ($5 USD)
Why Visit: Escape city crowds, authentic local atmosphere
Location: West bank desert, above Nubian villages
Built: 7th century CE (Coptic Christian)
Access: Camel ride from West Bank or boat + walk
Fee: EGP 100 ($3 USD); Camel ride +EGP 100-200
Status: Well-preserved desert monastery
Views: Spectacular Nile and desert panoramas
Experience Egypt's most beautiful Nile views and warm Nubian hospitality!