Taba: Gulf of Aqaba, sea and Pharaoh’s Island
Taba brings together the sea and the mountain landscape at the northern end of a journey along Sinai’s eastern coast. Its distinctive cultural landmark is the fortress on Pharaoh’s Island.
Regional Sinai landscape, not a photograph of this locality.
The island and the fortress
The fortress associated with Saladin stands on Pharaoh’s Island, also called Coral Island. Plan it as a specific visit: confirm the boat departure point, whether landing is possible and which admission charges are included. It is a different site from Cairo’s Citadel.
Organising a stay
Allow time for the coast instead of treating Taba as a quick extra stop from Sharm. Compare staying locally with a return transfer, and settle the actual route before booking. A stay in Taba does not automatically include any international border crossing.
Read more and plan your visit
Continue with our editorial feature for the historical context, source references and more planning advice.