The resorts around the Red Sea offer a different kind of holiday to the Nile-based history-fest.

Holidaymakers flock to Sharm el Sheikh on the Sinai peninsular, and Hurghada on the Red Sea's west bank, mainly for the guaranteed winter sunshine, white sandy beaches, plus the fantastic diving amongst the coral reefs and exotic species of fish. Modern hotels and holiday complexes are close to traditional Arab villages. Hurghada has an aquarium that is located just north of the hospital in Hurghada at Ad-Dahar. They have a good selection of fish from the area and are reportedly open from 9am until 11 pm.

If you still need some history, there are flights to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The ancient monastery of St Catherine's can be reached from Sharm el Sheikh.

We have no first hand experience of these resorts. If you would like to contribute to this guide, e-mail us with your comments and/or photographs.