Historical in 470km south of Hurghada (near Sudanese border), Red Sea, Red Sea
Berenice (Ancient Berenike)
Ancient Berenike was a major Graeco-Roman port city founded by Ptolemy II in 275 BC, positioned on the Red Sea coast near the Sudanese border. The city was a vital entrepot on the ancient trade route connecting Rome to India and Arabia Felix, handling goods including ivory, spices, jewels, and exotic animals. The archaeological site contains ruins of a temple of Serapis, Roman-era streets, and harbor works. The modern town of Berenice has an important fishing port and access to some of the most pristine and untouched reefs in the Red Sea.
Hours: Archaeological site open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Best time: October to April
Best for: history lovers, archaeologists, adventurous travelers, extreme divers
Location
Berenice, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
23.9167, 35.4833 — View on map
Tips
- The drive south from Marsa Alam passes through spectacular desert scenery and offers sightings of gazelle and fox
- Permits may be required for the archaeological site — check with Marsa Alam-based tour operators
- The offshore reefs are among the least dived in Egypt — pristine and spectacular