Open Travel Guide
History of Red Sea

Red Sea History & Heritage Guide 2026

A historical companion to Red Sea — what happened, where to stand, and what survives.

This guide covers 6+ historical sites in Red Sea — St. Anthony's Monastery (Deir Anba Antounius), St. Paul's Monastery (Deir Anba Bola) and Ancient Berenice (Berenike) top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

The Red Sea Governorate is Egypt's premier coastal destination, stretching over 1,200km along the Red Sea coast and offering world-class diving, pristine coral reefs, and luxury beach resorts. From the bustling resort hub of Hurghada to the unspoiled shores of Marsa Alam, this governorate combines natural wonders with modern amenities. The region attracts millions of visitors annually seeking underwater adventures, desert safaris, and sun-soaked relaxation.

Historical timeline

Key moments that shaped Red Sea.

  1. 1

    3000-2000 BC

  2. 2

    2000-332 BC

  3. 3

    332-30 BC

  4. 4

    30 BC - 395 AD

  5. 5

    3rd-4th century AD

  6. 6

    4th-7th century AD

  7. 7

    640 AD onwards

  8. 8

    1570s

  9. 9

    1800s-1900s

  10. 10

    1989-present

Historical sites

Places where Red Sea's past comes alive.

Historic

St. Anthony's Monastery (Deir Anba Antounius)

Where: Red Sea Mountains, 155km from Suez

Historic

St. Paul's Monastery (Deir Anba Bola)

Where: Red Sea Mountains, near Al-Zafarana

Historic

Ancient Berenice (Berenike)

Where: Near modern Berenice, 470km south of Hurghada

Historic

Quseir Ottoman Fortress

Where: Quseir city, 140km south of Hurghada

Historic

Wadi Hammamat Inscriptions

Where: Eastern Desert, between Qena and Quseir

Historic

Ancient Mons Smaragdus (Emerald Mines)

Where: Wadi Sikait, Wadi Nugrus, and surrounding wadis near Marsa Alam