Ain Sokhna is one of the tourist resorts located on the coast of the Suez Gulf in the Red Sea Governorate, known for its distinctive investment and industrial zones. It's also considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Egypt and is a favorite spot for both Egyptians and tourists, especially during the summer. The area boasts enchanting beaches and unique features, with one of the most prominent being its natural therapeutic benefits.
The name Ain Sokhna, which means "hot spring" in Arabic, was given to this area because of the numerous sulfur springs found there. These springs have been used for therapeutic and healing purposes, treating a wide range of conditions related to bones, skin diseases, circulatory issues, and joints. One of the most famous springs in the area is a hot spring that provides effective treatment for the mentioned conditions, with a temperature exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, located in the Ataqa Mountain area, south of the Suez Gulf.
Overview of Ain Sokhna
Ain Sokhna, in general, offers a refreshing and rejuvenating climate that supports patients in their recovery and helps enhance their mental well-being. In the winter, temperatures in Ain Sokhna reach 32 degrees Celsius, while during the summer, temperatures can reach a maximum of 36 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, Ain Sokhna is also a prime investment zone. In addition to its therapeutic and recreational areas, it has a significant industrial presence, with various gas refining projects, petroleum companies, and chemical industries.
For tourism, in addition to the therapeutic areas, there are hotels, chalets, and tourist attractions known for their charm and beauty. Some of its beaches have soft, white sands, and the area has become a magnet for tourists from all around the world.
In recent times, an archaeological treasure dating back to the Middle and Modern Kingdoms was discovered in the Jebel al-Jalalah area. There is a misconception that this area is not inhabited by residents, but that is entirely false. The Ain Sokhna area has a population living there throughout the year.
Key Highlights and Attractions in Ain Sokhna
- Petrified Forest Reserve: This geological rarity is one of the largest natural reserves globally, covering an area of 7 square kilometres. It contains a vast plateau with various hills, featuring petrified trees with roots and trunks that have been fossilized for a long time. The reserve holds an abundance of unique ancient artefacts.
- Adiba Bay: Adiba Bay is a prominent landmark within Ain Sokhna. It is a place where visitors come to enjoy the serene atmosphere and breathtaking natural landscapes. The bay is famous for its clear and pristine waters and is also home to the sunken remains of several majestic ships, each carrying mysterious tales of their own.
- Desert Safari: Ain Sokhna's vast desert areas, known for their Bedouin-style environments, attract tourists seeking to explore the desert's unique features and experience the lifestyle of the local Bedouin people. Guided safari trips help tourists discover the distinctive aspects of these deserts, which are home to rare plant species, toxic plants, and various desert wildlife, including rabbits and foxes.
The Mysterious Petroleum Beach
This beach is considered one of the most mysterious beaches in the world. It is truly enigmatic and located near many tourist resorts in the Ain Sokhna area of Hurghada. What makes it mysterious is that the water does not mix with the presence of petroleum.
Petroleum has spilt from ancient sunken ships, and one can see the petroleum or oil itself, distinct from the blue waters. The water remains remarkably clear, and the sands also have a rare golden colour. The state has taken care of this unique area, providing various services to preserve it and offer many recreational activities for tourists.
International Hotels
Ain Sokhna stands out with numerous hotels of different star ratings, catering to the financial abilities of tourists from within and outside Egypt. Some of these include:
- Teeda Swiss Inn Plaza Hotel, offers various amenities such as free breakfast, internet service, meeting rooms, and different venues for events, in addition to health services like saunas and Jacuzzis.
- Movenpick Ain Sokhna, a renowned international hotel, also provides a wide range of features for tourists, including various beauty salons and air purification systems, as well as non-smoking rooms.
Ain Sokhna Area
Ain Sokhna is one of the most important tourist destinations in Egypt, welcoming a large number of tourists throughout the year. It is located on the Red Sea coast and administratively belongs to the Suez Governorate. It is about 55 kilometers away from the Ain El Sokhna area and approximately an hour's drive from Cairo.
It is an investment and tourist resort since it boasts many beautiful attractions. In 2014, the armed forces developed the area in collaboration with private real estate development companies, turning Ain Sokhna into one of the golden regions in Egypt.
As for its location, it is situated between Cairo, the Fifth Settlement, and the New Administrative Capital. It is only 80 kilometers away from the New Administrative Capital and around 200 kilometers from Ismailia.
The state intends to establish the Ain Railway to serve as a transportation link between Ain Sokhna and most neighboring governorates since the state always seeks to connect this distinctive investment area with other cities.
The total area of Ain Sokhna is approximately 17,000 acres, which is sufficient to make this distinctive area a tourist destination for people from all over the world. It is small but filled with essential areas and attractions that pique the interest of tourists, whether from within Egypt or abroad.
As for Ain Sokhna's location on the map
- It is about 55 kilometers away from the heart of Suez City.
- You can reach Ain Sokhna from Cairo in just 45 minutes by car.
- You can reach Ain Sokhna from Alexandria either via the agricultural road, which takes about four hours or through the desert road, which takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- You can reach Ain Sokhna from Hurghada in about 4 hours.
- It is only a 30-minute drive from the New Administrative Capital.
- There is an excellent transportation network that makes reaching Ain Sokhna easily accessible. There are shortcuts like Zaafarana Road, Kareemats Road, and Tahrir and Maadi areas, which are important stations for reaching Ain Sokhna.
Prominent Developers in Ain Sokhna
Given Ain Sokhna's uniqueness with all its features and exclusive areas, it attracts tourists both from within Egypt and abroad. Several major companies have successfully executed projects in the area, enhancing its charm. Some of the most notable companies include:
- Madaar Real Estate Development Company: One of the leading real estate companies in Ain Sokhna, Madaar focuses on creating large residential and commercial projects adhering to international standards and criteria, perfectly aligned with the upscale nature of the region.
- Tameer Egypt Real Estate Development Company: Ideal for executing large-scale residential and commercial projects in the new cities of Egypt, especially Ain Sokhna, Tameer Egypt began its operations in 2014 and has since completed numerous substantial projects.
- Dar Misr Real Estate Development Company: A pioneer among real estate companies, Dar Misr has achieved significant milestones in developing new cities in Egypt, particularly in Ain Sokhna. The company constructs remarkable and challenging projects on the coasts, delivering them with remarkable designs and modern technological features.
- Ajna Real Estate Development Company: Although a relatively new player in the real estate industry, Ajna has made a name for itself with a combination of strategic policies and a team of skilled engineers and workers. The company successfully executed opulent and stunning projects in Ain Sokhna, adhering to global standards.
- Maven Real Estate Development Company: Established in 2018, Maven may be a newcomer, but it has excelled in delivering world-class resort services in coastal cities, especially in new cities. With competitive pricing, captivating designs, and services tailored to the peaceful sea, Maven has become one of the top real estate companies in Ain Sokhna.