Why Safaga
Safaga, also referred to as Port Safaga, is an Egyptian coastal city along the Red Sea, situated 33 miles (53 kilometers) south of Hurghada. The location serves as a notable shipping harbor, particularly recognized as a hub for exporting phosphates mined from the surrounding area. Beyond its industrial role, the destination functions as a coastal getaway featuring rest houses and bungalows for visitors.
Historically, the settlement was established between 282 BC and 268 BC by Satyrus. Originally named Philotera, and sometimes referred to as Philoterida, the ancient town was named in memory of the sister of Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Over time, Safaga developed into a long-standing commercial merchant port.
In addition to its maritime trade, Safaga has developed a specialized tourism sector. The area is widely recognized for therapeutic tourism, supported by medical research highlighting its environmental qualities. It is also a favored spot for water sports, particularly scuba diving, and previously gained international sports prominence when it hosted the Red Sea World Windsurfing Championships in 1993.
The city features an active port that acts as a transit point for travelers. Ferries regularly operate from Safaga to Duba, serving passengers and Hajj pilgrims traveling onward to Mecca. For land transport, a 102-mile (164-kilometer) paved road links Safaga directly to the inland city of Qena in Upper Egypt.
Safaga experiences a hot desert climate typical of the region. Extreme weather conditions have varied over the years, with the highest documented temperature reaching 115 °F (46 °C) in late July 2002, and the lowest recording dropping to 32 °F (0 °C) in early February 1993.
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