Beat the Crowds at 6 Lesser-Known Beach Towns in the Middle East and Africa

Some of the most inspirational beach towns in the world dot the coasts of Africa and the Middle East, where you can dream up the perfect itinerary to satisfy your wanderlust, from Cleopatra’s Bath to coral reefs with a Lawrence of Arabia backdrop.

History and beaches in Sur, Oman

The cosy fishing village of Sur, on the eastern side of Oman, is a hidden gem surrounded by bright blue waters. Trade beach vibes for a history fix at the Sur Maritime Museum, which demonstrates shipbuilding and maritime trade over the centuries.

At sunset, you can watch fishermen casting their nets for a late-day catch. Then treat yourself to a fresh seafood feast at Al Hawash Restaurant at Al Ayjah Bridge overlooking the beach and historic Al Ayjah Lighthouse.

Swimming fit for a queen at Cleopatra’s Beach, Egypt

The village of Marsa Matrouh, Egypt, is home to Cleopatra’s Beach, which was once overshadowed by the Egyptian queen’s palace.

Tucked into this rock-lined lagoon is a spot named Cleopatra’s Bath, which is said to have been the bathing destination of Cleopatra and her paramour Mark Antony. (You can’t swim in the Bath, as the water is too rough and there are rocks offshore, but the beach is swim-friendly.)

A 3.5-hour drive from Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh’s powder-fine sand, sapphire-blue Mediterranean beaches and otherworldly rock formations make the region unmissable, even without a resident queen. Enjoy a bracing coffee at friendly downtown Lux Cafe to round out your day.

Laid-back vibes in Coffee Bay, South Africa

South Africa's Coffee Bay is a photographer's dream (Photo: Getty Images)

The laid-back village of Coffee Bay, South Africa, earned its name from Xhosa lore that a coffee barge crashed ashore and the beans germinated into coffee trees. The district surrounding Coffee Bay is also proudly the birthplace of Nelson Mandela.

Near enough to Durban for a day trip, Coffee Bay is on eastern South Africa’s Wild Coast. Stop at Friends Sea View Café for fresh coffee and baked goods with a backdrop of cliffs, hills dotted with wildlife and a white-sand beach.

Post brunch, surf the south side of this Indian Ocean bay (lessons available) or simply soak up some sun, with toes in the sand, at the edge of the bright blue sea.

A Red Sea fairytale in Saudi Arabia

For an epic beach experience in the heart of the Red Sea, visit the coral island village of Farasan in southwest Saudi Arabia, off the coast of the port city of Jazan.

Scuba and reef dive in the marine sanctuary, or just stretch out beach-side, admiring the bird sanctuary’s biodiversity and watching for humpback dolphins in the pristine water. Later, try the catch of the day during a Middle Eastern feast at Khaleej Restaurant.

Abandoned structures, including Turkish castles and ancient forts, dot the landscape, giving Farasan Island a fairytale vibe. There’s a free public ferry to the island – the largest in its archipelago – which departs twice a day. Book in advance next to the Al Baik Restaurant in Jazan, and arrive an hour early for a security check.

Coral reefs and a cinematic backdrop in Aqaba, Jordan

Savour your time by the sea in Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city (Photo: Getty Images)

The Red Sea’s warm waters are only a day-trip away from Petra, Jordan. Travel south to Aqaba, where the copper-coloured cliffs of Wadi Rum – filming location for Lawrence of Arabia and many sci-fi movies – serve as the backdrop to golden sandy beaches.

Take a dive with the Coral Garden Diving Center and explore the coral reef up close. Sea turtles, undersea wreckage and a rainbow of tropical fish will make your dive Instagram-worthy.

Enjoy a beach break while soaking in ancient culture at the Aqaba Museum, housed in a port city sultan’s former palace, where artefacts date back to the Bronze Age. Finish up with a Middle Eastern feast at foodies’ favourite Alshinawi Restaurant, enjoying outdoor seating to bask in yet more Jordanian sun.

Beach safari and salt domes at Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates can feel like a human-made oasis, even down to its beaches. A day-trip away from the capital city of Abu Dhabi to historic Sir Bani Yas Island yields natural white-sand beaches among wild mangroves and the ruins of ancient temples.

Book a safari at the conservation-minded island’s Arabian Wildlife Park, which is full of natural wonders like the formerly endangered oryx and flocks of flamingos. The island yielded a rich salt trade in its heyday, and you can still see the ancient salt hills.

Published: October 07, 2024