Aswan Egypt Holidays
Aswan
Holidays
Egypt's most beautiful city — the Nile at its most serene, Nubian villages, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel and the most atmospheric felucca sailing in the world
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Flight Time
5–6h from UK (via Cairo, then 1h domestic)
Best Time
October to April (avoid summer heat)
Country
Egypt
Suppliers
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Aswan Holiday Guide
Aswan is Egypt's most beautiful and atmospheric city — Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, felucca sailing and the Nubian villages make it the most rewarding destination on the Nile. The Abu Simbel temples are the most dramatic in Egypt.
Allow at least 2 days. The Luxor–Aswan Nile cruise is the perfect way to travel between the two cities. October to April is the best time to visit.
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Popular Areas in Aswan
Average Temperatures
Jan
24°C
Feb
27°C
Mar
32°C
Apr
38°C
May
43°C
Jun
44°C
Jul
44°C
Aug
43°C
Sep
41°C
Oct
37°C
Nov
30°C
Dec
25°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Aswan
The Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, felucca sailing and Nubian villages that make Aswan the most beautiful and atmospheric city on the Nile.
Philae Temple
Philae Temple is the most romantic temple in Egypt — a beautiful island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam flooded its original location. The temple is reached by motorboat and is best visited in the late afternoon when the light is golden. The Sound and Light Show at night is one of the finest in Egypt.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is the most dramatic temple complex in Egypt — two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, relocated in an extraordinary UNESCO engineering project when the Aswan High Dam was built. The Great Temple has four 20-metre-high statues of Ramesses II at its entrance. The temples are 280km south of Aswan and are reached by a 3-hour drive through the desert or a 45-minute flight.
Felucca Sailing
Sailing on the Nile in a traditional felucca (a wooden sailing boat) is the most atmospheric way to experience Aswan — a slow, peaceful journey between the granite islands and Nubian villages, with the desert cliffs on one side and the lush green riverbank on the other. Felucca trips range from a 1-hour sunset sail to a 3-day journey to Luxor. The sunset felucca trip is one of the most beautiful experiences in Egypt.
Nubian Villages
The Nubian villages around Aswan are the most colourful and characterful in Egypt — brightly painted houses in vivid blues, yellows and pinks, with crocodile-skin decorations and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The villages on Elephantine Island and on the west bank of the Nile are the most accessible. Visiting a Nubian home for tea and a meal is one of the most memorable experiences in Egypt.
Elephantine Island
Elephantine Island is the largest island in the Nile at Aswan — a beautiful island with ancient ruins (the Temple of Khnum, the Nilometer), Nubian villages and the excellent Aswan Museum. The island is reached by a short motorboat ride from the Corniche. The views of the Nile from the island are extraordinary and the atmosphere is peaceful and unhurried.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam is one of the greatest engineering projects of the 20th century — a massive dam built between 1960 and 1970 that created Lake Nasser (the world's largest man-made lake) and transformed Egypt's agriculture and electricity supply. The dam is 3.6km long and 111 metres high. The views from the dam over Lake Nasser and the Nile are extraordinary.
Nile Cruise
Aswan is the southern terminus of the classic Luxor–Aswan Nile cruise — a 3–7 night journey by traditional dahabiya or modern cruise ship along the most historic stretch of the Nile, stopping at the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu. The cruise is one of the great travel experiences and the temples are seen at their most atmospheric from the river.
Practical Tips
Aswan is best visited in the cooler months (October to April) — summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Allow at least 2 days — one for the Aswan sites (Philae, Elephantine Island, Unfinished Obelisk) and one for Abu Simbel. The Abu Simbel day trip departs very early (4am) to arrive at sunrise. The Aswan–Luxor Nile cruise is the perfect extension.
Explore Aswan on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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