Is Dahab worth visiting, or is Sharm El Sheikh a better choice for a first trip to Egypt?

An Egyptian chef who previously worked 5 years in Sharm El Sheikh says Dahab is the better choice, arguing that Sharm has become too commercial and pricey while Dahab retains its authentic atmosphere. Practical note: the transfer from Sharm to Dahab is about 100 km, with checkpoints along the road since the area is near the Israeli border (about 150 km to Eilat).

Dahab is particularly suited to divers: choose it if scuba diving and a dive-focused atmosphere are the main reasons for your trip.

For a standard first-time Egypt holiday without a specific reason to stay in Dahab, consider Sharm El Sheikh; it is described as the more suitable conventional resort choice.

Choose Dahab deliberately if its specific low-key style is what you want rather than just any Egyptian beach resort. It can also suit repeat visitors looking for a different kind of Egypt trip.