The charm of the Red Sea: beaches, coral reefs, and marine life

Piero: if I had to describe Marsa Alam with a single image, I would choose, without hesitation, a tongue of desert stretching into the Red Sea.

Angela: it was also the reason why we found ourselves taking long walks every day. Not to reach a particular destination, but simply to enjoy a landscape that constantly changed with the light.

Piero: the contrast is truly breathtaking. Behind us lie the rugged desert mountains; in front of us, the Red Sea, with incredible shades shifting from turquoise to the deepest blue, and even emerald green.

Angela: it was impossible not to stop every few minutes to take a photo. The golden sand, the small coves, the wind-shaped rocks, and the incredibly crystal-clear water all seemed as if they had been created especially to be photographed.

Piero: one of the things that impressed us the most was the peace and quiet, broken only by the sound of the wind. Even after walking for kilometres, we often came across very few people.

Angela: here, nature is still the true star of the show.

Piero: but all you have to do is look out towards the sea to realise that the greatest wonders lie just beneath the surface.

Angela: almost every resort in Marsa Alam has a long jetty extending over the reef. At first, we thought they were simply a convenient way to get into the water…

Piero: …then we realised they are essential. The coral reef begins just a short distance from the shore, and walking across it would damage an extremely fragile ecosystem.

Angela: but once you reach the end of the jetty, an entirely different world opens up before you.

Piero: all you need is a mask and snorkel to find yourself surrounded by one of the most beautiful coral reefs on Earth. Now, come and dive in with us in this short video!

Angela: you don't need to be an experienced diver. Even with simple snorkelling, you can admire corals of the most extraordinary shapes and hundreds of tropical fish swimming peacefully just a few metres below the surface.

Piero: we spotted butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, colourful clownfish hiding among the anemones and, with a little luck, even large schools of trevallies and barracudas patrolling the reef. We also came across a few small rays close to the shore.

Angela: every time we entered the water felt different from the last. Just a few metres were enough to reveal completely new underwater landscapes, making it almost impossible to take our eyes off the reef.

Piero: one of our dreams was to swim with sea turtles and perhaps even encounter the shy dugong, better known as the "sea cow."

Angela: unfortunately, we weren't that lucky. Both species live in the waters around Marsa Alam, especially near Abu Dabbab and Marsa Mubarak, but to improve your chances of seeing them, it is often necessary to join a dedicated excursion.

Piero: and, it has to be said, those excursions are not always inexpensive. Before booking, we recommend comparing different operators and checking carefully what is included in the price.

Angela: even without these unforgettable encounters, the coral reef gave us incredible emotions. It's one of those places that never stops amazing you every time you put your head beneath the surface.

Piero: and perhaps that is the true magic of the Red Sea: you never know what wonder is waiting for you behind the next coral.