The Middle East can be
one of the most exciting destinations for adventure travelers – that is of
course conditioned you dig past all that’s commercial and stereotypical. But as
spring starts to recede, allowing for the summer scorching sun to settle in,
adventure travel in the Middle East becomes as good as a mild death wish. Nonetheless,
one silver-lining remains, and that’s the region’s extended beaches along the
Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and more costal escapades.
If you’re a fan of
watersports, or simply hope for a fun-packed vacation by the beach, you may
want to check out these Middle East beaches, served with a pinch of
adrenaline:
Masirah Island – Oman
Far from the trending
tourist attractions around the Musandam fjords in northern Oman, Masirah Island
– which lies south-east of the peninsula – is considered one of Oman’s best
preserved beaches that cater for watersport enthusiasts.
Located 500 km away
from the Omani capital Muscat, this 95 km stretch of sandy beaches is Oman’s
up-and-coming destination for serious kite and windsurfers. If you’re still
tip-toeing around kite-surfing, you may want to start off at the lagoon near
Sur Masirah which is also optimum for free-styling.
Besides the allure of its watersports, Masirah Island is also the place for
you if you’re big on wildlife observation and bird watching.
Since the island’s
activities primarily revolve around the wind, the best time to visit is between May
and September.
Mirfa Beach – UAE
If there’s one thing
the Emirates knows how to do best, it’s adding a splash of luxury to
everything. This may appeal to a certain crowd of travelers, but sometimes all
you hope for is a calm beach where you can unwind – and that is exactly what
you’ll find at Mirfa beach, al-Dhafra’s only developed beach.
Mirfa may be a nice
spot for a night’s camping; however, it’s particularly famous for al-Gharbia
Watersports Festival that takes place annually around the end of April. During
the 10-day festival, champions and enthusiasts from around the world, as well as
local and global enthusiasts, come together to take part in multiple
competitions including rowing, sailing, kite-surfing, kayaking,
parachute-sailing, and much more.
Although beach-time usually
intersects with the summer, you must remember that the Emirates’ summer weather
is ruthless. It’s advisable you plan your visit around al-Gharbia Watersports Festival
in April. Otherwise, the best time to visit is between October and April.
Taghazout – Morocco
Only 30 minutes away
from Agadir, Taghazout is Morocco’s surfing haven where you’re guaranteed to
catch right about the perfect wave. Unlike the bustling Moroccan cities and
their markets, Taghazout is a fishing village that offers you a scrumptious mixture
of adrenaline and chill.
As the waves continue
to crash against the shore, hope is renewed for seasoned and amateur surfers to
breathe in the sport’s sense of freedom and adventure. After an exhausting day of
riding waves, you can immerse yourself in a sunset yoga session to stretch and
unwind, wrapping the day up on the perfect note.
Although Taghazout’s
alluring waves never go out of season, the best time to visit is between late
September and late April. To get the most out of your visit, make sure you
factor in and avoid the local high-season which brings with it plenty of crowds
– unless of course you enjoy over-populated beaches, then be our guest.
Farasan Islands – KSA
When one thinks of
summertime and beaches, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rarely the first place
to come to mind. But if you’re around the region and you’re in for a marine treat,
you definitely want to visit the Farasan Islands. Comprised of 84 islands in
the Red Sea, this archipelago boasts land and marine biodiversity that is
guaranteed to dazzle both divers and wildlife observers.
The main island of
Farasan is also home to archaeological sites, such as al-Qassar village and the
Ottoman Castle, that carry wafts of history for the more curious visitors.
Transportation to the
island is both easy and free. All you need to do is present your
personal identification documents at the Jizan port, and you can board one of
two ferries that move between Jizan and Farasan. Be careful though, during
high-seasons, you may want to book your place ahead of your visit.
Marsa Alam – Egypt
Cast in the far south
of Egypt on the shores of the Red Sea, Marsa Alam is a gem that has been
preserved for long enough away from sight, while other destinations in Sinai
and the Red Sea gained all the traction. Today, Marsa Alam is among the latest
diving destinations that offer pristine marine life in its utmost diversity and
color.
Besides diving, Marsa
Alam offers a snorkeling experience like no other in Egypt where you can come
face-to-face with dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs.
During cooler times of
the year, you can explore the desert life that lies across from the shoreline.
Rich in wildlife that roam the rocky valleys, the desert excursions add layers
of appreciation to the Marsa Alam experience. Whether you choose to stick to
the shores or venture deep through the mountains, make sure you dedicate enough
time to conversing with the locals and understanding their Bedouin culture.
Despite being high up south,
the weather in Marsa Alam is pleasant most of the year, with October to June
being the best months to visit.
Have you been to any
beaches in the Middle East that are blew your mind away? Make sure you tell us
about your experience in the comments below.
