Aswan Travel Guide: Philae, Abu Simbel, Feluccas and Nubian Villages

Aswan is Egypt at its most relaxed. The Nile is at its most beautiful here, flowing between granite boulders, golden dunes and palm-covered islands, with white-sailed feluccas drifting past. It's the southern end of most Nile cruises and the gateway to Abu Simbel.

Temples and monuments

1. Philae Temple

The Temple of Isis was moved, stone by stone, to Agilkia Island when the Aswan dams threatened to flood it. You reach it by a short motorboat ride, and the setting on the water is magical. A sound and light show runs in the evening.

2. Abu Simbel

The great temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, carved into a mountain near the Sudanese border, were relocated in the 1960s to save them from Lake Nasser. Twice a year, in February and October, the rising sun lights the statues deep inside the main temple.

3. The Unfinished Obelisk

In an ancient granite quarry lies the largest known obelisk ever attempted, abandoned when it cracked. It shows exactly how the Egyptians carved stone on a massive scale.

4. The Nubian Museum

An excellent, well-presented museum telling the story of Nubia and the international campaign to save its monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Its garden is a peaceful spot in the late afternoon.

5. The High Dam

Completed in 1970, the dam created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. Most visitors stop briefly for the view on the way to Philae or Abu Simbel.

On the Nile

6. Sail a felucca

Spend an hour or two sailing between Elephantine Island, Kitchener's Island and the West Bank, ideally before sunset. Agree the price and the duration before you set off.

7. Visit Kitchener's Island

The Aswan Botanical Garden fills an island in the river with exotic trees and plants – a shady escape reached by boat.

8. Explore a Nubian village

Boats take you upriver to colourful Nubian villages such as Gharb Soheil on the West Bank, where you can visit a family home, drink tea and buy local crafts.

9. Climb to the Tombs of the Nobles

Rock-cut tombs of local governors overlook the river from the West Bank. The view across Aswan is the reward for the climb, especially in the late afternoon.

In town

10. Wander the souk and the Corniche

Aswan's market street is full of spices, baskets, scarves and dried hibiscus for karkadeh. In the evening, walk along the Corniche and watch the boats on the Nile. For a treat, have tea on the terrace of the historic Old Cataract Hotel.

Getting there

Aswan has a domestic airport with flights to Cairo, and trains and roads connect it with Luxor (about three hours). Many visitors arrive by Nile cruise from Luxor. From the Red Sea, Aswan is a long day's drive – most travellers from Hurghada combine it with a Nile cruise or visit Luxor instead.