The Suez Canal is just to the north, while a 90 minute drive takes one to the Eastern Desert monasteries. Many extended classic tours travel to Sharm el-Sheikh specifically as a base for visiting Saint Katherine, St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Additionally, St. Anthony's in the Eastern Desert is significant as the world's oldest functioning monastery founded in honor of the Saint given credit for founding monasticism. Much of this monastery has recently been restored, and nearby is also the ancient monastery of St. Paul. In fact, at least for now, in comparison to Sharm el-Sheikh, most of the costs at Ain Soukhna have equal facilities (such as four or five star hotels). |
