Saint Catherine Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt lies the historic city of Saint Catherine, a destination revered for its spiritual significance and natural beauty. This city, located within the Governorate of Janub Sina, is a beacon for those seeking both enlightenment and adventure.

At the heart of Saint Catherine's allure is the Saint Catherine's Monastery, an Orthodox haven that is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site houses invaluable religious artifacts, including ancient manuscripts and icons, and claims to be the location of the biblical Burning Bush. Pilgrims and tourists alike are drawn to this sacred spot, which is often enveloped in an aura of tranquility and timelessness.

The surrounding region of Saint Catherine is equally captivating, with rugged landscapes that offer a stark contrast to the golden dunes typically associated with Egypt. The area is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with numerous trails leading through the rocky terrain, including the path to the summit of Mount Sinai. Climbing this mountain is a rite of passage for many, who ascend to witness the breathtaking sunrise that has been inspiring visitors for centuries.

Another natural wonder is the Colored Canyon, a geological marvel with its narrow walls of multicolored rock. Formed by the elements over millennia, the canyon is a favorite among trekkers seeking a glimpse into the Earth's vibrant past.

Despite its remote location, Saint Catherine provides essential amenities for travelers, with accommodations that range from basic guesthouses to more comfortable lodges. The city's small but welcoming community is known for its hospitality, offering a warm welcome to visitors from around the world.

The local Bedouin culture adds another layer of richness to the Saint Catherine experience, with opportunities to interact with indigenous tribes and learn about their ancient customs, crafts, and way of life. Visitors can also sample traditional Bedouin cuisine, which includes dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and infused with the flavors of the region.

Local name: سانت كاترين Population: 4.6 thous.Elevation: 5528 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 28°33'36"N, 33°58'31"E

Location

Janub SinaEgypt

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Saint Catherine Top Attractions

Saint Catherine Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saint Catherine offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine's Monastery, Church of Sinai. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

28°32'19"N • 33°58'31"E
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb or Gabal Musa, stands as a monumental sight in the city of Saint Catherine, Egypt. This mountain is steeped in religious significance, renowned as the biblical location where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
6th-century Greek Orthodox monastery
Saint Catherine's Monastery
Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt, Saint Catherine's Monastery is a beacon of religious history and architectural splendor. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, with an origin that dates back to the...
Church
Church of Sinai
The Church of Sinai is a Greek Orthodox autonomous church whose territory consists of St. Catherine's Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt, along with several dependencies. There is a dispute as to whether the church is fully autocephalous or merely autonomous.

Day trips

Saint Catherine – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Saint Catherine, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Willow Peak (Mount Sinai), Mount Catherine (Mount Sinai), Abu Madi (Mount Sinai).

0.6 miSW
Mountain
Willow Peak, Mount Sinai
Willow Peak or Ras es-Safsafeh is a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula. The mountain peak overlooks Saint Catherine's Monastery, and is situated approximately 1km to the west. Christian tradition considers the mountain to be the biblical Mount Horeb.
3.6 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Catherine, Mount Sinai
Mount Catherine, locally known as Gabal Katrîne, is the highest mountain in Egypt. It is located near the city of Saint Catherine in the South Sinai Governorate.
~1640 ftS
Archaeological site
Abu Madi, Mount Sinai
Abu Madi is a cluster of prehistoric, Neolithic tell mounds in Southern Sinai, Egypt. It is located east of Saint Catherine's Monastery at the bottom of a granite ridge. It was suggested to have been a seasonal encampment for groups of hunter gatherers and contained the remains of two major settlements; Abu Madi I and Abu Madi III.
45 milesNW
Archaeological site
Serabit el-Khadim
Serabit el-Khadim is a locality in the southwest Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, where turquoise was mined extensively in antiquity, mainly by the ancient Egyptians.
0.9 miSW
Park
Saint Katherine Protectorate, Mount Sinai
St Katherine Protectorate is an Egyptian national park in the south of Sinai. It encloses most of the mountainous area of central South Sinai, including the country's highest mountain, Mount Catherine at 2,629 metres above sea level.