Attractions in Red Sea Coast (Red Sea State)
Coral reefs and Ottoman ruins by the sea 🐠
Showing 11 attractions · Sorted by importance
Old City of Suakin
📍 Suakin
🏰 CastleExplore the atmospheric ruins of an ancient coral-stone port city that once served as a major Ottoman-era trading hub.
Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park
📍 Mohammed Qol
⛱ BeachThis protected marine area offers pristine beaches and is a globally significant habitat for dugongs, sea turtles, and manta rays.
The Sinkat Pass and Erkowit Road
📍 Port Sudan
🚗 Road TripApproximately 120km of paved mountain highway (2-3 hours). This dramatic route climbs from the Red Sea coast into the rugged Red Sea Hills, featuring steep hairpin turns and granite peaks. It culminates in the Erkowit Plateau, known as the 'Green Resort' of Sudan, offering panoramic views of the desert and sea from 1,200 meters above sea level.
Erkowit (Arkowit) Mist Oasis
📍 Suakin
🌲 NatureA unique high-altitude nature reserve in the Red Sea Hills known as a 'mist oasis' with lush vegetation and rare dragon blood trees.
Erkowit (Arkweet)
📍 Erkowit
🏔 Scenic ViewLocated in the Red Sea Hills, this scenic hill station is famous for its unique mist-shrouded peaks, rare flora, and panoramic mountain views.
Erkowit Plateau Trails (Jebel Sit)
📍 Erkowit
🥾 Hiking & CyclingApprox 8km network of moderate hiking paths located in the 'Mist Oasis' of the Red Sea Hills. Typical duration is 3-5 hours with an elevation gain of roughly 300m. The most popular route leads to the summit of Jebel Sit (Mount of the Lady), offering panoramic views of the Sudanese highlands and unique endemic flora such as the endangered Dragon Tree (Dracaena ombet). There are no formal bike or equipment rental companies in the village; hikers typically arrive via private transport from Port Sudan and may hire local guides.
Port Sudan to Suakin Coastal Road
📍 Port Sudan
🚗 Road Trip60km paved coastal highway (1 hour). A straightforward but culturally significant drive connecting the modern port to the ancient coral city of Suakin. The route runs parallel to the Red Sea, offering views of the turquoise water and salt pans, frequently passing camel herds and Beja nomadic settlements.
Sanganeb Lighthouse
📍 Port Sudan
🏰 CastleA historic British-built stone lighthouse standing on a UNESCO-listed coral atoll, offering panoramic views of the Red Sea.
Dungonab Bay Coastal Route
📍 Port Sudan
🚗 Road Trip160km paved road (3-4 hours) heading north from Port Sudan. This route tracks between the Red Sea Hills and the coastline, leading to the UNESCO-listed Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park. The drive offers stark, beautiful vistas of untouched desert meeting the sea, leading to remote fishing villages like Mohammed Qol.