Safaga (Egypt)

Safaga is a Red Sea cruise port in Egypt, not particularly attractive but is the main gateway for ocean cruise ship tourists to Upper Egypt and Nile River Valley. Across the desert is reached by bus travel Luxor (Karnak). A 164 km (102 mi) long paved road connects Safaga to Qena. Port Safaga also connects (via ferries) Egypt with Saudi Arabia (Port Duba).

Ancient Egyptians called Safaga "Weset", ancient Greeks called it "Thebes". During 18th and 19th dynasties, the city reached its height and its population soared to around 1 million.

Safaga as seaport was founded in 3rd century BC under the name Philotera. Current-day Safaga is a major therapeutic tourism destination for international customers. Local tourism industry specializes mainly in Red Sea scuba diving.