The Red Sea Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul

The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul stand in the Eastern Desert near the Red Sea coast and preserve an important Christian monastic landscape in Egypt. From Hurghada, visiting both is a long private day, often around 12 hours, so it suits travelers with a real interest in Coptic history rather than anyone looking for a quick resort excursion.

Egypt is where Christian monasticism began, and these two communities sit at its origin. Anthony the Great withdrew into the desert in the late third and early fourth centuries and became one of the central figures of the monastic movement. Paul of Thebes, remembered as Paul the Anchorite or the first hermit, is traditionally said to have lived alone in a cave not far away. Monks still live, pray, and work in both monasteries today, which makes a visit very different from touring an archaeological site.

The monasteries lie in the South Galala mountains, set back from the Gulf of Suez roughly between Zafarana and Ras Gharib. Their isolation is part of their meaning: they were built to be hard to reach. That is also why a day trip needs careful planning. This guide explains what you will see, how the day works and how to prepare.

The monasteries at a glance

The Monastery of St. Anthony

The Monastery of St. Anthony developed near the cave associated with Anthony the Great. Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities describes the complex as dating to around the end of the fourth century, with ancient churches, a fortress, monastic cells, and later buildings. Over the centuries, the community enclosed itself within high walls for protection, and the result feels like a small village of churches, gardens and buildings in the shadow of the cliffs.

What to look for

The highlight for many visitors is the Church of St. Anthony, whose medieval wall paintings were cleaned and conserved in a major project in the 1990s and early 2000s, led by the American Research Center in Egypt with the monastery and Egyptian authorities. The paintings show saints, monastic founders, mounted warrior saints and scenes from Christian tradition in strong reds, ochres and blues. Ask your monk guide to point out the figures of the desert fathers, who connect directly to the story of the place.

Look also for the keep, a tall defensive tower once used as a refuge, the old mill and bakery areas, and the spring that has supplied the community with water for centuries. The spring is one of the practical reasons monastic life could survive in such a dry setting.

St. Anthony's cave

Above the monastery, a path and staircase climb the cliff to the cave where Anthony is believed to have lived in his later years. The climb involves well over a thousand steps and takes a significant amount of extra time, with little shade. It is an optional physical extension, not part of every visit, and should be planned in advance if you want to include it. The views across the desert toward the Gulf of Suez are a reward for those who make it.

Visitor rules at St. Anthony

The monastery's own visitor guide currently states that the gate is open from 6 AM to 4 PM for foreign visitors, with scheduled guided visits during the day. It asks visitors to dress respectfully and notes closures during Holy Week. Those details should be checked again for your exact travel date.

The same official guidance currently says that visiting the monastery is free, with donations possible. As with all visiting details, reconfirm before you travel.

The Monastery of St. Paul

The Monastery of St. Paul the Anchorite developed around the cave linked with Paul, an early desert hermit. The complex includes churches and historic monastic buildings and creates a natural paired visit with St. Anthony for travelers exploring the origins of Christian monastic life in Egypt.

At the heart of the monastery, the cave church built around Paul's traditional dwelling is reached by steps down into the rock. Its walls carry painted decoration, and the small, low spaces give a strong sense of the hermit life that the monastery commemorates. Above ground, the community's buildings, gardens and walls show how a later monastic settlement grew around the cave.

St. Paul's sits on the other side of the same mountain range from St. Anthony. Although the two are not far apart as the crow flies, the road between them is long, which is one reason a two-monastery day fills so much time.

How the day from Hurghada works

From Hurghada the monasteries are far enough north that the excursion requires an early start and a long return. The most comfortable way to do it is as a private cultural day in a comfortable vehicle, with planned rest stops and clear expectations about dress and access.

A typical outline:

• Very early morning: Leave Hurghada and drive north along the Red Sea coast road.
• Morning: Arrive at St. Paul's or St. Anthony's, depending on visiting times and the route your driver advises.
• Midday: Visit the first monastery with a monk or guide, then continue to the second.
• Afternoon: Tour the second monastery, with a short lunch stop if one is planned.
• Evening: Drive back south, usually arriving in the evening.

The monasteries can also be visited from Cairo, often in combination with a stay on the Red Sea coast at Ain Sokhna. Road times depend on your hotel location, checkpoints, traffic, and conditions, so treat any timing as a planning range and reconfirm before the day.

Who should add this trip

It is especially strong for travelers interested in Coptic heritage or religious history, and for repeat visitors who have already seen the major pharaonic route. Pilgrims and church groups often find it a meaningful day of their time in Egypt.

For a first one-week Egypt itinerary, it should be an optional extension rather than a replacement for Cairo, Luxor or Aswan. If you are based on the Red Sea and want one cultural day away from the beach, it is a deeply rewarding choice, but be ready for many hours in the car. If you would like to see Coptic heritage with less driving, the churches of Coptic Cairo are a good alternative; see our Cairo guide.

Etiquette and practical tips

These are active religious communities, and visitors are guests.

• Dress modestly. Cover shoulders, arms, and knees, and avoid tight or see-through clothing. Women may wish to bring a scarf.
• Follow your guide. Visits are often led by a monk or monastery guide, and some areas are reserved for the community.
• Ask about photography. Rules can differ inside churches and in other areas.
• Keep your voice low, particularly in churches and during prayers.
• Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Facilities along the desert road are limited.
• Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to climb to St. Anthony's cave or descend into the cave church at St. Paul's.
• Check Holy Week and feast days. Closures and crowds can change the experience significantly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit St. Anthony and St. Paul in one day from Hurghada?

Yes, but it is a long day of around 12 hours. It should be arranged with realistic road time and current monastery access confirmed in advance.

Is there an entrance fee?

St. Anthony's official visitor guidance currently says that visiting the monastery is free, with donations possible. Reconfirm before travel, and check arrangements at St. Paul's separately.

How should I dress?

Dress modestly and respectfully, as these are active religious communities. Cover shoulders, arms, and knees, and consider bringing a scarf.

Can I climb to St. Anthony's cave?

The cave is an optional physical extension with many steps and additional time. It should not be assumed as part of every day trip, so ask for it when you plan your visit.

Are the monasteries closed at any time?

St. Anthony's guidance notes closures during Holy Week, and visiting hours apply on other days. Check the current schedule for both monasteries before your date.

Plan it with Nourbelle

If you would like a private Red Sea monasteries day, browse our day tours or tell us your dates on plan your trip and we will check current access for you.