Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Its ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.
In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and it's still a perfect place to get away from it all.
Every night Nubian dancers and musicians perform in the Cultural Center, just off the Corniche. Folklore troupes recreate scenes from village life and perform the famous Nubian mock stick-fight dances.
Location
Aswan town located about 680 km (425 miles) south of Cairo, and about 81 miles south of Luxor.
Weather
The weather in Aswan affects the influx of tourists at different times of the year. Aswan remains hot and dry most of the year. The temperatures in Aswan fluctuate from a moderate 23 °C to 30 °C during winter and rise up to a sweltering 38 °C to 54 °C in summer. The best time to visit Aswan is late autumn and spring since it is less crowded then than in winter, which is the most popular tourist season. Summer in Aswan is exhausting and tourists dwindle.
Activities
Taking a Felucca down the Nile is a very popular activity when visiting Egypt. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity. You can take short sunset sails or opt for longer cruises which usually depart from Aswan and end in Luxor. Feluccas generally sail upstream helped by winds and float downstream along with the currents. Feluccas can be hired at reasonable rates and if you have a good captain sailing the boat it will really enhance your experience.
Aga Khan Mausoleum
Situated over the top of a hill located on the west bank, Aga Khan Mausoleum provides the most fascinating view of the Aswan town. Built on the designs of Fatimid Tombs of Cairo it has marble work in the inside.
Dier Amba Sama'an (Monastery of St. Simeon)
Built in 10th century but was destroyed by Salah-al-Din in 1173 AD and was reconstructed again in the same century this monastery contains Frescoes of Apostle in the roofless basilica.
Tombs of Nobles
Located on the northern hills of the West bank of the river Nile these tombs belong to the princes of Old Kingdom. The highlights of these tombs are their rock carvation and the interiors decorated with fascinating bright colored paintings.
Kalabsha Temple
Built by the Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus this temple was made of sandstone and was shifted from Nubia to the present location along with other monuments also. This temple is dedicated to the Fertility God Mandulis.
Ishle Temple of Philae
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Isis and has various fascinating shrines and sanctuaries. The present location of the temple is Agilika Island while originally it was located 500 m far from the Agilika Island, on Philae Island.
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