Pharaoh Island is located 8 km south of Taba. A small island, surrounded by coral reefs, is located almost at the very end of the Gulf of Aqaba, 250 meters from the coast. It is as if it was created by nature itself in order to protect the eastern borders of Egypt. Even under the pharaohs, the first border post appeared there. In 975 B.C. King Hiram from the Phoenician city of Tire, having received the consent of the Egyptians, built a port on the island, which turned into a major center of trade.

During the Byzantine period, a fortress was built on the island. In 1116, the crusaders captured it, and in 1182, the fortress was recaptured by the ruler of Egypt, Salah ed-Din, who built a citadel on the island. It has recently been restored and is open to the public.

In the evenings, colorful light and sound performances are arranged on the coast, and the illuminated fortress looks absolutely mystical against the backdrop of the dark waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.