13 awesome places close to home that Egyptians should explore

While most Egyptians tend to visit familiar places in the country such as the North Coast, Sharm El Sheikh and Ein El Sokhna, there are so many other vacation spots that are just as beautiful and accessible.

With foreign tourism evaporating, this is a perfect time for Egyptians to give a little boost to the vital industry, and start exploring their own country a bit more.

From historic temples, to sightseeing along with modern recreational needs and everything in between, Egypt really does have it all! Take a look at the following list and rest assured, you'll be buzzing with your next vacation idea once you're done.

If you're a hiking and climbing fanatic, then this is probably the best spot to go. Located in the Sinai Peninsula, the Colored Canyon is made out of rock formations that are 40 meters tall and 800 meters long. A wide range of colors beautifully compliment the already breathtakingly beautiful city of Nuweiba.

A small island tucked away in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, Philae was originally located near the First Cataract of the Nile River in southern Egypt. However, due to rapid floods, Philae was dismantled and relocated to Ahilkia Island as part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign Project working on protecting it and other areas prior to the completion of the Aswan High Dam.

A national park that is located at Egypt's southern Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed was declared a protected area from fishing and other activities. In 1983, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency officially established the area as a marine reserve.

Ras Mohammed is home to more than 220 specials of coral reefs, 1,000 species of fish and 40 species of starfish among others and is the perfect place of snorkeling or your regular day at the beach.

If you're into camping, then the White Desert is the place to go. Located in Farfara, the White Desert become a national and international attraction for travelers. The stars shine as bright as day and it can easily be said that it's probably the only place in the country where you can witness the galaxy's milky way.

Located in the Fayoum, the Whale Valley or Wadi El Hitan was declared a World Heritage Site in 2005. The site contains many fossils from the earliest forms of the whale species that are now extinct. The site allows people to explore one of the world greatest mysteries that is the evolution of the mammal from a land-based species to a sea creature.

The Whale Valley is also home to 15 species of desert plants and 15 types of willife mammals and because it became a major tourist attraction for foreigners, the Egyptian government created walkways and paths between whale fossils to allow tourists to observe the site more closely.

Also located in Fayoum, no one really knows how Lake Qarun came about to life. According to ancient myths, in 2300 BC and under the orders of Amenemhat III, the waterway from the Nile River was widened to create a canal that is now known as Bahr Yussuf. The canal would then feed Lake Qarun and the purpose of this monumental project was regulate water levels during dry seasons.

Nevertheless, Lake Qarun remains one of the most beautiful and underrated sites in the country.

Yet another underrated site in Fayoum is Wadi El Rayan. Its beautiful manmade lakes and waterfalls attract international tourists and campers throughout the year. Wadi El Rayan is home to endangered species such as the Slender Horned Gazelle and the Dorcas Gazelle.

Around 370 km away from Cairo is the Bahariya Oasis, and stepping foot into the area makes you feel like you stepped into an entirely different country. The Bahariya Oasis consists of many small villages and the entire population of villagers are descendants from ancient people who made the oasis their home. Bedouin tribes from Libya and neighboring areas also inhabited the area.

East of the Libyan border is one of Egypt's long lost forgotten cities. A little town called Siwa has long been the focus of many sociologists because it is probably the only place in the country that tolerated and celebrated homosexuality. That is, of course, until the Egyptian government have worked tirelessly to repress homosexuals.

Despite the efforts of alienating the town, the Siwa Oasis remains a promising source of domestic tourism due its people's generosity, friendliness and overall atmosphere of complete serenity and natural surroundings.

Located near Jordan and Israel, the Pharaoh's Island has become a popular foreign tourist attraction from that area. The island was also added to the World Heritage Site in 2003 due to its historic significance. In 1170, Salahdin conquered and reconstructed the fortress.

If you don't feel like doing some site seeing at this monumental fortress, the Pharaoh's Island is also known for its amazing diving spot and views of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Located in the New Valley governorate, the Dakhla Oasis is made out of multiple small communities and villages that are made of Egyptians and Ottoman descendants. With the a relatively small population and mesmerizing historical sites and landmarks, the Dakhla Oasis remains and untapped source of domestic tourism.

Furthermore, in the Dakhla Oasis is home of the Djara Cave which naturally created as a result of water in a dried up desert climate. Such formations found in the cave are rarely ever found in Egypt.

About 24 km west of Marsa Matrouh is a little piece of heaven on earth. Ageeba beach is known for its incredibly clear waters and white sands which makes it impossible for anyone to want to leave. Its therapeutic nature combined with the tranquility that can rarely be found in most vacation spots makes it a premium destination for a much needed break.

Located in the southwest of the Western Desert, El Gilif El Kebir is sandstone highland and its mostly known for remoteness from crowded cities, nature, and mountains. There are multiple paintings and carvings on rocks that portray the lives of animals and human beings that once roamed the area.

The plateau was also a site used by British forces during the Second World War and due to remoteness, remains of the multiple British sites are still intact. A large airbase along with multiple navigation arrows remain to this day.