The Pharao Island, also called Coral Island or Geziret Faroun, is located eight kilometers south of Taba, 48 km north of Nuweiba and 250m from the coast. The Phoenicians were the first who used the natural port to their benefit, to start trade with Egypt in the 10th century.

Much later the island was controlled by the Byzantine Empire. In the early 12th century crusaders built a Castle to offer safety to pilgrims, who were on the pilgramage from Jerusalem to the St. Catherines monastery, and to block the Arabic trade. Saladin defeated the crusaders in the late 12th century and changed the castle into a fort. Today you can follow in the footsteps of Laurence from Arabia and explore the renovated fort. The midievel character is shown by the towers, twisting corridors, sleeping quarters, baths and kitchens.