ISLE BE THERE
Extraordinary ‘Egyptian Maldives’ islands that have 28C winters and rare sea animals – and TUI will take you there
TUI recently launched new flights to the nearby resort town
THE MALDIVES is known for it's beautiful sandy beaches and bright blue waters - as well as it's pricey holidays.
But there is an archipelago that looks just like the exotic Asian islands, but closer to the UK and much more affordable.
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The Hamata Islands have been dubbed the Egyptian Maldives, in part because of it's stunning stretches of white sand.
Also known as the Qulaan Archipelago, the four islands – Siyal, Shawarit, Umm al-Shaykh and Mahabis – are part of the Wadi El Gemall National Park.
Along with 28C temperatures reported just this week, the bright blue waters are home to amazing marine life too.
Both snorkellers and swimmers can spot everything from dolphins and turtles to clownfish and dugongs, similar to a manatee.
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Birdwatchers often flock to the islands too, with birds includes the rare, at-risk Sooty Falcon as well as herons and gulls.
The islands are around 70 miles south of Marsa Alam, a popular holiday resort for Brits in Egypt.
While you can't stay on the islands, you can visit them by booking day trips - which you can find with TUI.
Starting from £70, the full day of snorkelling includes boat rides to and from the islands and lunch.
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Just make sure to get an early night the day before - the seven hour tours can start as early as 6am.
One person wrote on TripAdvisor: "I have to admit, its true, Hamata islands are Egyptian Maldives. It was worth each second of the trip.
"We saw beautiful coral reefs, we visited white sanded small islands."
Another agreed, saying: "In 50 minutes of sailing you can reach the islands, you can get off on the main one and it feels like you're in the Maldives!"
"A unique experience, the water has wonderful colors and when you snorkel it seems like you are inside an aquarium full of fish of all kinds."
A third called it the "most beautiful place in the world," thanks to the stunning reefs and beach.
TUI recently relaunched flights to Marsa Alam, after they were scrapped during the pandemic.
Around 200 miles from Hurghada, the 5hr30 flights now depart twice a week from the UK.
It's an ideal winter sun spot, with temperatures ranging from 27-30C even in January.
Also in Egypt is El Gouna, around 30 minutes from Hurghada with cheap five star hotels and beautiful lagoons.
Still want a Maldives-style holiday without the cost?
A Greek island has a Maldives-style water bungalow resort, called Stella Island which is a fraction of the price.
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And many are calling the Albanian Riviera the "Maldives of Europe".
If you're still keen to go to the real Maldives, we've found an affordable resort that costs as little as £150pp a night.
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