It is hard to believe that this tranquil and lush oasis, the largest in Egypt, is less than 100 kilometers southwest of dizzying the city of Cairo. Normally, the Egyptians have been vacationing here since 13th dynasty pharaohs. However the city of Fayoum is an extremely fertile section of the country, a 70 by 60 square kilometer basin that was periodically flooded by the Nile thousands of years ago.

Although considerably more stable nowadays, the area remains continuously irrigated by the river, retains 2 natural lakes and is ideal for farming and harvesting. Some of the richest olives in Egypt come from its groves. However it seems like a peaceful, sleepy retreat from the capital, Fayoum is still home to more than 2,000000 people.

An archeological wonderland, in the city of fayoum the area also brings us artisan goods that have been perfected since prehistoric times and admired throughout the Middle East. Usually, you can find examples of glossy Fayoum pottery front row and center in Cairo’s Museum of Islamic ceramics.

Also the town of Fayoum has the cheapest accommodation in the area and also the serves as the jumping off point for almost everywhere, also you might consider visiting in the oasis.