Desert Breath
A vast, 25-acre spiral land art installation in Egypt's desert, symbolizing time and nature's power.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light enhances the desert landscape.
Desert Breath
Best Time
Golden light enhances the desert landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, 25-acre spiral land art installation in Egypt's desert, symbolizing time and nature's power.
"It's a weird but inspiring place with a great energy!"
Drone for Best Views
Bring a drone to capture the full spiral; ground views are less impactful.
Manage Expectations
The art has eroded; aerial photos are often more impressive than ground views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Spiral
A monumental 25-acre art piece, its spiraling form is a testament to human creativity in the vast desert.
Desert Energy
Experience the unique, powerful energy of this remote desert location, a place for reflection and wishes.
Artistic Impermanence
Witness how time and nature shape art, with erosion adding a layer of meaning to the original design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
Erosion and Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Drone for Best Views
Bring a drone to capture the full spiral; ground views are less impactful.
Manage Expectations
The art has eroded; aerial photos are often more impressive than ground views.
Respect the Art
While it's a place for wishes, be mindful of the environment and avoid leaving trash.
Embrace the Vibe
It's a weird but inspiring place with a unique energy.
Tips
from all over the internet
Drone for Best Views
Bring a drone to capture the full spiral; ground views are less impactful.
Manage Expectations
The art has eroded; aerial photos are often more impressive than ground views.
Respect the Art
While it's a place for wishes, be mindful of the environment and avoid leaving trash.
Embrace the Vibe
It's a weird but inspiring place with a unique energy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Desert Breath is a unique, monumental land art installation that offers a powerful experience of scale and interaction with nature. While its eroded state may not match aerial photos, visitors appreciate its artistic concept and the unique desert energy. Some note environmental concerns like trash, but the overall sentiment is one of wonder and inspiration.
"The area doesn't look at all like on the pictures. Structure has eroded a lot during last years. From the ground it's hard to see the whole picture and sadly I didn't find any nice viewpoint around.
Aerial photos here look much cooler than what you see in reality. Come here only if you absolutely need to. Otherwise you might want to spend your time some other way."
Rushan
"It's an art place. You can see how the time ruins perfect forms, that's the idea of architecture. Strange feeling of the power, people come here to make their wishes:) I deduct 1 star cause of the trash everywhere..."
Anastasiya “Diamond Queen”
"Weird but inspiring place
Full of holes and cones and a great energy !"
Stéphane Cohen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Desert Breath is located near El Gouna, Egypt, in the Sahara Desert. Access typically involves a journey from El Gouna, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle due to the remote desert terrain. It's advisable to arrange transport with a local tour operator or your accommodation in El Gouna.
No, Desert Breath is not accessible by public transport. Its remote desert location means you'll need private transportation, ideally a 4x4, to reach it.
The most practical way to travel to Desert Breath is by arranging a guided tour or private transfer from El Gouna. This ensures you have appropriate transport for the desert conditions.
Desert Breath is situated in the desert landscape near El Gouna. The exact distance can vary depending on the route taken, but it's a journey that requires dedicated transport.
While specific permits are not widely advertised for general tourist visits, it's always wise to check with local authorities or your tour provider for any current regulations regarding access to desert areas in Egypt.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no official entrance fee for Desert Breath as it is an open-air land art installation. However, costs may be associated with transportation to the site.
Desert Breath is an outdoor art installation and does not have set opening hours. It can be visited at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
Visiting Desert Breath at night is not recommended due to the lack of lighting and the challenging desert terrain. Daylight hours offer the safest and most visually rewarding experience.
No, tickets are not required for Desert Breath. It's a public art installation. Booking transportation or a guided tour in advance is advisable.
While the art itself is accessible, the journey through the desert and the uneven terrain might be challenging for very young children or individuals with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
For the most impressive photos, aerial views are essential to capture the full spiral design. Consider using a drone or looking for elevated viewpoints.
From ground level, it's difficult to see the entire spiral. Finding a natural elevated viewpoint can be challenging, making aerial perspectives much more rewarding.
Drone usage is generally permitted in open desert areas, but it's always wise to check for any local regulations or restrictions before flying.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the desert landscape.
There are no specific restrictions on photography at Desert Breath, but always be respectful of the art and the environment.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Desert Breath is a monumental land art installation created in 1997 by artists Danae Stratou, Alexandra Stratou, and Stella Konitopoulou. It features two interlocking spirals made of sand, covering an area of 100,000 square meters.
The artwork is designed to reflect the vastness of the desert and the passage of time. It's a place where people come to make wishes and experience a unique energy.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on sand. Light, breathable clothing is recommended for the desert climate, and a hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
The primary experience is appreciating the art installation and the surrounding desert environment. Some visitors find it a place for quiet contemplation and making wishes.
The installation has undergone natural erosion over the years, which is part of its artistic concept, symbolizing the impermanence of forms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
🧘 Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Its Creation
The artists aimed to create a work that would interact with the natural environment, reflecting the vastness and the passage of time. The choice of the desert as a canvas was deliberate, allowing the artwork to be shaped by the elements. The scale of the project required significant effort and planning, transforming a barren landscape into a monumental artistic statement.
The erosion of Desert Breath over the years is not seen as a flaw but as an integral part of its artistic narrative. It highlights the impermanence of human creations against the enduring power of nature. Visitors often report a unique energy at the site, with some coming to make wishes, adding a personal dimension to the experience.
Experiencing Desert Breath: What to Expect
To truly appreciate the artwork, aerial perspectives are key. This has led many to recommend bringing a drone to capture the intricate patterns and the vastness of the installation. If a drone isn't an option, managing expectations is important; the site is more about the feeling and the concept than a perfectly preserved visual spectacle.
The desert environment itself is a significant part of the experience. Expect sand, sun, and a sense of profound isolation. While some reviews mention trash in the area, the overall sentiment leans towards a 'weird but inspiring' atmosphere, a place that evokes a sense of wonder and contemplation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit