Fatnas Island
جزيرة فطناس
A date-palm peninsula in a salt lake. From lakeside cafés you can watch the sun set into the salt lake, and it is also known as the “Island of Fantasy”.
Fatnas Island lies in Lake Siwa, about 4 km west of the town. The lake has receded, so the island is now connected to the land. It is covered with dense date palms and has a natural spring pool. Several simple cafés line the lakeshore, where in the evening visitors sit and drink mint tea as the sun sinks behind the salt lake and distant dunes, its reflection in the water dazzling. It is considered the most beautiful sunset spot in Siwa. You can reach the island by bicycle or donkey cart. Bring a light for the ride back if you will be returning after dark.
Opening hours
Open all day; best in the evening
Nearby sights
- Shali Fortress
- Traditional Siwan House Museum
- Gebel al-Mawta (Mountain of the Dead)
- Temple of the Oracle of Amun
- Temple of Umm Ubayda
- Cleopatra's Spring
- Gebel Dakrour
- Bir Wahed