Edfu

Edfu is a Nile Valley town in Upper Egypt, between Luxor and Aswan, whose local economy rests on Nile agriculture (sugar cane, wheat, corn) and commerce. Edfu's importance to visitors is almost entirely the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt: construction on the current structure began in 237 BCE under Ptolemy III and continued in stages for roughly 180 years, reaching completion in 57 BCE. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, its scale and near-complete preservation (including its roofed inner halls) make it one of the standout Ptolemaic-era monuments in the country.

By Plane

Via Aswan International Airport or Luxor International Airport, with onward road or rail travel.

By Train

Edfu is on the Cairo–Aswan railway line, between Luxor and Aswan.

By Car / Road

The Nile Valley road connects Edfu to Luxor and Aswan; Edfu is also a common stop for Nile river cruises between the two cities.

Central Edfu is small and walkable; horse-drawn caleche carriages have traditionally been used to cover the short distance from the riverbank or town center to the Temple of Horus, along with taxis and tuk-tuks.

The Temple of Horus is the town's principal sight — a large, well-preserved Ptolemaic temple with a monumental pylon gateway roughly 36 m tall and an inner sanctuary and hypostyle halls.

Most visitors come to Edfu specifically to tour the Temple of Horus, typically as a stop on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan or as a day trip.

Luxor and Aswan, both connected by the Nile Valley road, rail line, and river cruises.