Qena

Home of the beautifully preserved Temple of Dendera, an easy day out from Luxor.

About the Destination

Qena is a provincial capital on a great bend of the Nile, about an hour north of Luxor. Few visitors stay overnight, but many come for one of Egypt's best-preserved temples: the Temple of Hathor at Dendera.

What Qena is known for

Dendera's temple still has its roof, staircases and vividly coloured astronomical ceilings, with a cast of the famous Dendera Zodiac (the original is in the Louvre). Crypts, a sacred lake and a relief of Cleopatra and her son Caesarion on the back wall complete the visit. The region is also known for sugar cane and for traditional clay water jars (qulla).

Best time to visit

October to April. Summer days are very hot, so visit early.

How long to stay

Half a day from Luxor for Dendera, or a full day combined with Abydos further north.

Tips

Bring a torch for the crypts and look up: the ceilings are the highlight.

Gallery

Qena

QENA Weather

Getting there

Qena does not have its own airport, but it is well-connected via road and rail. The nearest major airport is Luxor International Airport (LXR), which is about 65 kilometers away, offering flights from various international destinations. From Luxor, Qena can be reached by car, bus, or train.

Attractions

Activties

Plan your Journey

Popular Attractions

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with the local heritage, our list of popular attractions will help guide your journey and ensure you don't miss the must-see locations

Dendera Temple

The Temple of Hathor at Dendera, near Qena, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Most of what stands today was built in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods on a far older sacred site.

Accommodation

Qena has a small choice of simple local hotels. Most travellers visit Dendera as a day trip and stay in Luxor, which has far more options.

Famous Hotels

If you want an early start at Dendera and Abydos, a night in Qena saves driving time; otherwise base yourself in Luxor.

Food Experience

Qena's food is traditional Upper Egyptian fare: home-baked bread, stews, beans and fresh sugar cane juice.

Favorite Cuisines

Stop at a local café for fresh juice and a simple lunch before heading back to Luxor.

Eish Shamsi

Sun-risen bread baked in clay ovens.

Ful Medames

Slow-cooked fava beans with oil, cumin and lemon: the Egyptian breakfast.

Asab

Freshly pressed sugar cane juice from the fields around Qena.

Molokhia

Jute-leaf soup with garlic and coriander, served with rice or bread.

Transportation & More

Qena lies on the main road and railway along the Nile, and Dendera is a few kilometres across the river from the city.

Transportation Options

The easiest way is a car and driver from Luxor; some Nile cruises also stop at Dendera.

Private Driver from Luxor

About an hour each way; combine Dendera with Abydos for a full day.

Train

Trains on the Cairo–Luxor–Aswan line stop at Qena.

Taxis and Tuk-tuks

Short local trips around the city.

Nile Cruise

Some cruises between Luxor and Cairo moor at Dendera.

Popular Activties

From thrilling adventures to cultural immersions, each city offers unique experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests.

Full day tour to Visit the Two Temples of Abydos and Dendera

Temple of Dendara is unique Greek Roman one which contains the the most delight colors ever with very deep clear Sculptures. Temple of Abydos is an amazing charming temple contains the most important details of the history and This temple

From $100

Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor

Our target for each client is to enjoy each minute in Egypt without hidden costs . Denderah the temple of cow goddess Hathor the ancient Egyptian goddess of love music and dance, Abydos temple which was the most important temple in ancient…

From $107

Dendera & Abydos Temples From Luxor

Embark on a captivating journey with a NASCO Tours representative through time and art with our exclusive full-day private tour from Luxor to Dendera and Abydos. Unveil the beauty of lesser-known temples adorned with captivating art and

From $145

Dendera Temple Day Tour from Luxor

Our target for each client is to enjoy each minute in Egypt without hidden costs . A temple of cow goddess Hathor, the ancient Egyptian goddess of love music and dance, with a mazing ancient Egyptian colors over two thousand years ago,…

From $80

Private Half-day Dendera Temple Tour From Luxor

A half-day tour to Dendera to visit the Temple of Hathor offers a truly unforgettable experience, immersing you in the grandeur of ancient Egyptian history and culture. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, is not only one of

From $32

Dendara & Abydos Temples from Luxor ( private )

Explore the captivating Dendara Temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of motherhood, known for its remarkable preservation and vibrant colors. Continue to Abydos, home to the ancient temple of Osiris, believed to be the burial site of

From $70

Private Full Day Tour Dendera & Abydos

In morning our guide will pick up you from your hotel in Luxor to visit both Dendera and Abydos temples the north most temples in upper Egypt, it is one day tour its duration a bout from 8 hours to 10 hours first will discover the temple…

From $90

Dendara and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor

Discover the fascinating temples of Seti and Dendra on a guided trip from Luxor. Admire the unique design of Seti, the first temple of his father Ramses, and the magnificent temple of Dendra on an unforgettable historical adventure.

From $90

Dendara and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor

Discover two of Egypt’s most remarkable temples on a private full-day tour from Luxor to Abydos and Dendera. Explore the beautifully preserved carvings and vibrant colors that bring ancient myths and pharaohs’ stories to life. With private

From $78

Dendera Temple Private Half-Day Tour from Luxor

Discover the magnificent Dendera Temple on a private, flexible experience from Luxor, tailored to your preferences. Choose from three options: private transportation with an English-speaking driver, a private tour with a licensed…

From $79

Full Day Private Tour to Abydos Temple from Luxor

Private tour takes you to one of Egypt’s most sacred and artistically impressive temples — the Temple of Abydos, rarely visited by large groups. With your expert Egyptologist guide, you’ll uncover the rich symbolism and spiritual beliefs

From $120

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