//
Place in Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Photo: Kevin Gabbert - User: (WT-shared) Kevin James at wts wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Edfu (also spelled "Idfu" and in other ways) is a town in Upper Egypt, 100 km south of Luxor on the west bank of the Nile.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This complex is the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt. The sun-deity Horus, usually depicted as a falcon or as a falcon-headed man, was worshiped as one of the chief deities, the son of Osiris. The temple was begun in 237 BCE by Ptolemy III over an earlier New Kingdom structure, and completed almost two centuries later in 57 BCE by Ptolemy XII (father of the famous Cleopatra). You enter through a massive pylon, 36 m high and decorated with reliefs showing Ptolemy XII smiting his enemies. The gateway is guarded by twin giant granite falcons.
A still-active Coptic monastery 4 km west of town.
Opposite Massa has same quality and price.
A small clean place by the crossroads near the temple. It's on the 4th floor, away from the street noise.
By bus
Buses ply between Luxor and Aswan, frequency in 2020 is not known.
By boat
Cruise boats dock at the river wharf on the west bank.
By taxi
Tuk-tuks and taxis, if you can get past the caleche drivers, should not cost more than LE30. They are also available at the railway and bus station.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Luxor · International · LXR
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Edfu and Egypt.
ItinerariesPlan your 7-day Egypt itinerary for 2026. Explore Cairo's Pyramids, Luxor's temples, and Aswan with domestic flights, Nile tips, and real costs.
7 min read
Travel tipsDiscover the best time to visit Egypt. Compare mild winter Nile cruises, desert heatwaves, the 2027 solar eclipse in Luxor, and Red Sea coral diving.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Compare safety in Cairo, Luxor Nile cruises, and Red Sea resorts with official travel advice and scam tips.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.