Nature
Agilkia island
Agilkia Island
Agilkia Island is a man-made island located in the reservoir of the Aswan Dam. It serves as the current site for the Temple of Philae, which was relocated stone by stone from its original location by UNESCO to prevent it from being submerged. Travelers visit the island primarily to see this relocated temple complex and the surrounding archaeological remains.
Getting There
Access to the island is only possible by boat. From Aswan city centre, visitors take a motorboat across the Nile. The journey typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the departure point and water conditions.
Duration of Visit
Allow approximately 2 to 4 hours to explore the island and the temple grounds. This provides enough time to walk through the complex and return to the boat landing.
Planning Your Visit
The site is open during the day. It often becomes crowded during the peak tourist season, particularly in the winter months when the weather is milder. To avoid the largest crowds and the midday heat, arriving early in the morning is recommended.
Nearby Sites
Because the island is small, several sites are within walking distance of each other:
- Temple of Isis in Philae: 0.1km
- Bigeh: 0.5km
- Philae: 0.6km
- Trajan's Kiosk: Located on the island (0km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors