Known to the Ancient Egyptians as Abu or Yabu – meaning elephant – Elephantine Island is truly ancient site resting as it does at the First Cataract of the Nile and creating a natural boundary between Egypt and Nubia. It is said that Khnum – the ram-headed god of the cataracts, dwelled in caves beneath the island and controlled the waters of the Nile. These days the southern tip of the island holds the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. Up until 1822 there were also temples to Thutmose III and Amenhotep III on the island, but the Ottoman government destroyed them. Photo by: .Angeli

Elephantine is delicate island, steeped in ancient history and blessed with significant artifacts. Transported instantly back in time, you hike under banana trees and date palms through colourful Nubian villages with narrow dusty alleyways and mud houses, painted or carved with crocodiles or fish. Photo by: monopthalmos

On the edge of the island is one of the oldest Nilometers in Egypt – a stone ‘yardstick’ used to measure the height of the River Nile. It was last reconstructed in Roman times and was still in use as late as the 19th century. Its 90 steps, leading down to the river, are marked with Hindu – Arabic, Roman and heieroglyphic numerals and  inscriptions carved deep into the rock during the 17th century can be seen at the water’s edge. Elephantine Island is green oasis of calm – lapped by the turquoise waters of the Nile and clinging quietly to its exotic past. Photo by: Templar1307

When to go: Very hot between June and August (daytime temperature around 40 degrees). So December and February are great if you hate the heat. The other months of the year give warm days and fewer crowds. Population: 2,000. Getting there: Motor launch or felucca from Aswan; plane, train or boat from Cairo. Photo by: gabindu