Lying just south of Bahariya, Farafra is yet another ancient settlement, known for its wells and hot springs, as well as for being a popular gateway to the White Desert, also accessible from Bahariya. Less than 50km to the north of the town, the White Desert is perhaps one of Egypt’s most spectacular sights, with snow-white rock formations made up of ancient limestone sediment that has been sculpted by sand and wind into surreal structures that look like they came out of a science fiction movie. Farafra also leads to the Black Desert and Crystal Mountain, two more stunning landscapes worth visiting in the Western Desert.