Al-Quseir has a long history as one of the major ports of the Red Sea: from here Queen Hatshepsut launched her expedition to the Land of Punt. The 16th century fortress of Sultan Selim, still standing in the center of town, shows al-Quseir's former strategic importance. Today, it is a quiet resort with sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. It is also a suitable site for camping and water sports.

An ancient caravan trail to Qift in the Nile valley, leads from al-Quseir through the mountains, passing several Pharanoic and Roman sites. A new road, directly to Luxor, has been opened.