The busy provincial capital of Qena, the ancient Cainepolis, lies on the east bank of the Nile, a mile or so from the river. The town itself has no features of tourist interest, but it is the nearest place to the Temple of Hathor at Dendera.
Qena is noted for its pottery, in particular the porous water bottles (kulal, singular kulla) made from
the local clay which are sold all over Egypt. Evaporation keeps the water in these bottles 9-11 °F/5-6 °C below the outside temperature.
From Qena a road crosses the Eastern Desert to Bur Safaga on the Red Sea.