Introduction
With its golden sands, crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and sunny weather throughout the year, Hurghada Egypt is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Egyptian coast. It offers a great mix of laid-back beach resort, snorkelling, scuba diving, desert activities and Egyptian history.
What was once a small fishing village, Hurghada now offers a variety of accommodation options, beachside restaurants and activities to suit every type of traveller.
This Hurghada travel guide will give you all the key information about the things to do, where to stay, how to get there, best time to visit and tips to help plan your perfect trip.
Whether you want to relax by the sea or explore more of Egypt, there is a lot to do here. If you're looking to add more to your Egyptian holiday, Volkena's Egypt Travel Packages are a great place to look for inspiration.
Table of content:
Where Is Hurghada Egypt Located?
Hurghada is located on the east coast of Egypt on the western side of the Red Sea.
The city has a beautiful coastline with many sandy beaches, resorts, marinas and areas with great marine life.
This location means it is different to other Egyptian locations like Cairo and Luxor which have more to offer in terms of archaeology and ancient history.
Why Hurghada is a Popular Destination
Hurghada is a very popular destination as you can do a variety of things whilst there.
You can go Snorkelling or swimming in the morning, relax in a beachfront resort in the afternoon and enjoy the waterfront restaurants in the evening.
Hurghada also has easy access to organised excursions to the desert and on the water.
Main Areas of Hurghada
El Dahar is known for the older parts of the city and local markets. Sakkala has lots of restaurants, shopping and access to the marina.
El Mamsha is a popular tourist spot with lots of hotels, shopping and eating options.
There are many resort areas nearby such as Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay meaning there are lots of accommodation options.
To get a better understanding of all the destinations in Egypt check out our Egypt Travel Guide on Volkena.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hurghada?
Hurghada has a dry desert climate and is very sunny for much of the year. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
Is it better to visit in Spring or Autumn?
Spring can be lovely with nice weather from March to May.
Autumn can also be a great time of year to visit with generally warm sea temperatures and less extreme summer temperatures from September to November.
These times of year are great if you want to have some swimming, sightseeing and excursions.
Can you visit in Winter or Summer?
Winter can be a popular time to visit in search of some sun. The days can be quite pleasant, however the evenings and sea can be a bit cooler.
Summer can be quite hot, especially midday. Swimming and water activities are still popular but longer excursions outside will need extra preparation.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit, think about the wind and sea conditions and what you want to do.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Hurghada Egypt?
Hurghada is most famous for its Red Sea activities, however there is much more to do here than just swim and relax.
Beaches and Resorts
One of the main reasons people visit Hurghada is to spend time by the sea.
Depending on where you stay you might have access to private resort beaches, pools or organised beach facilities.
There are plenty of lively beachfronts or more relaxed areas to unwind.
Before visiting a beach, make sure it is open to everyone, exclusive to hotel guests or if there is an entry charge.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
The Red Sea is famous for its coral reefs, vibrant fish and stunning underwater scenes.
Snorkelling is extremely popular here to view the marine life from above the water, whilst scuba diving allows you to explore the underwater world.
If you are a beginner ensure that you go with qualified instructors and activities suitable for your level.
It is important to be a responsible tourist in the marine environment. Don't touch any coral, feed the fish or bother any wildlife.
Giftun Islands Boat Trip
The Giftun Islands are some of the most famous boat trips from Hurghada.
Depending on what trip you go on you might get to snorkel, relax on the beach and enjoy some beautiful views over the Red Sea.
Always ensure that you know what the itinerary is for your excursion, what safety equipment is provided, what transport is used and what is included.
If you are looking for a different way to enjoy the coastal scenery of Egypt, Volkena's Egypt Nile Cruises will inspire you to visit historical spots along the Nile.
Hurghada Marina
A nice alternative to the resort vibe is Hurghada Marina.With yachts, restaurants, cafes and a lovely waterfront promenade it is popular spot to take a walk or have a relaxed meal.The marina looks particularly pretty in the evening.
Where Should You Stay in Hurghada?
There is a large variety of places to stay in Hurghada.
Pick a place to stay based on what kind of holiday you are looking for and what activities you may want to do.
Are All Inclusive resorts a good option?
All-inclusive resorts may be a good option for families, couples and people that like to have all their food and some facilities covered by their accommodation.
These places often have swimming pools, beach facilities, eating facilities and organised activities.
However, depending on the hotel you may get different inclusions so make sure to check what your booking includes.
Where is best for independent travellers?
Sakkala and El Mamsha can be good for people that enjoy having lots of eating, shopping and local attractions.
El Dahar can be a good option for people that want to experience the older parts of the city.
If you are looking for a more peaceful holiday then you could consider staying in one of the resort areas outside the centre of the city.
Before booking check the location of the hotel, how close it is to the beach, what people say about the hotel, transport links and cancellation policies.
If you are planning to do lots of excursions then a hotel in the centre may be more convenient. If you are looking to relax then a beachfront resort may be more suitable.
How Can You Get to Hurghada Egypt and Travel Around?
Hurghada International Airport provides both domestic and international flights to and from the city, making it very accessible by air.
Airport transfers, taxis and private transfers are widely used to get to hotels and resorts.
How Do You Travel Around Hurghada?
Taxis, private transfers and local minibus services will get you around.
If you are unfamiliar with the city, you may want to book transfers.
Where possible agree on the price and pick up point.
Can You Reach Hurghada from Cairo?
Yes, there are domestic flights and transport available to get you to Hurghada from Cairo.
Which is best for you depends on your time, budget and preferences.
If you have a busy itinerary with more than one destination you may want to allow plenty of time for travel.
If you plan on exploring the capital before heading to the coast then take a look at our guide to Cairo Attractions for Volkena to see what famous monuments and historic areas you can visit.
How Can You Plan Excursions Beyond Hurghada Egypt?
Although Hurghada is primarily a sea-side resort, there are some great opportunities to take in some history and some desert experiences.
Can You Visit Luxor From Hurghada?
Luxor is a popular historical spot with plenty to see.
You can take a tour to some incredible places including the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and Valley of the Kings.
It can take several hours to drive there so you may want to leave early or stay overnight.
To get an in-depth look at the archaeological sites in the area visit Volkena’s Luxor Sightseeing.
What Desert Experiences Can You Take?
There are organised tours that can take you on a guided 4x4 tour, mountain views and to approved locations in the desert.
Some will also give you an insight into the local Bedouin culture.
Choose an ethical company that are following local guidelines and have the correct safety measures in place.
How Long Should You Stay In Hurghada?
3-4 days will give you enough time to relax on the beach, go snorkelling and do a boat tour.
5-7 days will give you more flexibility to do some diving, desert tours and sightseeing.
If you are looking to go further south then Volkena’s Aswan Attractions guide will give you some inspiration for more historical spots.
If you are looking to take your adventure further afield then Multi Country Tours may interest you.
The best way to enjoy your Hurghada Egypt itinerary is to have a balance between organised activities and relaxing. Don’t overfill your schedule as there may be issues with the weather, sea conditions and transport.
FAQs
1. What is Hurghada famous for?
Hurghada is famous for its beautiful Red Sea beaches, coral reefs, snorkelling, scuba diving, beach resorts and boat tours.
2. Is Hurghada good for families?
Yes! There are many hotels with facilities that are suitable for families. Pools are often provided and activities can be organised. Be sure to check what is available on the beach, if there are any age restrictions and what facilities will be available.
3. What should be included in your travel guide to Hurghada?
A helpful guide should include information on the best times to visit, where to stay, snorkelling and diving opportunities, transport, day trips and useful tips.
4. Is it worth visiting Hurghada and Luxor together?
Yes! The experience of Hurghada with its beautiful beaches and Luxor with its ancient landmarks, provides a very different experience of Egypt. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get around and see the sights.
5. What should I pack for my holiday in Hurghada?
Pack light clothing, comfy footwear, swimwear, sunglasses, sun cream and personal items. Pack an extra layer of clothing for cooler evenings/boat trips.
