Holidays to Hurghada
Hurghada highlights
Scuba and snorkel
The only thing better than looking out at the Red Sea from your beach towel? Sea views from underwater. The reefs around the Giftun Islands are prime real estate for diving and snorkelling. Swim with sea turtles and see a few sharks at Abu Ramada Reef. Or book a trip to Shadwan Island to explore reefs and shipwrecks.
Desert adventures
A holiday to Hurghada means more than just relaxing on the beach. Head inland to explore the Eastern Desert. Book a safari into the desert for the kind of stargazing you just can’t get in the city. Or ride across the sands in a jeep or on a quad bike to have dinner at a Bedouin village.
Sensational seafood
You’ll always want to order the seafood in this fishing village. Sample prawns, crab and other shellfish seasoned to perfection with cumin, coriander, cardamom and other spices. Select your fish and relax with a cool cocktail while your choice is seared, baked or fried, then served with rice. If you’re on a cheap holiday to Hurghada, try seafood pastas or buffet-style restaurants.
Hurghada: Know before you go
| Language | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Currency | Egyptian pound (E£) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | December – February and July – August |
| Low season | May and October |
Find the best time to go to Hurghada
Weather in Hurghada
May – October: Hurghada is slightly cooler than other Egyptian cities. But temperatures still hit the mid-30s°C from June to September. Luckily, there is plenty to do on the Red Sea, from swimming to paddle boarding. The water visibility is particularly good for snorkelling at this time of year.
November – April: Hurghada’s cool season is mild. Water temps are cool but comfortable enough to swim in. Be ready for some rain, especially between November and January. But showers are generally short. This is the time to explore the Eastern Desert. Just know that sandstorms are most common in March and April.
Events in Hurghada
Sandbox Festival (May): This popular festival in El Gouna takes over the beach for three days of electronic music. The vibe is surprisingly chill by day, but come nightfall, festival-goers let loose to sets from Egyptian and international DJs.
Somabay Endurance Festival (May): Egypt’s biggest multi-sport event is less than an hour’s drive from Hurghada. Watch as participants of all skill levels take part in everything from an Olympic distance triathlon to a 1k kids run.
Eid al-Fitr (varies): Muslims across the country celebrate the end of Ramadan with up to three days of family gatherings and communal feasts. Enjoy the joyous atmosphere, and don’t miss out on traditional Eid treats like ‘kahk’, a sugar-dusted biscuit usually filled with nuts or dates.
The best neighbourhoods in Hurghada
Hurghada City
This seafront neighbourhood is where to stay in Hurghada to experience local life. Walk through the old town El Dahar bazaar, stopping at shops and street food vendors. Marvel at the domed architecture of the Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque, then browse through replicas of Egyptian artefacts at the Akhenaten Egypt Gallery.
Good for: Local life, street food, architecture
Makadi Bay
Makadi Bay is the best neighbourhood to stay in Hurghada if you’re in the mood for water sports. Take advantage of the winds and calm water to learn kitesurfing or windsurfing on the bay, then take a break with souvenir shopping in the Makadi Souk. Dine right on the sand at beachfront resort restaurants or enjoy Egyptian and international cuisine a bit inland.
Good for: Water sports, beaches, restaurants
El Gouna
Play and unwind in El Gouna, just outside the city. This is the place to stay for outdoor activities — tee off at one of the area’s golf clubs, or try out paddleboarding and other watersports. Grab your racquet and head to the tennis and squash courts. Book yourself in for a spa day, or relax by the town’s beaches and lagoons.
Good for: Relaxation, beach clubs, sports and activities
Things to do in Hurghada
Family friendly things to do
Looking for kid-friendly things to do in Hurghada? Visit Mini Egypt Park to see all Egypt’s most famous landmarks at a fraction of the size. Or ride slides and float in the wave pool at Makadi Water World. Take the kids to Giftun Island for snorkelling, or let them paddle in the shallow waters of Mahmya Beach.
Shopping
Head to El Dahar Souk for traditional market shopping in Hurghada. Or barter with the locals at boutiques and bazaar stalls along Sheraton Road. Find Egyptian brands and souvenir shops in the diverse Hurghada City Center mall. Hit Senzo Mall for international brands and deals on clothes and electronics.
Take in the culture
Take a crash course in Egyptian history at the museums in Hurghada. Visit the Hurghada Museum to see artefacts and learn about the Red Sea region. Stop at Selkhet Papyrus Hurghada to admire the ancient art of papermaking. And visit the one-of-a-kind Sand City Museum, where you’ll see large sand sculptures of everyone from Cleopatra to the Vikings.
Beaches
With its position on the Red Sea, Hurghada has plenty of great beaches. Rent a beach chair for sunbathing at calm Old Vic Beach near the city centre. Enjoy the soft sands of El Sawaky Beach or the crystal-clear waters at Makadi Bay Beach. Mahmya Beach on Giftun Island is one of the most beautiful in Hurghada and only a 45-minute ferry ride away.
Nightlife
The best nightlife in Hurghada takes place near the beach and resort areas that cater to tourists. Here you’ll find clubs where you can dance off dinner and bars for sipping cocktails in. Note that drinking is not allowed in public spaces. A visit to the night market at the El Dahar bazaar is definitely worthwhile and a perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs.
Places to eat
Most of the Restaurants in Hurghada can be found in the tourist areas along the waterfront. You can choose from a range of international cuisines, including French, Italian and even American. For local eats, walk around the El Dahar Souk and sample different street foods from the many vendors there. Don’t forget to try ‘koshari’ (fried rice, lentils and macaroni) — Egypt’s national dish.
Get ready for Hurghada
Budget
If you avoid some of the more luxurious resorts, it’s pretty easy to plan a cheap holiday to Hurghada. Sit down for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for just 190 Egyptian pounds (E£). And enjoy a cappuccino for less than E£80. Need to catch a taxi? You can expect a short journey to cost about E£50.
Day Trips from Hurghada
Just under an hour south, Sharm El Naga Bay is a top spot for snorkelling. Not far away from there, the quiet port city of Safaga is known for its black sand and mineral-rich waters. And if you don’t mind the four-hour journey, Luxor’s ancient wonders make for a rewarding day trip from Hurghada.
Getting Around Hurghada
Taxis are the easiest way to get around Hurghada — just agree on a price if there’s no meter. Minibuses are a cheaper option and run set routes around the city. But they don’t have fixed stops, so you’ll need to wave one down. You can hire a car, but be aware that traffic is often heavy and parking is difficult in some areas.
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