Once a quiet fishing village on the coast of Egypt’s Red Sea, Hurghada has blossomed into a popular resort destination in recent years. It offers sunshine all-year-round, and city dwellers in search of relaxation pile onto its beaches, enjoying the clear seas and sweeping sands as they escape from hectic lives in Cairo and Luxor.
Tempting though it may be, try not to fall into the trap of lounging on a towel for the entirety of your stay. Nestled between the coral reefs of the Red Sea and arid mountain terrains of the Arabian Desert, Hurghada has both adventure activities and day trips aplenty. High-end hotels invite visitors to dive, windsurf and snorkel among superb marine wild life, whilst tours to nearby desert villages and ancient cities cater to history buffs. Here are some of our favourite places to visit, play and stay in the city.
Exploring the sea
Small boats traverse the Red Sea daily, zig-zagging between local islands as they deposit visitors on their shores. From the safety of the deck you can catch a glimpse of the area's diverse marine life; shimmering corals sway as fish dart among tufts of flailing undergrowth. Whether a beginner or an experienced scuba diver, it's well-worth hopping into the water to join the angelfish, butterflyfish and parrotfish that call the Red Sea home. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter schools of barracudas, groupers, and the occasional turtle gliding through the delicate fanlike gorgonians.
Island tripping
Hurghada’s attentive waiters and sparkling white sun beds have a way of trapping visitors along its shores. Neglected, the surrounding islands merge into the local landscape, becoming a quiet retreat for those who venture out to sea. Join these well-versed locals, as the islands surrounding the city offer a tranquil escape from the busier beach resorts on the mainland. A protected marine area, Giftun Island has crystal clear waters, diverse coral formations and abundant marine life. For those who prefer to observe the underwater world from the sanctuary of a boat, near Shaab El Erg visitors can catch dolphin populations darting above the water, vying for attention as they play among themselves.
Desert safari
From the sky-scrapping resorts of Hurghada, visitors can look onto the nearby Red Sea to the east and the vast Arabian Desert to the west. Beyond the city, those wishing to explore the mountain terrains, sweeping dunes and sandy plateaus of the desert, there are a range of tours on offer. Jeep Safari guides take you deep into the sand, offering quad biking and trips to nearby Bedouin villages. Be sure to stay after sunset – the clear and unpolluted sky above the mountains makes it the ideal location for stargazing.
Day trip to Luxor
While many visitors come to Hurghada to relax, the temptation of being so close to the last remaining monuments of Ancient Egypt is hard to resist. If you find yourself looking to trade sandy white beaches for historic temples and hieroglyphics, Luxor is only a four-hour car ride away. Luxor, on the east bank of the River Nile, was the site of the capital of Egypt during the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms. Set back on the opposite bank, the ancient city of Thebes and the surrounding region has many historic monuments, including Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. If you are looking to make the most of your time in the city and see as many sites as possible, opt for one of the daily guided tours available from Hurghada.
Beach clubs
Mahmya beach club
Situated in the heart of Hurghada, Mahmya beach club is one of city's higher-end destinations. Plush linen sun beds and colourful bean bags sprawl across the beach, where locals lounge in the sun as they play countless games of backgammon. Toward the back of the beach club there's a small garden area with a beach volley ball net for the younger crowd. Stay into the evening as the music swells through the night, crescendos bouncing off the waves as visitors dance along the shore.
Yacht Beach club
Although one of the more understated destinations in Hurghada, Yacht Beach club offers a quieter spot away from the more popular tourist haunts. Nestled within a small bay, visitors can lounge by the sea and sip on a range of non-alcoholic cocktails. Their local fish dishes, served grilled or fried with wedges of lemon, are a must when you start to feel peckish.
La Playa Beach Club, El Gouna
Popular amongst city dwellers from Cairo and Luxor, El Gouna is a purpose built resort town situated north of Hurghada. Built with Egyptian architecture in mind, a network of terracotta hotels, villas and apartments cater to those wanting a more relaxed and exclusive atmosphere. At La Playa Beach Club, day visitors from Hurghada can enjoy lush landscapes and well-preserved coral reefs, providing the the ideal base from where to snorkel amongst marine wildlife. Make sure to stay after sunset for live music events from local artists.
Places to stay
Casa cook
Situated close to El Gouna, the focus at Casa Cook is seclusion. Surrounded by still lagoons, guests can relax among unrefined wooden decor and weathered ceramics. Their in-house yoga teachers offer curated programmes for those looking to unwind, with their on-site spa also boasting a range of treatments including oriental massages and traditional hammam experiences. For those looking for less conventional ways to de-stress, Casa Cook’s famous guest DJs play late into the evening – perfect for dancing under the stars. casacook.com
Meraki, Hurghada
Located in the centre of Hurghada, Meraki has a Bohemian vibe with chic decor and linen sheets. Rooms have balconies overlooking the Red Sea and the resort has a range of recreational facilities including a spa, yoga studio and tennis courts, making it hard to find a reason to leave the resort. For more adventurous guests, Meraki also offers diving and windsurfing lessons. meraki-resort.com