About Hurghada

This Hurghada Travel Guide helps travelers understand why the city became one of the most visited destinations in Egypt, offering both authentic experiences and modern comfort.

Hurghada is one of Egypt’s most popular resort cities, stretching over 40 kilometers along the stunning Red Sea coastline. Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into a world-famous destination offering turquoise waters, golden beaches, coral reefs, and year-round sunshine. Hurghada is divided into several main areas — El Dahar (the old town), Sakkala (the downtown and marina area), and Village Road (the modern hotel strip). Each area offers its own unique atmosphere, from authentic Egyptian markets to luxury resorts, Official Egypt Tourism Board: Hurghada.

Getting to Hurghada

Most travelers arrive through Hurghada International Airport (HRG), which serves direct flights from major European cities like London, Berlin, Paris, and Moscow. The airport is located just 10 minutes from the city center and about 30–40 minutes from resort areas like Makadi Bay und Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada International Airport Official Site.

If you’re traveling from Cairo or Luxor, you can reach Hurghada by bus (6–8 hours) or car, with scenic desert landscapes along the way. Once in Hurghada, taxis, private transfers, and ride apps are the easiest way to move between areas.

Best Time to Visit Hurghada

Hurghada is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

• Winter (November–March): Pleasant 20–25°C, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor trips.
• Spring (April–May): Warm and sunny, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
• Summer (June–August): Hot (up to 40°C), great for beach lovers who enjoy sunshine all day.
• Autumn (September–October): Slightly cooler, with perfect sea temperatures for swimming.

For divers, the best visibility and calmest waters are usually between April and October, Hurghada Weather and Best Time to Visit.

Top Things to Do in Hurghada

In this Hurghada Travel Guide, we highlight the most popular things to do — from snorkeling at Giftun Island to exploring the desert on quad bikes.

1. Snorkeling and Diving:
Hurghada is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Explore vibrant coral reefs at Giftun Island, Abu Ramada, or the Thistlegorm shipwreck. Even beginners can join day tours with certified instructors, TripAdvisor: Things to Do in Hurghada.

2. Desert Safari Adventures:
Take a quad bike or 4×4 trip into the Eastern Desert. Visit Bedouin villages, ride camels, and watch the sunset over the sand dunes — an unforgettable experience, Viator: Top Activities in Hurghada.

3. Hurghada Marina & Nightlife:
The Hurghada Marina Boulevard offers restaurants, bars, and sea views perfect for evening walks. For nightlife, Sakkala has lively pubs, live music, and beach clubs.

4. Day Trips & Excursions:
Hurghada’s location makes it easy to explore other attractions:

• Giftun Island National Park – paradise beaches, GetYourGuide: Hurghada Tours & Excursions
• Luxor – ancient temples and Valley of the Kings (around 4 hours).
• Kairo – Pyramids and Egyptian Museum (about 6 hours).

Where to Stay in Hurghada

Choosing the right area is key, and this Hurghada Travel Guide explains which neighborhood suits your style and budget best.

Hurghada offers accommodation for every budget and style:

1. El Dahar: Traditional Egyptian feel, markets, and local restaurants — great for budget travelers.
2. Sakkala & Marina: Central location, modern hotels, nightlife, and dining options.
3. Village Road: Mid-range resorts and family hotels with direct beach access.
4. Sahl Hasheesh & Makadi Bay: Luxury resorts, calm beaches, and romantic ambiance.
5. Soma Bay: Exclusive area for diving, kite surfing, and five-star resorts.
6. El Gouna: Gated lagoon town with marinas, golf courses, and European-style elegance.

Hurghada Beaches & Resorts

Most beaches in Hurghada are connected to hotels, but some public beaches also exist. Top spots include:

• Mahmya Island: Soft sand and clear water, reachable by boat.
• Orange Bay: Perfect for swimming and relaxing, with floating hammocks.
• Old Vic Beach: One of the few public beaches inside the city.

For an upscale experience, luxury resorts like Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Steigenberger Al Dau Beach, or Kempinski Soma Bay offer private beaches and exceptional service.

Food & Dining in Hurghada

Hurghada’s food scene mixes Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international flavors.

Must-try local dishes:

• Koshari – a mix of rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce.
• Grilled seafood – fresh from the Red Sea.
• Shawarma & Falafel – popular street food options.
• Molokhia & Mahshi – traditional Egyptian home-style dishes.

Top dining areas include the Marina Boulevard, El Gouna Downtownund Sahl Hasheesh Promenade.

Practical Travel Tips

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards accepted in most hotels, but carry small cash for taxis and tips.
• Internet: Local SIM cards from Vodafone or Orange are cheap and fast.
• Electricity: 220V, European plug.
• Health: Tap water isn’t drinkable — use bottled water.
• Safety: Hurghada is one of the safest tourist cities in Egypt, with strong tourism police presence.

Culture & Etiquette

Egyptians are friendly and welcoming, but respecting local customs enhances your experience:

• Dress modestly when outside resort areas.
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Always ask before taking photos of people.
• Tipping (“baksheesh”) is appreciated — usually 5–10%.
• Alcohol is available in hotels and licensed restaurants, but not in public spaces.
• UNESCO – Red Sea Coral Reefs Info

Hurghada for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

• Families: Resorts with kids’ clubs and safe beaches like Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh.
• Couples: Romantic getaways at luxury resorts or sunset cruises.
• Solo Travelers: Diving courses, desert adventures, and social hostels in central Hurghada.

5 Things to Avoid While Visiting Hurghada, Egypt

1- Don’t Accept Random Taxi Offers Outside the Airport

When you arrive at Hurghada Airport, you’ll often find drivers offering cheap rides. Most of them are unlicensed and may charge extra after the trip. Always book your transfer in advance with a registered company like Privat Taxi Hurghada to guarantee fixed prices, safety, and comfort.

2- Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Egypt’s tap water isn’t suitable for visitors’ stomachs. Even locals often use bottled water for drinking. Stay hydrated by buying sealed bottles, and avoid ice cubes in small cafés unless you’re sure they use purified water.

3-Don’t Miss Agreeing on Prices Before Any Activity

Whether you’re booking a boat trip, camel ride, or quad safari, always confirm the total price in advance. This helps you avoid last-minute surprises or misunderstandings — a simple tip that makes your Hurghada holiday stress-free.

4- Avoid Touching or Walking on Coral Reefs

Hurghada is famous for its stunning marine life. Coral reefs are delicate and protected by Egyptian law. Touching or breaking them can lead to fines and environmental damage. Always snorkel responsibly and enjoy the beauty from a safe distance.

5- Don’t Forget to Respect Local Culture

Hurghada is a tourist destination, but it’s still part of a traditional Muslim community. When outside resorts or beaches, dress modestly and be respectful. A friendly attitude and small gestures of respect go a long way in Egypt.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hurghada

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a weekend, this Hurghada Travel Guide will help you make the most of your stay — from planning your excursions to understanding local culture. Hurghada remains one of the Red Sea’s most welcoming and exciting destinations year after year.

Which SIM should you choose?” decision helper box
Think of it like a fortune cookie but for tourists:

For short trips (1–5 days)
Choose: Orange or Vodafone tourist SIM
Why: Fast setup + stable coverage in resort areas

For long stays (1–4 weeks)
Choose: Etisalat 20–40GB packages
Why: Best bang for buck + good nationwide performance

Heavy social media users / YouTubers
Choose: Vodafone social bundles add-on
Why: Smooth reels, no pixelated memories