Hurghada

Hurghada: Egypt’s Red Sea Gem

Hurghada stretches 40 km along the Red Sea coast, 600 km from Cairo. Visitors love the town for its stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters. In fact, Hurghada started out as a quiet fishing village. Today, however, it ranks among Egypt’s main tourist attractions and draws crowds with its nightlife, holiday resorts, beaches and water sports.

Adventure and Water Sports

Hurghada also offers plenty of adventure. For example, you can cruise the Red Sea to the Giftun Islands, ride quad bikes across the desert, or take a glass-bottom boat over amazing corals. Moreover, the town has some of the best diving and snorkeling sites around Abu Ramada Island, Giftun Island and Fanadir. Tourists also enjoy visiting the shipwrecks at El Mina and Rosalie Moller.

Top Highlights

Giftun Islands

The Giftun Islands rank among Egypt’s most famous Red Sea islands, and they lie within the Northern Red Sea reserves. Of the two, Big Giftun attracts more tourists because it offers snorkeling, fishing, sunbathing and diving. Its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters stand out. In particular, its three major beaches, Orange Beach, Paradise Beach and Mahmya Beach, offer excellent diving spots. Small Giftun, meanwhile, draws visitors with its good snorkeling spots.

Rich marine life surrounds both islands, including 196 types of coral and nearly 800 species of fish. In addition, seagulls, dolphins, rare birds, turtles and other marine creatures make their home here.

Hurghada Corniche

The corniche is Hurghada’s tourist hub because it has so much to offer, from gleaming beaches to seaside restaurants and a pier. Along the way, you can visit two beautiful places of worship: the Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque and the Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church. Mahmya and Hurghada Marina also sit along the corniche.

Strait of Gubal Wreck Diving

The Strait of Gubal holds more wrecks and reefs than anywhere else in the Red Sea, and it has over 30 dive sites. Most notably, it is home to Egypt’s most famous wreck, the Thistlegorm. Divers can also explore other well-known wrecks such as the Rosalie Moller, the Dunraven, the Barge Wreck and the Kingston Wreck. Beyond the wrecks, the strait has an incredible spot nicknamed Stingray Station, where many blue-spotted stingrays gather. For the best chance of seeing them, visit in spring.

Desert Safari

Hurghada’s majestic deserts invite exploration, and a safari is the best way to see them. Typically, a safari takes you by quad bike across hidden dunes, Bedouin villages, ancient landmarks and the hills of the Eastern (Arabian) Desert, which locals call Sahara Park.

Above all, don’t miss the sunset, when the desert changes colour before your eyes. You can travel by jeep, quad or even camel. Finally, you can book online or in person.

Diving at Gota Abu Ramada

Gota Abu Ramada lies at the heart of Red Sea aquatic life. In fact, divers nickname it “The Aquarium” because its marine life is so diverse and dense. Dives here reach depths of up to 15 metres. Along the way, you can spot butterflyfish, parrotfish, groupers, sweetlips, moray eels, goatfish, barracudas, stonefish and jacks. Occasionally, turtles, dolphins, blue-spotted stingrays and eagle rays appear too.

The coral life also impresses, ranging from soft and hard corals to brain corals, coral pinnacles, anemones and gorgonians.

Hurghada Marina

Hurghada Marina offers strikingly picturesque views, so people often come here for a refreshing stroll and delicious food. It sits near Sheraton Road, the main street of Sakala, and has two entrances. Meanwhile, a sightseeing train circles the area, and children especially love it.

The marina is also wheelchair-friendly, so you can easily get strollers and wheelchairs around. For a fun day out, Pirate Boat runs cruises that include hotel pick-up, Wi-Fi, snorkeling equipment, a lunch buffet and drinks. Besides the cruises, you’ll find cute shops and rides such as the Bungee Rocket that add extra adventure to your trip. At night, clubs like Papas Beach Club host special events where famous DJs draw big crowds. Overall, Hurghada Marina feels lively, beautiful and vibrant. It’s a place where you can stargaze and truly feel the soul of the town.