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Hurghada Highlights
Old Vic Beach
Salt-water swimming, picnicking, sunbathing under perched parasols- the Old Vic beach in Hurghada offers a plethora of relaxing activities. It is the best spot to relax, soak under the sun and let salt waters poke your sandy toes.
Caves of the Careless Reef
One of the best diving spots in Hurghada, these two coral towers separated by a chasm are home to many colorful fishes, jack, and tuna. It is known for its teeming number of moray eels. If you are lucky, you may also chance upon hammerhead sharks.
Sand City
The Sand city is an open-air museum outside the Hurghada center, filled with sand portraits of mythological figures, Wonderland art, and Walt Disney statues. The legendary characters are made from compressed cement and water and then sealed with varnish.
Giftun Island
Head to the Giftun islands to explore the rugged plateaus, surrounded by shimmering waters. You can explore the coastal reefs teeming with colorful fishes, look at the endangered birds flying above, or lie down on one of the many palm-frond parasols on the beach.
Sahl Hasheesh
Located just 15 mins away from the Hurghada airport, the Sahl Hasheesh beach is known for its pristine waters and sandy shores. It is located on a gulf in the Red sea. The beaches are very well-maintained, which gives them their signature white sheen when sun rays fall on them.
Makadi Bay
The Makadi coast is solely frequented by tourists and is dotted with numerous luxury resorts and villas. The locals do not really visit this part of the coast, hence it is perfect for a secluded stay amidst the pristine beaches with spectacular views of the Red sea.
Mahmya Island
An excursion trip away from Hurghada, the Mahmya island is located on Big Giftun island. You can book a boat ride to this spot and enjoy snorkeling and diving in the colorful reefs. You can also enjoy a relaxing getaway under the chairs atop clean, golden sand.
Bedouin Dinner
Book a desert safari in the middle of the Egyptian desert, a few hours away from Hurghada to get a deeper insight into Bedouin culture and cuisine. You will be greeted with performers, fancy drinks, shishas, and splendid views of the starry, desert night sky.
Gota Abu Ramada
The Gota Abu Ramada houses a large number of marine life, shoals of colorful fishes, and numerous coral pinnacles. You will definitely spot triggerfish, eagle rays, lionfish, and clownfish while diving in this popular spot.
Abu Nuhas
Abu Nuhas is a popular exploration site, home to seven shipwrecks, four of which are accessible to tourists. SS Carnatic is a famous British cargo ship that sank in 1869. It is rumored to have been laden with gold chests along with a variety of wines.
Desert Safari
The most interesting excursion that you can experience in Hurghada is a desert safari to the Egyptian sandy stretches. You can try sand adventure activities like quad bike rides, sandboarding, and camel rides on the desert safari from Hurghada.
Sindbad Submarines
The yellow Sindbad submarines allow you to explore the underwater scene. You can see graceful fleets of colorful, tropical fishes to intricate, flashy coral structures during this 50-minute underwater exploration.
Hurghada Corniche and the Marina
The beach resort town is known for its sheer number of local cafes, shops, restaurants, and shisha bars. If you walk towards the Hurghada Corniche and the Marina, you can catch stunning views of the Red Sea and the surrounding colorful shacks.
Hurghada Markets and Souks
Although the Hurghada markets are not as big as the ones in Cairo, the shopkeepers are friendly and sell every kind of knick-knack from Egyptian headscarves to shishas. Make sure to take a keepsake with you back home as a reminiscence of your trip here.
Hurghada Marine Museum and Aquarium
The Hurghada Marine museum is quite literally a sample of the Red sea encompassed in glass. It is home to almost 1200 sub-aquatic species that reside in 24 diverse ecosystems, The sharks, turtles, rays, and the “touch-tank” experience is sure to delight toddlers and adults alike.
Monastery of St. Anthony
The Monastery of St. Anthony, established in the 4th century BC, is the oldest functioning monastery in the world. It houses the largest collection of Coptic wall paintings in Egypt. The high-walled churches, bakery, and lush gardens inside the monastery are an impressive sight.
Big Mosque
Also known as the Abdel-Moneim Riad mosque, the impressive structure and architectural details of the Big mosque often enthrall viewers. The domes, arches, and hallways are lined with Islamic motifs. Its most-recognizable features, the minarets, are visible from a mile away.
Marina Boulevard
The Marina Boulevard in Hurghada is an upmarket spot, lined with multi-million dollar yachts and fine restaurants. However, it is an excellent viewpoint. You can catch the sunset for free and spend your bucks at the pubs or souks later.
Harry Nass Hurghada Windsurf and Kitesurf Center
If you want to enjoy some water adventure activities and feel the wind on your face, head to the Harry Nass windsurf center. It has a shallow bank, where you first learn how to balance. There are trained professionals to make your experience safe and enjoyable.
Astronomy Tour
On your Hurghada stay, you will realize the vastness and splendor of the desert night sky. You can take a drive away from the city center and book an astronomy tour to learn about the different constellations and how the Bedouins used the starry night sky to navigate.
El Gouna
Known for its array of adventurous sports, kitesurfing, waterboarding, diving, and snorkeling, El Gouna attracts attention throughout the year. It also houses Egypt’s largest golfing destination and Slider’s Cable Park, one of the largest in the world.
Know Before You Go
Travel Essentials
Best Time to Visit
Attraction Timings
Transport
Eat
Where to Stay
Visitor Tips
Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time (GMT+2)
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Country Code: +20
Emergency Numbers:
- National Emergency Network: 112
- Ambulance: 123
- Fire Department: 125
- Police: 122
- Traffic Emergency: 128
- Tourist Police: 126
- Electric Emergency: 121
- Summer Months: Hurghada records soaring temperatures during the months of April to October. Although the sun may seem unbearable at some points, it is the best time to visit the beaches and indulge in all the water adventures it has to offer. These months are also ideal for setting out on a desert safari and enjoying BBQ dinner in Bedouin tents.
- Winter Months: While the summer months see a higher count of tourists in Hurghada, many prefer to visit during the winter months, between November to March for the slightly cooler weather. The winters are also relatively warm and mostly record sunshine throughout the day.
Sand City
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sindbad Submarines
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 2 PM
Hurghada Marine Museum
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Harry Nass Hurghada Windsurf and Kitesurf Center
Monday to Sunday: 08:30 AM to 6 PM
- Regular Cabs: The best way to navigate roads in Hurghada is to catch a cab. Be cautious and ask about the pricing meter as soon as you get on since cab drivers are notorious for charging a fortune from tourists.
- ABC Taxis: ABC taxis are another kind of cab that run on a meter.
Note: Call this number +20100 222 8294 to book ABC taxis. - Uber and Careem: You may also use Uber, or its Middle-eastern counterpart, Careem to reach your destinations.
- In the Mood for: Breakfast
Try: Puddleduck Bar and Restaurant, Granada, Eish Baladi, and Costa Coffee - In the Mood for: Seafood and Sayadieh
Try: Hefny Fish restaurant, The Heaven restaurant, El Hakaka, Starfish restaurant - In the Mood for: Traditional Egyptian cuisine
Try: Sofra Oriental, El Sayed restaurant, El Dar Darak restaurant, and Kal Zaman restaurant - In the Mood for: Falafel and Kushari
Try: Zomba, Nubian Egyptian Restaurant and Cafe, and the Smokery - In the Mood for: Traditional and modern desserts
Try: Tea Room, the Seventh Star restaurant, the Grasshopper Cafe, and the Purrfect Cuppa English
Hurghada is filled with luxury resorts with water parks and unlimited fun activities for you and your family to indulge in. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
- Hurghada City: The biggest perk of staying near El Mamsha, the coastal Old Sheraton road, or the Hurghada Marine Boulevard is that the areas are cluttered with resorts, shops, and restaurants.
Recommended Stays: the Bay Hotel, the Boutique Hotel, and Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort.
- Resort Towns: These resort towns are only an hour away from Hurghada and are popular for their quiet beaches and array of activities. They mostly offer luxury resorts and are never as crowded as the city center hotels.
Recommended Stays: Makadi Bay, El Gouna, and Sahl Hasheesh
- Wear Sunscreen: Make sure to apply a thick layer of sunscreen to battle the scorching sun rays of Hurghada. Re-apply sunscreen if you plan to sunbathe for long hours to prevent sunburns.
- Pack Rehydration Sachets: Hurghada often sees soaring temperatures that will cause your body to be dehydrated. To avoid getting an upset stomach, pack rehydration sachets, rub your face with ice cubes, and drink plenty of water.
- Organize your Visa Documents: You can apply for a Visa online, or pay the amount in cash when you arrive in Hurghada.
- Wheelchair-friendly: Do not worry about missing out on adventure activities because of limited mobility. Hurghada offers accessible diving centers that cater to visitors in wheelchairs.
- Withdraw Cash without a Fee: The ATMs in Hurghada do not charge a withdrawal fee.
- Indulge in Activities: While in Hurghada, explore all the desert safari options and water adventures it has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurghada Answered
Q. What is the best way to book Hurghada tickets?
A. The best way to book Hurghada tickets is to get them online. Online ticket bookings are easy, quick, and convenient. If you book tickets online, you may also chance upon great deals and discounts.
Q. Can I buy Hurghada tickets online?
A. Yes, you can book Hurghada tickets online. In fact, it is recommended that you book tickets online to avoid standing in long queues.
Q. How to get discounts on Hurghada tickets?
A. If you book Hurghada tickets online, you can enjoy great deals. Children aged 4 to 11 years enjoy discounted prices on activities like snorkeling, quad bike rides, and desert safari in Hurghada if they arrive with valid ID proof.
Q. What are the must-visit attractions of Hurghada?
A. When in Hurghada, make sure to indulge in snorkeling and scuba-diving in the Giftun islands. Soak in the sun at Makadi water bay, Mahmya island, and Sahl Hasheesh. You can also explore the shipwrecks at Abu Nuhas.
Q. What is the best time to visit Hurghada?
A. Hurghada records hot temperatures around the year. April to October record the hottest temperatures, while the remaining months are slightly cooler. April, May, October, and November are the best months to go scuba diving or snorkeling in Hurghada.
Q. How many days do you need to visit Hurghada?
A. You need to spend at least five to seven days in Hurghada to get your fill of the sandy shores, Bedouin markets, and gorgeous coral reefs.
Q. What should I wear in Hurghada?
A. Hurghada experiences scorching temperatures throughout the year, so pack light and comfortable clothing like tees and shorts for your trip.
Q. What are some unique experiences to try in Hurghada?
A. You must try the desert safari and water adventures in Hurghada. It has some of the best diving spots in the world that are teeming with shoals of tropical fishes and colorful corals. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you will enjoy the quad bike rides across the sandy dunes. You may also try kitesurfing and scuba diving in Hurghada.
Q. What are the facilities available in Hurghada?
A. Hurghada has plenty of luxury resorts and facilities to meet your every need. There are disability diving centers to help visitors with limited mobility, and to ensure that they can experience the gorgeous coral reefs of Hurghada to the fullest.
Q. What are some things to do in Hurghada?
A. When in Hurghada, you must experience quad bike rides in the desert safari. If you want to explore the underwater shipwrecks, head to Abu Nuhas. The Giftun islands, a short while away from Hurghada, house gorgeous coral reefs that are accessible to both beginners and professional divers.
Q. What are some of the must-try dishes in Hurghada?
A. Make sure to try Tahini salads, a plethora of seafood, delicious lentils, shawarma, falafel, homemade kofta, basbousa, and other typical Egyptian dishes when visiting Hurghada.
Q. What are some of the best couple activities in Hurghada?
A. You may want to take a stroll along the sandy shores, catch the sunset from Marine Hurghada, indulge in an authentic Bedouin dinner, gaze at the starry desert night sky, or ride on a quad bike with your partner in Hurghada.
Q. What is the best way to get around Hurghada?
A. The best way to get around Hurghada is to grab mini-buses, taxis, or by foot. The resorts are grouped quite close together. It is best to take in the sights, markets, and beaches on foot. However, you can flag down taxis and cabs to reach destinations further away.
Q. Is Hurghada worth visiting?
A. Hurghada has some of the best diving spots and pristine beaches in the world. You must visit Hurghada to catch splendid views of the Red sea from its shores, explore the many shipwrecks at the Suez canal opening, look at the gorgeous coral reefs, and gaze at the starry desert night sky.
Q. Is Hurghada wheelchair accessible?
A. There are accessible diving centers in Hurghada, open for all visitors with limited mobility to enjoy snorkeling and scuba-diving. If you are not comfortable with diving, make sure to visit the Sand City and Marine Museum.
Q. Which Hurghada tour should I choose if I am short on time?
A. If you do not have much time to spare, but would like to explore as much of Hurghada as possible, book a snorkeling tour. The boat ride will take around 45 minutes and you can explore the reefs for another hour or so.
Q. Which Hurghada tour should I choose if I want to visit many attractions?
A. Book a quad bike safari with BBQ dinner or a Luxor to Hurghada day tour to explore many of its timeless temples and enjoy the Bedouin cuisine and culture to the fullest.
Q. Which Hurghada tour comes with transfers included?
A. You can book a one-way, convenient, and easy airport transfer from the Hurghada airport to the hotel, and vice versa. An air-conditioned vehicle will be sent to you, with a professional driver and luggage assistance.
Q. Will children enjoy Hurghada?
A. Children will have a fun time exploring the sandy shores, feasting on delicious falafel, and swimming in the salt waters of Hurghada. The Sand City and Marine Museum are popular children’s attractions in Hurghada.
Q. What are some cultural tips to note when visiting Hurghada?
A. Tipping is quite common in Hurghada. You may hear prayer calls during the day, floating from the Blue Mosque. Stand still and be respectful of their traditions. If you are visiting religious sites, cover your knees and shoulders.