Editor's Guide

Hurghada

5min readEgyptTravel Guide

Hurghada. The capital of marine tourism and the magic of the Red Sea

The city of Hurghada is one of the most famous and beautiful tourist destinations in Egypt and the world, as it is a city that combines the beauty of marine nature with the splendor of the desert climate and the warmth of Egyptian hospitality. Located on the coast of the Red Sea, Hurghada is famous for its clear turquoise waters, unique coral reefs, and extended sandy beaches, which made it a major destination for lovers of relaxation, marine sports, and adventure from around the world.

Hurghada is characterized by being an integrated tourist destination that suits all types of visitors, as it offers luxury resorts for families, diving centers for adventure lovers, cruises to discover the beauty of the Red Sea, in addition to restaurants, markets, and entertainment venues that make staying there an unforgettable experience.

Location of Hurghada City

The city of Hurghada is located on the western coast of the Red Sea in the Red Sea Governorate, and it extends over a wide area of the coastal strip that is characterized by its natural beauty and environmental diversity.

Hurghada is about 450 kilometers away from Cairo, and it can be easily reached by flights through Hurghada International Airport, or via modern land routes that connect it to various Egyptian cities.

Its distinctive location gives it great importance, as it is a major gateway to discover the treasures of the Red Sea, and it is located near many important tourist destinations such as El Gouna, Sahl Hashish, Makadi Bay, and Marsa Alam.

History of Hurghada and its tourism development

Hurghada was initially a small area that relied mainly on fishing, but it has witnessed great development in recent decades to become one of the most important tourist cities in Egypt.

Interest in tourism in the region began due to the beauty of its beaches, the purity of the waters of the Red Sea, and the diversity of marine life in it, which attracted investors to establish modern hotels and tourist resorts.

Today, Hurghada has become one of the most famous international tourist destinations, and receives millions of visitors annually from Europe, Asia and the Arab countries, thanks to its unique nature and advanced tourism services.

The most important landmarks and tourist places in Hurghada

Hurghada Islands

The sea islands are one of the most important tourist attractions in Hurghada, as they are characterized by their crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs.

Among the most famous islands:

Giftun Island

Giftun Island is one of the most famous tourist islands in Hurghada, and it is a nature reserve characterized by its white sand beaches and clear waters.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, snorkeling, and watching the colorful fish and magnificent coral reefs.

Abu Manqar Island

Abu Manqar Island is characterized by its tranquil nature and environmental diversity, and it is one of the distinctive places for nature lovers, photography, and relaxation away from the crowds.

Diving & Marine Sports

Hurghada is one of the best diving areas in the world, as the Red Sea is home to a unique ecosystem that contains hundreds of species of fish and corals.

Some of the most famous marine activities are:

  • Professional diving.
  • Snorkeling.
  • Glass boat rides.
  • Fishing trips.
  • Water skiing.
  • Surfing.
  • Paragliding over the sea.

The city's dive centres offer programmes for beginners and professionals.

Sahl Hashish

Sahl Hashish is one of the most prestigious tourist resorts near Hurghada, and it is characterized by its tranquil beaches, luxury hotels, and distinctive architectural design.

The place offers a sophisticated experience that combines relaxation and entertainment, with various restaurants, cafes, and marine activities.

El Gouna

El Gouna is located north of Hurghada, and it is one of the most famous tourist resorts in the Red Sea.

Featuring its unique canal-based design, El Gouna features luxury hotels, international restaurants, golf courses, and water sports centers.

It also hosts many events and festivals, making it a favorite destination for tourists looking for an experience that combines luxury and nature.

Hurghada Marina

Hurghada Marina is one of the most famous night picnic areas in the city, as it includes many restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Visitors enjoy walking next to yachts and boats and enjoying the marine atmosphere, especially at sunset and evening.

Aquarium & Recreation Venues

Hurghada provides many family-friendly activities, including visiting the aquarium to see different types of marine creatures and learn about the nature of the Red Sea.

The city also has water parks and resorts that offer entertainment activities for children and adults.

Desert Safari

The pleasure of Hurghada is not limited to the sea, but also provides distinctive desert experiences.

Visitors can take safaris that include:

  • Sand biking.
  • Driving an SUV.
  • Visiting Bedouin villages.
  • Eat Bedouin dinner.
  • Watching oriental folklore shows.

These trips give you the opportunity to discover the beauty of the desert and learn about the Bedouin lifestyle.

Food & Restaurants in Hurghada

Hurghada is characterized by a great variety of restaurants that serve Egyptian and international foods.

Some of the most popular dishes to try are:

  • Fresh fish and seafood.
  • Shrimp.
  • Squid.
  • Grills.
  • Traditional Egyptian cuisine.
  • Oriental sweets.

There are also sea-view restaurants that offer a distinctive experience with mesmerizing views.

Best Time to Visit Hurghada

Hurghada has a mild climate throughout the year, making it suitable for visiting in all seasons.

Autumn, winter and spring are some of the best times to visit, as temperatures are ideal for marine activities and excursions.

Summer, on the other hand, is suitable for lovers of beaches and swimming, especially with the low humidity compared to many other coastal cities.

Tips for visitors to Hurghada

To enjoy a special trip to Hurghada, the following is recommended:

  • Use sunscreen while in the sun.
  • Dress appropriately for marine activities.
  • Book diving trips with trusted centers.
  • Preserving the marine environment and not touching coral reefs.
  • Experience more than one activity to enjoy the diversity of the city.
  • Book early during peak seasons.
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