Hurghada overview
The most cosmopolitan of the Red Sea resorts, Hurghada is built along the spectacular eastern coastline of crystal clear waters stretching from Safaga in the south to El Gouna in the north, attracting scuba divers and beach lovers in equal numbers.
Originally a small fishing village, Hurghada has become one of the most popular beach resorts on the Red Sea enticing divers who delight in the numerous small offshore islands.
Traditional ways of life persist in Hurghada's old town, where the local souk provides opportunities to haggle, and international bars and restaurants mingle with Egyptian cafe culture.
The main attractions of this resort are its numerous coral islands and reefs harbouring colourful fish, and the sophisticated luxury hotels, offering all the facilities and comforts needed for a perfect holiday. Many hotels have their own private section of beach, and coupled with sunloungers, parasols, bars and restaurants, they are simply perfect for sun worshippers.
Makadi Bay
Twenty miles south of Hurghada is the beautiful tranquil resort of Makadi Bay which boasts a marvellous stretch of white, sandy beach, turquoise waters and underwater reefs ideal for endless snorkelling and diving. Watersports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with numerous windsurfing and sailing options. Evening entertainment tends to be low key and mainly revolves around the hotels.
Soma Bay
Set against a stunning backdrop of the Nile Valley mountains, the self-contained modern resort of Soma Bay occupies a peninsula surrounded by the Red Sea.
Boasting wonderful, fine sandy beaches, stunning coral reefs and well-appointed hotels, Soma Bay offers everything required for a relaxing beach or diving holiday. Considered one of the most exclusive resorts on the Red Sea Riviera, it features a first class 18-hole championship golf course, a luxurious Thalassotherapy spa with a vast array of treatments, and a wide range of water sports, including some of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing in Egypt.
There is a good range of quality dining options at resort and hotel restaurants, including some delightful cafes in the little village of El Khan. Nightlife is low key and tends to centre around a relaxing drink in one of the hotel bars.
Map
Climate
Much of Egypt is desert and the whole country is hot and dry with very little rain. Away from the coast, the summers can be scorchingly hot but winters are more moderate with more comfortable temperatures. Water temperatures average between 20° C and 23° C during the winter months.
Did you know?
Located close to Hurghada is the oldest active monastery in the world. The ancient Coptic Monastery of Saint Anthony was in built in 356 AD at the foot of the Mount Al-Qalzam near Al Zaafarana. Today it is home to approximately 70 monks, and is a self-contained village with gardens, a mill, a bakery and five churches, including St Anthony's Church, where the Saint is buried. A visit to the latter gives access to recently-restored wall paintings of various periods and styles, the ancient library, holding thousands of handwritten manuscripts, and the saint's cave, containing more writings and drawings.
Hurghada hotels
Hilton Hurghada Plaza
Set in spacious grounds on the beachfront and just minutes from downtown Hurghada
Hurghada Marriott Red Sea Resort
Situated on the beach, this first class hotel is located in a prime position on the coast road leading to the old town of Sakalla
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Jaz Makadi Golf
Boutique-style Jaz Makadi Golf is situated in the middle of the 18-hole John Sanford championship Makadi Golf Course
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Jaz Makadi Star & Spa
Located next to Makadi Bay, with the beach just 400m away, this modern, stylish hotel with a good range of amenities offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere
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Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
Situated by a private sandy beach on the shores of the Red Sea, the new Kempinski is surrounded by beautiful grounds
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La Residence des Cascades
Perched on the highest point of Soma Bay peninsula with stunning views of the Red Sea, Le Residence des Cascades enjoys a secluded location
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Sheraton Soma Bay Resort
Guests at Sheraton Soma Bay Resort will delight in the stunning, subtle Egyptian architecture which blends beautifully with the integral modern design
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The Oberoi
Twenty-five minutes’ drive from central Hurghada, The Oberoi is a supremely luxurious all suite resort
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Map
Climate
Much of Egypt is desert and the whole country is hot and dry with very little rain. Away from the coast, the summers can be scorchingly hot but winters are more moderate with more comfortable temperatures. Water temperatures average between 20° C and 23° C during the winter months.
Did you know?
Located close to Hurghada is the oldest active monastery in the world. The ancient Coptic Monastery of Saint Anthony was in built in 356 AD at the foot of the Mount Al-Qalzam near Al Zaafarana. Today it is home to approximately 70 monks, and is a self-contained village with gardens, a mill, a bakery and five churches, including St Anthony's Church, where the Saint is buried. A visit to the latter gives access to recently-restored wall paintings of various periods and styles, the ancient library, holding thousands of handwritten manuscripts, and the saint's cave, containing more writings and drawings.
Hurghada sightseeing
Golf
The Cascades at Soma Bay golf course is part of the Cascades Golf Resort & Country Club complex and is considered to be the best in Egypt. Designed by Gary Player, this spectacular 18-hole, par 72 championship course combines desert and links features with lush fairways. An extensive range of facilities are available including a 9-hole Golf Academy Course, a 60 bay driving range and numerous putting and pitching greens. There is a complimentary shuttle bus available between the course and Soma Bay hotels.
Diving and Snorkelling
The Hurghada area offers numerous dive sites for learners and improvers, and many hotels feature their own dive centres offering PADI certified courses, day trips, drift dives, night dives and wreck dives. The dive centre located at the La Residence des Cascades in Soma Bay is one of the largest PADI centres in the Red Sea, boasting a 420m jetty extending out to the House Reef which offers fantastic snorkelling opportunities.
Some of the more popular locations for diving include the spectacular marine park surrounding Giftun Islands, and Careless Reef an isolated reef know for its semi-tame moray eels. Dive trips usually take a whole day as most of the best sites are accessed by boat.
Excursions
Cairo (1 day be air)
One of the greatest capitals in the world Cairo is home to nearly 20 million people and a visit to Africa's largest city includes all of the city's most dramatic landmarks, the Pyramids and the Sphinx, The Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Egyptian Museum.
Luxor (1 day by air)
Luxor, is set against spectacular desert landscapes of the Kharga Oasis and features the Valley of the Kings, the Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank, and the Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East.
St Catherine's Monastery (2 days by ferry)
A return fast ferry trip includes Sharm el Sheikh, Ras Mohamed National Park, Yolanda reef and Mangrove Channel, for swimming and snorkelling, Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, Monastery of St Catherine, including a 6th century church which lies on the site of the Burning Bush, and finally Dahab for some exotic snorkelling.
Supper Safari
Take a four wheel drive vehicle into the desert before changing to four-legged transport. Dinner is served under a starlit desert sky.
Island Trips
Islands near Hurghada offer diving, snorkelling, fishing, swimming and sunbathing and barbecue adventures. Excursions include: Giftun and Gobal Islands famous for their seagrass beds and mangroves, spectacular reefs at Sharm el Naga Bay, and the national park at Mahmeya Island boasting one of the best beaches on the Red Sea. Careless Reef and Abu Ramada islands are great for divers. And for those who prefer to be on the water, cruise the Red Sea in an enclosed catamaran giving you the chance to admire the beautiful coral and a myriad of marine life through glass.
Map
Climate
Much of Egypt is desert and the whole country is hot and dry with very little rain. Away from the coast, the summers can be scorchingly hot but winters are more moderate with more comfortable temperatures. Water temperatures average between 20° C and 23° C during the winter months.
Did you know?
Located close to Hurghada is the oldest active monastery in the world. The ancient Coptic Monastery of Saint Anthony was in built in 356 AD at the foot of the Mount Al-Qalzam near Al Zaafarana. Today it is home to approximately 70 monks, and is a self-contained village with gardens, a mill, a bakery and five churches, including St Anthony's Church, where the Saint is buried. A visit to the latter gives access to recently-restored wall paintings of various periods and styles, the ancient library, holding thousands of handwritten manuscripts, and the saint's cave, containing more writings and drawings.
Hurghada offers
Hilton Hurghada Plaza
Set in spacious grounds on the beachfront and just minutes from downtown Hurghada
2 offers
Hurghada Marriott Red Sea Resort
Situated on the beach, this first class hotel is located in a prime position on the coast road leading to the old town of Sakalla
3 offers
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-
Jaz Makadi Golf
Boutique-style Jaz Makadi Golf is situated in the middle of the 18-hole John Sanford championship Makadi Golf Course
1 offer
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La Residence des Cascades
Perched on the highest point of Soma Bay peninsula with stunning views of the Red Sea, Le Residence des Cascades enjoys a secluded location
4 offers
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-
Sheraton Soma Bay Resort
Guests at Sheraton Soma Bay Resort will delight in the stunning, subtle Egyptian architecture which blends beautifully with the integral modern design
3 offers
-
The Oberoi
Twenty-five minutes’ drive from central Hurghada, The Oberoi is a supremely luxurious all suite resort
6 offers
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-
Map
Climate
Much of Egypt is desert and the whole country is hot and dry with very little rain. Away from the coast, the summers can be scorchingly hot but winters are more moderate with more comfortable temperatures. Water temperatures average between 20° C and 23° C during the winter months.
Did you know?
Located close to Hurghada is the oldest active monastery in the world. The ancient Coptic Monastery of Saint Anthony was in built in 356 AD at the foot of the Mount Al-Qalzam near Al Zaafarana. Today it is home to approximately 70 monks, and is a self-contained village with gardens, a mill, a bakery and five churches, including St Anthony's Church, where the Saint is buried. A visit to the latter gives access to recently-restored wall paintings of various periods and styles, the ancient library, holding thousands of handwritten manuscripts, and the saint's cave, containing more writings and drawings.