# Hurghada - Page: https://www.sunnyegypttravels.com/en/guide/hurghada - Destination: Hurghada - Last updated: 2026-10-03 Egypt's original Red Sea resort β€” island-hopping boats, the country's biggest dive scene, and an easy base for desert safaris and day trips to Luxor. ## About Hurghada sits on Egypt's Red Sea coast about 4-5 hours from Cairo by road, and it's the original version of what Sharm El Sheikh became later β€” a small fishing village turned into the country's longest-running beach resort strip. It's built around a string of bays and satellite towns: the old town centre (Sakkala and El Dahar), and the purpose-built lagoon town of El Gouna 20 minutes north, each with a noticeably different pace. What makes it work as a base is how easy everything is here β€” reef islands are a short boat ride out, the airport has direct charter flights from most of Europe, and more hotel supply than anywhere else on the coast usually means better prices for the same boat trips and dive packages you'd pay more for in Sharm or Marsa Alam. Did you know? Hurghada was a fishing village of a few hundred people until the 1980s. It's now Egypt's largest resort town by hotel room count, with well over 200 hotels spread along a roughly 40 km strip. ## Quick facts - **Dive Sites**: 30+ - **Reef Islands Nearby**: 6+ - **Hotels**: 200+ - **Sunny Days a Year**: 300+ ## Top attractions - **🏝️ Giftun Island & Orange Bay**: Protected island reefs a short boat ride from the marina β€” the backbone of almost every Hurghada boat-trip itinerary, with calm, shallow snorkel bays and powder-white sand. - **πŸ›₯️ El Gouna**: A self-contained lagoon town 20 minutes north, with canals, a proper marina, beach clubs and a kitesurfing scene β€” feels like a different country from central Hurghada. - **πŸ•Œ Sakkala Marina & Downtown**: Hurghada's own waterfront strip, anchored by the twin-minaret El Mina Mosque and lined with dive shops, cafΓ©s and the boats that leave for the islands every morning. - **🐠 Sea World Submarine**: A real submarine dive to around 22 metres for anyone who wants to see the reef without getting wet β€” one of only a handful of true submarine tours in Egypt. - **πŸ›οΈ El Dahar Souq**: The old town's market district β€” spices, papyrus, gold and grill restaurants, at prices set for locals rather than resort guests. - **🐬 Dolphin House (Sha'ab El Erg)**: A reef known for a resident pod of spinner dolphins β€” boat trips here combine snorkeling with a genuine (never guaranteed) chance of swimming alongside them. ## Where to stay - **πŸ™οΈ Sakkala (Downtown)**: Best for nightlife, walkable restaurants, budget and mid-range stays. The original town centre, with Sheraton Road's restaurant strip, dive shops and the marina all within walking distance. - **πŸ•Œ El Dahar (Old Town)**: Best for authentic local life and cheap food. Hurghada's original Bedouin-fishing quarter, now home to the real souq experience and grill restaurants locals actually eat at, away from the resort strip. - **πŸ›₯️ El Gouna**: Best for a quieter, more polished stay, families and kitesurfing. A purpose-built lagoon town 20 minutes north with its own marina, canals and a noticeably calmer, more upscale feel than central Hurghada. - **πŸ–οΈ Makadi Bay**: Best for big all-inclusive resorts and a protected house reef. A gated resort belt south of town with some of the best shore-accessible reef in the area and almost no independent restaurants β€” you stay and eat at your hotel. - **πŸ›οΈ Sahl Hasheesh**: Best for luxury resorts and a walkable promenade. The southernmost developed bay, with a Mediterranean-style pedestrian old town built specifically for its hotel guests. ## How to get there - **By air (the fastest route)**: Hurghada International Airport (HRG) takes direct charter and scheduled flights year-round from the UK, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy and most of Central Europe. From Cairo, EgyptAir and budget carriers run multiple daily domestic flights (about 1 hour, from €55). - **Airport transfer & taxis**: Pre-booked hotel transfers run €8-20 per person depending how far your hotel is (El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh cost more than central Hurghada). Metered taxis are rare β€” agree a price before getting in, or book through your hotel's airport taxi desk. - **Overland from Cairo or Luxor**: GoBus and Blue Bus run several daily coaches from Cairo (about 6 hours, from €15) and from Luxor (about 4 hours, from €10). The desert road from Cairo has periodic police checkpoints β€” keep your passport handy. ## Suggested itineraries ### 3-Day Itinerary Day 1 β€” Arrival, settle in, sunset walk along the Sakkala marina.\nDay 2 β€” Full-day Orange Bay or Giftun Island snorkel boat trip.\nDay 3 β€” Desert safari with Bedouin dinner, fly out or extend. ### 5-Day Itinerary Day 1 β€” Arrival, Sakkala marina in the evening.\nDay 2 β€” Orange Bay snorkel boat trip.\nDay 3 β€” El Gouna day trip: lagoons, marina, beach club.\nDay 4 β€” Desert quad-bike safari + Bedouin dinner.\nDay 5 β€” El Dahar souq shopping, beach afternoon, departure. ### 7-Day Itinerary Day 1 β€” Arrival & Sakkala.\nDay 2 β€” Giftun Island snorkel & BBQ boat trip.\nDay 3 β€” Scuba diving discovery course or certified dive.\nDay 4 β€” El Gouna day trip.\nDay 5 β€” Day trip to Luxor: Karnak & Valley of the Kings.\nDay 6 β€” Desert safari, Bedouin dinner, stargazing.\nDay 7 β€” El Dahar souq, beach, departure. ## Best time to visit The sweet spot for a Hurghada trip is April-May and October-November β€” comfortable temperatures, warm seas and lower prices than the winter peak. - **Best for Diving**: April-June & September-November β€” calm seas, good visibility - **Best for Desert Activities**: October-April β€” comfortable daytime temperatures - **Best for Beach Relaxation**: May-October β€” warm, swimmable sea temperatures - **Best Value Period**: June-August β€” lowest hotel rates, hot but manageable with early/late activity timing ## Weather by season - **Winter (Dec-Feb, 20-24Β°C)**: Mild, sunny days with cooler evenings around 12-16Β°C. Sea temperature (21-23Β°C) is still swimmable but a wetsuit is worth it for longer dives. Egypt's peak tourist season, so book accommodation early.\n### Top Winter Activities\n- Day trips to Luxor or Cairo\n- Desert quad-biking in comfortable daytime temperatures\n- Bedouin dinners under clear night skies\n- El Gouna lagoon walks\n### Winter Travel Tips\n- Pack a light jacket for evenings\n- A 3-5mm wetsuit keeps diving comfortable\n- Book Christmas/New Year stays well ahead β€” this is peak season - **Spring (Mar-May, 24-32Β°C)**: Consistently pleasant, with the sea warming toward 24-26Β°C. Widely considered one of the best windows for diving visibility and desert trips alike.\n### Top Spring Activities\n- Orange Bay and Giftun Island boat trips\n- Scuba diving courses\n- El Gouna kitesurfing (season starts)\n- Desert safari at sunset\n### Spring Travel Tips\n- March-May offers strong overall water visibility\n- Pack light layers for cooler early mornings\n- Check Ramadan dates in advance β€” some dining hours shift - **Summer (Jun-Aug, 34-40Β°C)**: Hot days, warm nights, and sea temperatures peaking at a very comfortable 27-29Β°C. Low season for hotel prices β€” schedule outdoor activities before 10am or after 4pm and lean on submarine or glass-bottom boat tours to stay cool while still seeing the reef.\n### Top Summer Activities\n- Submarine or glass-bottom boat tours\n- Early-morning or evening boat trips\n- Water parks like Makadi Water World\n- Evening desert safaris once temperatures drop\n### Summer Travel Tips\n- Use SPF 50+, UPF clothing and a wide-brim hat\n- Drink 3-4 liters of water daily\n- Schedule outdoor tours before 10am or after 4pm\n- Expect the best flight and hotel deals of the year - **Fall (Sep-Nov, 26-34Β°C)**: A second sweet spot after spring β€” warm days, pleasant evenings, sea around 25-27Β°C, and high season starting to build again from October.\n### Top Fall Activities\n- Giftun Island and Orange Bay boat trips with gentle currents\n- El Gouna day trips\n- Desert safari and stargazing\n- Diving with especially lively marine life\n### Fall Travel Tips\n- Reserve accommodation early β€” this is high-demand season\n- Pack light layers for breezy evenings\n- Bring camera gear β€” autumn light suits underwater photos ## Costs and daily budget How far your euros, dollars and pounds go in Hurghada β€” realistic numbers for 2026. - **Currency & payments**: The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Most hotels, tour operators and larger restaurants accept euros, US dollars and GBP at posted rates β€” but you'll usually get a better deal paying in EGP. ATMs are common in Sakkala and at the airport; notify your bank before traveling. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in resorts; American Express is rare. - **Daily budget guidelines**: Budget traveller: €30-50/day (3-star hotel HB, local food, one tour every couple of days). Mid-range: €60-100/day (4-star all-inclusive, mix of excursions). Luxury: €150+/day (5-star beachfront, private tours, spa). Hurghada usually runs slightly cheaper than Sharm El Sheikh for the same standard. - **Tipping & baksheesh**: Tipping ("baksheesh") is part of the local service culture and expected in small amounts: €1-2 for restaurant waiters, €1 for hotel porters, 10% at sit-down restaurants if service isn't included, and €3-5 per day for excursion guides. Keep small-denomination EGP notes on you for this. ## Travel tips ### πŸ“Œ Good to Know - **Getting around**: Metered taxis are uncommon; agree a fare before getting in. Tuk-tuks are cheap and normal for short hops around Sakkala and El Dahar. El Gouna and Makadi Bay are a 20-30 minute taxi ride from central Hurghada. - **Connectivity**: Local SIM cards are cheap and available at the airport or any phone shop in Sakkala, with generous data packages. ### πŸ•Œ Culture & Practical - **Reef-safe sun protection**: Reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen is worth packing β€” several protected snorkel sites actively discourage chemical sunscreens. - **Dress code away from the beach**: Beachwear is fine at the resorts, but cover shoulders and knees in El Dahar's souq and anywhere away from the hotel strip. - **Basic Arabic goes a long way**: "Shukran" (thank you) and "min fadlak" (please) are appreciated everywhere, especially bargaining in El Dahar. ### πŸŽ’ What to Pack - **Sun & swim gear**: Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses and at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one. - **Modest layer for the souq**: One light, shoulders-and-knees-covered outfit for El Dahar and any mosque visits. - **Dive/snorkel documents**: Bring your certification card if you dive, and a printed or digital copy of your travel insurance. ### πŸ₯ Health & Safety - **Hydration**: Drink 2-3 liters of bottled water a day, more after diving or a desert excursion. - **Medications**: Pack any personal medication in its original packaging, plus a basic travel first-aid kit. - **Heat awareness**: Midday sun (roughly 12-3pm) is intense even in winter β€” plan the heaviest walking for morning or late afternoon. ### 🌊 Water Activities - **Check conditions before booking**: Wind picks up on Hurghada's more exposed reefs in the afternoon β€” morning boat departures usually mean calmer water and better visibility. - **Never touch the coral**: A light touch can kill coral that took decades to grow β€” keep a comfortable distance and let your guide point things out. - **Pack motion-sickness relief**: Worth having on hand for longer boat days out to Giftun or the Brothers Islands if you're prone to seasickness. ### 🍽️ Food & Dining - **Local favorites**: Fresh grilled seafood along the Sakkala marina, and cheap, authentic Egyptian grills and koshari in El Dahar, away from resort menu prices. - **Drinking water**: Stick to bottled water, and skip ice from anywhere that doesn't look like a proper hotel or restaurant. - **International options**: Sakkala and El Gouna cover Italian, sushi and steakhouses if you want a break from local food. ### ✈️ Travel Logistics - **Visas**: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival (around $25) or an e-visa in advance β€” check requirements for your passport before you travel. - **Airport transfers**: Pre-arrange a transfer or confirm the taxi fare before you get in β€” meters aren't always used at the airport rank. - **Emergency numbers**: Police 122, Ambulance 123, Tourist Police 126 β€” see the full Emergency section below for hospitals and more. - **Airport timing**: Arrive about 3 hours before an international departure; security lines can be slow in peak season. ## Shopping - **πŸ“œ Egyptian papyrus**: Hand-painted sheets featuring hieroglyphics or modern designs, €5-50 depending on size β€” best bought in El Dahar's souq rather than resort gift shops.\n### Buying Tips\n- Genuine papyrus is flexible and doesn't crack when bent\n- Look for detailed, even brushwork\n- Ask for a certificate of authenticity on larger pieces - **🧴 Natural perfumes & essential oils**: Concentrated fragrance oils sold loose, without the alcohol used in Western perfumes, so a little goes a long way. €10-40 depending on the scent and bottle β€” look for licensed perfumers in El Dahar rather than street stalls.\n### Buying Tips\n- Test oils on your skin, not paper β€” they smell different once warmed by body heat\n- Genuine oils don't leave a greasy residue after a few minutes\n- Start with a small sample bottle before committing to a large one - **🌢️ Spices & hibiscus tea**: Cumin, saffron blends and vivid red hibiscus (karkade) tea are El Dahar staples, usually €3-15.\n### Buying Tips\n- Smell the spices to check freshness and potency\n- Buy from a stall with visible turnover\n- Vacuum-sealed packs travel better than loose spices - **πŸ’ Bedouin silver jewelry**: Cartouches with your name in hieroglyphics, plus Ankh and Eye of Horus pendants, sold by weight from roughly €20 up.\n### Buying Tips\n- Check for a quality stamp (18K, 21K or 925)\n- Compare prices at more than one shop\n- Order a custom cartouche early in your trip β€” engraving takes a day or two - **🏺 Alabaster carvings**: Translucent stone scarabs, small pyramids and vases, hand-carved in local workshops. €10-100+.\n### Buying Tips\n- Real alabaster feels cool to the touch and is slightly translucent\n- Hand-carved pieces have small natural imperfections\n- Plastic imitations are noticeably lighter and perfectly uniform ## Safety tips - Keep a physical photocopy of your passport separate from the original - Make sure your travel insurance specifically covers diving and water sports - Save emergency numbers and your hotel's address in your phone - Stay hydrated even if you don't feel thirsty β€” the desert air is very dry - Only use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before you get in - Respect reef protection guidelines and follow every dive/snorkel safety briefing - During any local health alert, follow the current official guidelines - Learn a few basic emergency phrases in Arabic (see the phrases below) ## Emergency numbers Tourist Police: 126. Ambulance: 123. Hurghada International Hospital and several private clinics near Sakkala handle most tourist emergencies and travel-insurance claims directly. Keep your hotel's front desk number handy β€” they're usually the fastest way to get help translated and coordinated. - **Tourist Police**: 126 - **Ambulance**: 123 - **Police**: 122 - **Fire**: 180 - **General Emergency**: 112 ## Frequently asked questions **🧳 Is Hurghada safe for solo travelers?** Yes β€” the resort area is heavily geared toward tourism with visible tourist police, and solo travelers (including women) commonly report feeling comfortable walking Sakkala and booking group tours. **🀿 Do I need to know how to dive to enjoy the reefs?** No β€” most boat trips to Orange Bay and Giftun Island include snorkeling stops over shallow reef that need no certification, and beginner 'discover scuba' sessions are widely available. **πŸ“… How many days should I spend in Hurghada?** 4-5 days covers the highlights comfortably: a couple of boat/reef days, one desert day, and a bit of El Gouna. A week lets you add a Luxor day trip or a certified diving course. **πŸ›‚ Do I need a visa to visit Hurghada?** Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival (around $25) or apply for an e-visa online in advance. Check the specific requirements for your passport before you travel. **πŸ’§ Is the tap water safe to drink?** Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and sold everywhere. Ice in reputable hotels and restaurants is generally made from filtered water, but bottled is the safe default elsewhere. **🎟️ What's the best way to book excursions β€” hotel desk or independently?** Hotel tour desks are convenient but often mark prices up. Booking directly with a licensed local operator (like this site) typically costs less for the same boat, guide and safety standard, since you're not paying a hotel commission layer. **🐠 What are the best islands to visit from Hurghada?** Giftun Island and Orange Bay are the classic day-trip pair β€” protected national park reefs, calm shallow snorkel bays and white sand. Mahmya Island is a paid-entry alternative with a more curated beach-club feel. **β˜€οΈ When is the best time to visit Hurghada?** April-May and September-November hit the sweet spot β€” warm enough to swim, comfortable enough for desert trips, and the best overall diving visibility. Summer (June-August) is very hot but has the cheapest hotel rates; winter (December-February) is peak season with mild days. **πŸ›₯️ Is El Gouna worth a day trip from Hurghada?** Yes β€” it's only 20 minutes away and feels like a completely different, quieter town, with its own lagoons, marina and beach clubs. Most people do it as a half or full day trip rather than switching hotels. **🏜️ What desert activities are available in Hurghada?** A quad-bike safari with a Bedouin camp stop is the classic half-day option, often paired with camel riding, dinner and stargazing under some of Egypt's darkest skies. **🚀 What water activities can I do besides diving?** Snorkeling covers most of the same reefs as diving with no certification needed, glass-bottom and semi-submarine boats suit non-swimmers, and dolphin-watching trips to Sha'ab El Erg are a popular add-on. **πŸ“Έ What are the top attractions and places to visit in Hurghada?** Giftun Island and El Gouna are the two not-to-miss stops, alongside the Sakkala marina for an evening walk, El Dahar souq for shopping, and a submarine or dolphin trip for something different. **πŸ—ΊοΈ What's a good itinerary for Hurghada?** 3 days covers the basics: a boat/snorkel day, a desert safari, and time in Sakkala. With 5-7 days you can add El Gouna, a certified dive course, and a Luxor day trip β€” see the full day-by-day itineraries above.