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With the crystalline waters of the Red Sea to the east and the sands of Egypt’s vast desert to the west, Hurghada attracts vacationers from across the globe who want to relax on its endless beaches, explore its spectacular dive sites, and take day trips to the historic cities along the Nile River. Like its fellow resort cities of Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna (just a half hour away), Hurghada is known for its incredible water sports and diving; and visitors can take a snorkeling trip along the coastline or across the water to the beautiful Giftun Islands and Mahmaya Island to view coral reefs populated with exotic fish, sea turtles, and rays. Though now a modern vacation destination, Hurghada has a long history, which visitors can learn about on a private tour of Old Town, with stops at the Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque), Church of St. Mary, and the marina. You’ll also want to stroll through the colorful, bustling souks (markets) to shop for souvenirs. Outside the city to the west, take an unforgettable desert safari by 4x4 quad bike or Jeep, stopping for a Bedouin barbecue under the starry night sky. Further west, explore the Nile from Aswan in the south to Cairo and Alexandria to the north. The river is lined with ancient cities and monuments, including Luxor, Qena, the Karnak temple complex, the Giza Pyramids, and the Valley of the Kings—perfect day tours for archaeology buffs.
Hurghada boasts year-round sunshine; when you land here, you’re almost guaranteed a blast of warm, dry air. The period from November to January brings milder (but still sunbathing-perfect) weather with almost no rain, though even hardy swimmers may find the sea chilly. Winter is also when Hurghada’s popular sporting events take place, including the Ironman competition in November and International Fishing Festival in February. Summer and the shoulder season see regular temps above 90°F (32°C).
Hurghada doesn’t have much public transportation, largely because most visitors flop at the pool or beach for the duration of their trips. If you want to visit the Marina or Old Town, hop on a hotel shuttle, or do like the locals do and catch a public microbus. These cheap, cheerful (usually white) minivans will collect you and drop you off at the roadside on request. Cabs are also plentiful, but to avoid haggling with drivers who don’t use meters; use Uber or Careem instead.
If you want to see a slice of authentic Egyptian life, head for the El Dahar souk in old Hurghada. The market is full of ramshackle fruit, vegetable, fish, and meat stalls, as well as colorful trinket and clothes stands, and offers a fascinating insight into locals’ everyday routines. Take Egyptian currency and haggle. While Hurghada is a safe place to travel, you may want to carry two purses or split your cash and cards into two sections, in case you run into pickpockets.
Hugging Egypt’s Red Sea coastline, Hurghada is known for its hot sun, beaches, and abundant marine life above all else. Beach fans come to tan on its golden sands, while water babes and scuba divers book snorkel and diving trips to encounter the area’s dazzling coral reefs and underwater species.
...MoreYes, it’s easy to visit Cairo’s Giza pyramids. Popular day trips include cheap-and-cheerful bus tours to Egypt’s capital to view the extraordinary ancient tombs. A more comfortable option is by air; flying to Cairo and back in a day, which allows you more time at Giza and the city’s other sights.
...MoreMuch depends on what you want from your vacation. Both offer great beaches and diving, but Sharm is livelier, with more shops, restaurants, and nightlife—the latter concentrated in Na’ama Bay. Hurghada is quieter, and closer to Cairo and Luxor, letting you squeeze day trips into your Red Sea vacation.
...MoreThe dress code in Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada, is less strict than in other places in Egypt. Swimwear is fine for women at the beach and pool; as are shorts in hotel areas, shops, and most restaurants. However, women still need to cover their heads and shoulders if visiting mosques.
...MoreNo, Hurghada is pretty budget-friendly. While it’s one of the pricier resorts on Egypt’s Red Sea and boasts numerous upscale hotels; dining out and activities here are still cheaper than say, across the Med. Dinner for two, with wine, at a tourist restaurant will likely come in around US$30, for instance.
...MoreYes. For sun and sea any time of year, Hurghada ticks the boxes. Beach-lovers come to enjoy warm or mild temps from September to May especially, although the heat is oppressive between June-August. Hurghada is also diving heaven, with good visibility and comfortable sea temps particularly during April-May and October-November.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 11 |
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