Hurghada started out as a small fishing village and has developed into the Red Sea Riviera's most popular resort combining sun, sea and sand with a lively nightlife. It is split into three areas along the 20 kilometre-stretch of beach: Ad-Dahar, the main area, Sigala and New Hurghada.
Visit this resort if you enjoy year-round sunshine and fancy exploring the undersea world. One of Hurghada's biggest draws is the Red Sea's excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. You can also do a two-centre trip with historic Luxor, instantly recognisable from film classics like The Spy Who Loved Me and Death On The Nile.
Getting there/around Hurghada
Hurghada has its own airport about 20 minutes from the centre of town. There's no point in renting a car as there's little to do or see around the resort.
Hurghada beaches
Hurghada is built along about 20 kilometres of the Red Sea coastline, most of which belongs to whichever hotel happens to back onto it. So as long as your hotel is on the beach you'll have a comfortable lounger and access to the crystal clear, calm Red Sea waters.
The public beach is best avoided as it gets littered and dirty. Some beachfront hotels accept non-residents for a small charge.
Hurghada sightseeing
Most of Hurghada's best sights are out to sea. Enjoy a boat trip out to the Giftun Islands where some good diving and snorkelling is available. If you're feeling adventurous, there are several wrecks to explore, such as El Mina and Kimon M, which are even shallow enough for novices.
Otherwise, you could climb the Anfish Mountain just on the outskirts of town, it's not particularly high so it won't prove too strenuous but the views across the town and bay are impressive. You could also explore the old fishing town area around Dahar. Its main mosque is Saudi in style and quite striking.
Hurghada eating
Many of the hotels offer dining on an all-inclusive basis with a good selection of buffets offering international and English food. There are plenty of other restaurants, bars and cafes along the main streets of Ad-Dahar and New Hurghada.
If you're feeling adventurous try local dishes such as felafel (mashed fava beans) mixed with spices and fried and served in a pitta-style bread with tahini (sesame paste) and salad and shwarma (like a doner kebab). The Egyptians manage to eat their kebabs sober!.
Hurghada nightlife
Most of the big hotels have evening entertainment, in the form of traditional Egyptian dancing or a more casual disco. However there are plenty of bars and clubs that party till the early hours on the main streets too. Or try a traditional Egyptian tavern where you can join the locals and smoke a shisha and taste some authentic local dishes.
Hurghada shopping
There are plenty of shops selling a variety of jewellery, leather goods, and perfume oil, not to mention essential souvenirs like papyrus, pottery and clothing. Sigala is cheaper than Al-Dahar but remember to barter!
Hurghada family attractions
The Red Sea is famous for underwater marine activities, but there are plenty of watersports on offer in Hurghada for youngsters too. The resort's breezes mean windsurfing and kite surfing are popular, while banana boats will have kids bouncing across the waves.
Little ones can explore the undersea world without getting wet at the resort's small aquarium in Ad-Dahar. Or visit the local shipyard in Sekala where you can see traditional boat-building.
Hurghada day trips
Take a trip into the desert interior where you can explore the ruins of ancient civilisations among the arid landscapes. Sites include Roman quarries Mons Porphyrites and Mons Claudianus, and the 3rd and 4th century monasteries of St Paul and St Anthony.
If you like Hurghada, take a look at the following travel guides:
