Hurghada travel guide
Hurghada Tourism | Hurghada Guide
You're Going to Love Hurghada
Hurghada has developed from a small fishing village into Egypt's most popular seaside resort. It has superb beaches, great diving, and is a good choice for those who want to combine a beach vacation with visits to Egypt's famous archaeological sites.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hurghada
1. Watersports
Hurghada is a great place to try out all sorts of watersports, from scuba diving and snorkeling to parasailing and windsurfing.
2. Adventure Sports
Hurghada doesn't just offer fun in the sea. You can try quad biking in the Sahara, camel riding, and BBQ with local Bedouins.
3. Hurghada City
Get to know your surroundings with a tour of Hurghada City, taking in the bazaars, Big Mosque, port area, and the Church of St. Mary.
4. Boat Trips
Take a trip on a glass-bottomed boat to see the fabulous reefs and tropical fish, or explore the uninhabited islands of Big and Little Gifton.
5. Local Delicacies
Hurghada offers lots of opportunities to try the local specialties like the hibiscus drink of karkaday, sheesha, or a refreshing chai.
What to do in Hurghada
1. New Marina: Where the Magic Never Ends
Located in Hurghada, Egypt, New Marina is a heaven on earth. Experience the beautiful sight of the large ships at the harbor, engage your taste buds in a variety of delicious dishes at the numerous hotels available, sample all your favorite drinks at the bars in sight and shop all you want at the chic malls such as Abanoub Jewellery and Al Nol. You can also take part in exciting sports such as scuba diving.
2. Giftun Island: Unwind in Style
Giftun Island is an island located in the Red Sea. This remarkable mass of land is home to warm lagoons, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. Immerse under the calm turquoise waters and treat your eyes to all types of sea life such as dolphins, and fish with dazzling colors. Have a tasty dish of fish, sunbathe as you take in the attractive landscape and swim within the magnificent surroundings of the subtropical island.
3. Hurghada Grand Aquarium: Make a Date with Amazing Creatures
Started in January 2015, Hurghada Grand Aquarium houses over 1,000 animals and 100 species. For just $12 watch interesting creatures such as eagle rays and green sea turtles in action. Come eye to eye with riveting reptiles and colorful crustaceans, take part in a refreshing activity of scuba diving in the aquarium, grab something delicious to eat at the unique aquarium café and watch animals such as snakes in the beautiful mini zoo.
4. El Mina Mosque: Explore Muslim Beauty
El Mina Mosque is a uniquely large and incredible monument in Egypt. Learn about the fascinating Muslim religion, get a chance to share in the simple Muslim attire, engage the friendly caretaker in a series of questions, get awestruck at the impressive designs in the mosque and have some quiet alone time with Allah after understanding his tolerant Sharia. Take some lovely photographs of the mosque from the large and elegant domes.
5. El Gouna Beach: Experience Limitless Leisure
Located in Egypt, El Gouna Beach is an oasis of fun opportunities that suit everyone. Enjoy the refreshing sun as you relax on the warm sand and take part in fun activities such as kayaking. Take advantage of the fast winds and fly kites or swim into the vast waters and mingle with the friendly dolphins. Engage in a game of golf and after that, visit bars such as Bartender in the evening. Here, you get to move your body to some lovely mixes as you savor the cold drinks.
1. New Marina: Where the Magic Never Ends
Located in Hurghada, Egypt, New Marina is a heaven on earth. Experience the beautiful sight of the large ships at the harbor, engage your taste buds in a variety of delicious dishes at the numerous hotels available, sample all your favorite drinks at the bars in sight and shop all you want at the chic malls such as Abanoub Jewellery and Al Nol. You can also take part in exciting sports such as scuba diving.
2. Giftun Island: Unwind in Style
Giftun Island is an island located in the Red Sea. This remarkable mass of land is home to warm lagoons, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. Immerse under the calm turquoise waters and treat your eyes to all types of sea life such as dolphins, and fish with dazzling colors. Have a tasty dish of fish, sunbathe as you take in the attractive landscape and swim within the magnificent surroundings of the subtropical island.
3. Hurghada Grand Aquarium: Make a Date with Amazing Creatures
Started in January 2015, Hurghada Grand Aquarium houses over 1,000 animals and 100 species. For just $12 watch interesting creatures such as eagle rays and green sea turtles in action. Come eye to eye with riveting reptiles and colorful crustaceans, take part in a refreshing activity of scuba diving in the aquarium, grab something delicious to eat at the unique aquarium café and watch animals such as snakes in the beautiful mini zoo.
4. El Mina Mosque: Explore Muslim Beauty
El Mina Mosque is a uniquely large and incredible monument in Egypt. Learn about the fascinating Muslim religion, get a chance to share in the simple Muslim attire, engage the friendly caretaker in a series of questions, get awestruck at the impressive designs in the mosque and have some quiet alone time with Allah after understanding his tolerant Sharia. Take some lovely photographs of the mosque from the large and elegant domes.
5. El Gouna Beach: Experience Limitless Leisure
Located in Egypt, El Gouna Beach is an oasis of fun opportunities that suit everyone. Enjoy the refreshing sun as you relax on the warm sand and take part in fun activities such as kayaking. Take advantage of the fast winds and fly kites or swim into the vast waters and mingle with the friendly dolphins. Engage in a game of golf and after that, visit bars such as Bartender in the evening. Here, you get to move your body to some lovely mixes as you savor the cold drinks.
Where to Eat in Hurghada
The Nubian Cafe on the Hurghada Marina Promenade offers Egyptian cuisine such as tagens, with mains from E£25. White Elephant has Thai dishes, again on the Promenade, with mains from E£60.
When to visit Hurghada
Hurghada has a subtropical desert climate with hot summers and warm winters. November-February are good months for those who prefer milder weather.
How to Get to Hurghada
Plane
The city is served by Hurghada International Airport (HRG), which has international connections with Europe and the Middle East and domestic services from Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh. A taxi into town will cost around E£30 or you can take a minibus from E£5.
Car
Route 65 is the main highway into Hurghada from Cairo. The road is long and straight and the trip takes around seven hours, but driving conditions can be challenging for foreign visitors.
Bus
Hurghada has regular bus services from Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. The trip from Cairo takes around seven hours and costs from E£100.
Airlines serving Hurghada
Where to stay in Hurghada
Sahl Hasheesh - this is located on a pretty bay with lots of islands, an artificial reef, good beaches, and plenty of hotels.
Popular Neighborhoods in Hurghada
Dahar - this is old center of the town and has a number of interesting markets offering fish and local products.
Scaffold District - this is the area around the old port, which is the center for clubs, restaurants, and shopping.
Where to stay in popular areas of Hurghada
Most booked hotels in Hurghada
How to Get Around Hurghada
Public Transportation
Hurghada does not have any official public transport but a fleet of white minivans will take you almost anywhere for E£2.
Taxi
Taxis in Hurghada are poorly regulated and meters can be unreliable. It is best to agree upon the fare with the driver before your journey begins and have the correct money ready. A typical trip across town will cost E£10-E£20.
Car
Roads in Hurghada are modern and well surfaced but driving habits can be unpredictable. Car rental is from E£550.
The Cost of Living in Hurghada
Shopping Streets
Sekalla High Street and the bazaars of el Dahar are where to look for local goods and souvenirs, while the New Marina has more international brands.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Hurghada costs E£11 and a loaf of bread is E£2.50.