Hurghada is Egypt's busiest Red Sea resort: around 40 km of coastline, water that stays above 21 °C all year, and coral reefs a short boat ride from your hotel. It is also the best base in Egypt for day trips to Luxor and the Pyramids of Giza. We are a local tour operator with our office on Sheraton Road in Hurghada, and this guide is what we tell our own guests: where to stay, what is worth your time, what things really cost and how to avoid the classic mistakes.
In this guide: Hurghada at a glance · Where is Hurghada? · What is Hurghada known for? · Best time to visit · Where to stay · Top 15 things to do · Best beaches · Day trips from Hurghada · Food · Nightlife & shopping · Practical tips · FAQ
Hurghada at a glance
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Country / region |
Egypt, capital of the Red Sea Governorate |
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Population |
about 214,000 (2023) |
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Coastline |
about 40 km along the Red Sea |
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Airport |
Hurghada International Airport (HRG), about 5 km from the city centre |
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Distance to Cairo |
455 km by road |
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Sea temperature |
22 °C in February to 28 °C in August |
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Currency |
Egyptian pound (EGP) |
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Visa |
Visa on arrival or e-visa (USD 30 single entry, 2026) |
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Time zone |
UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer (daylight saving time) |
Where is Hurghada?
Hurghada lies on the western shore of the Red Sea, in eastern Egypt, 455 km south-east of Cairo and about 4 hours by road from Luxor. The city stretches in a long, narrow strip between the desert mountains and the sea. North of the centre you will find El Gouna, to the south the resort bays of Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is Egypt's second-busiest airport and sits only about 5 km from the city centre. Most guests reach their hotel in 15 to 50 minutes, depending on the area.
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From Hurghada Airport to |
Transfer time (approx.) |
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Hurghada centre (Sakkala, El Dahar, Mamsha) |
15–20 min |
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Sahl Hasheesh |
30 min |
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El Gouna |
30–35 min |
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Makadi Bay |
35–45 min |
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Soma Bay |
45–50 min |
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Safaga |
about 1 hour |
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Marsa Alam |
3.5–4 hours |
We pick you up at the airport with a private car and driver: book a Hurghada airport transfer.
What is Hurghada known for?
Hurghada is known for three things: coral reefs, year-round sunshine and easy access to ancient Egypt.
- Reefs and islands: The Giftun Islands, a protected national park about 45 minutes by boat from the coast, are among the most popular snorkelling and diving areas in the Red Sea. Read more in our guide to the Red Sea and its marine life.
- Sunshine: Hurghada gets 9 to 13 hours of sunshine a day and almost no rain.
- Gateway to the pharaohs: Luxor's temples and the pyramids of Giza are both reachable on a day trip.
The city itself is young. Ababda fishermen settled here in the late 19th century, and Hurghada was officially founded in 1905. Oil was discovered nearby in 1913, and from the 1980s onwards investment turned the fishing village into one of Egypt's biggest holiday destinations. The Arabic name, Al-Ghardaqa, is traditionally linked to a desert shrub that once grew along the shore.
Best time to visit Hurghada
The best time to visit Hurghada is from October to May. In these months daytime temperatures range from 21 °C to 31 °C, the sea stays between 22 °C and 27 °C, and it is ideal for both beach days and excursions. June to September is hot, with daytime highs of 32–34 °C, but the sea is at its warmest (26–28 °C).
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Month |
Day °C |
Night °C |
Sea °C |
Sunshine (h/day) |
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January |
21 |
10 |
23 |
9 |
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February |
22 |
11 |
22 |
10 |
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March |
25 |
14 |
22 |
10 |
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April |
28 |
17 |
23 |
10 |
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May |
31 |
21 |
24 |
11 |
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June |
33 |
24 |
26 |
12 |
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July |
34 |
25 |
27 |
13 |
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August |
34 |
26 |
28 |
12 |
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September |
32 |
24 |
27 |
11 |
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October |
30 |
20 |
27 |
10 |
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November |
27 |
16 |
26 |
9 |
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December |
23 |
12 |
24 |
9 |
Can you swim in Hurghada in winter? Yes. Even in February, the coolest month, the sea averages 22 °C. Evenings in December to February can feel cool (10–12 °C) and the wind can be strong, so pack a light jacket – and choose a hotel with a sheltered beach or heated pool if you are sensitive to cold. More in our guide to the Egypt climate.
Our tip: For Luxor and Cairo trips, November to March is the most comfortable time. In summer, choose trips that start early in the morning.
Where to stay in Hurghada: the best areas
The best area to stay in Hurghada depends on what you want: Sakkala and the Marina for walking to restaurants and boats, the southern resort strip or Makadi Bay for all-inclusive beach holidays, and El Gouna or Sahl Hasheesh for a quieter, more upmarket stay.
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Area |
Best for |
Beach |
From the airport |
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El Dahar (old town) |
Local life, budget, souk |
No real beach |
15–20 min |
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Sakkala & Hurghada Marina |
First-timers, restaurants, divers |
Hotel beaches, boats leave from here |
15–20 min |
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Village Road & El Mamsha |
Walking, nightlife, couples |
Hotel beaches |
15–20 min |
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Southern resort strip |
All-inclusive, families |
Large hotel beaches |
10–25 min |
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Sahl Hasheesh |
Upmarket, quiet, promenade |
Private bay, reefs |
30 min |
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Makadi Bay |
Families, house reefs |
Hotel beaches with reefs |
35–45 min |
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El Gouna |
Lagoons, restaurants, kitesurfing |
Lagoon beaches |
30–35 min |
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Soma Bay |
Kitesurfing, golf, peace |
Long sandy beaches |
45–50 min |
El Dahar – the old town
El Dahar is the original Hurghada and the place to see how locals live. Walk through the souk with its spice and fabric stalls, eat grilled fish chosen by weight, and visit the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Shenouda, which visitors can enter free of charge. Hotels here are simple and cheap, and there is no proper beach. Ideal for a half-day visit – our private Hurghada city tour (from €20, 4 hours) shows you El Dahar, the Marina and the El Mina Mosque in one go.
Sakkala and Hurghada Marina
Sakkala (also spelled Sekalla) is the lively centre. Sheraton Road is lined with shops, cafés, pharmacies and dive centres, and most snorkelling boats leave from the nearby Marina. Stay here if you want to walk everywhere. Be prepared for persistent shop owners on Sheraton Road: a friendly "no, thank you" and walking on works best.
Village Road and El Mamsha
El Mamsha is a long pedestrian promenade between the hotels and the road, with restaurants, bars, shops and evening entertainment. It is popular with couples and anyone who wants nightlife within walking distance of the hotel.
The southern resort strip
South of the centre, large all-inclusive resorts line the coast on the road towards Safaga. Many have water parks, kids' clubs and long beaches. You will need a taxi or transfer to reach the town.
Outside Hurghada: El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay
- El Gouna is a separate lagoon town north of Hurghada with a marina, Downtown area, many restaurants and a kitesurfing scene. Explore it on our private El Gouna city and lagoon tour (from €30).
- Sahl Hasheesh is a quiet, upmarket bay with a seafront promenade and good reefs.
- Makadi Bay is all about all-inclusive resorts with house reefs – great for families and snorkellers.
- Soma Bay is the choice for kitesurfers and golfers who want space and calm.
Wherever you stay, we pick you up from your hotel for every excursion. See all excursions from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh.
Top 15 things to do in Hurghada
The best things to do in Hurghada are snorkelling trips to the Giftun Islands and Orange Bay, swimming with wild dolphins, a desert safari at sunset, an evening at the Marina and a day trip to Luxor or the pyramids. Here are our top 15, with prices for booking directly with us.
On and under the water
- Snorkel at the Giftun Islands. The protected islands about 45 minutes off the coast have clear water, colourful reefs and white beaches. Join our Giftun Island snorkelling trip in a small group of 10–15 people (from €49, 8 hours).
- Spend a day at Orange Bay. Turquoise lagoon, soft sand and two snorkelling stops. Choose the small-group Orange Bay trip (from €49) or a private boat to Orange Bay (from €65).
- Relax on Mahmya Island. A quieter, more exclusive beach island within the Giftun national park: Mahmya Island excursion (from €95).
- Swim with wild dolphins. At the Dolphin House reef (Shaab El Erg), dolphin groups are often seen in the wild. Our Dolphin House tour (from €50) follows the rule: keep your distance and never touch or chase the animals. Learn more about the dolphins in Egypt.
- Try Paradise or Utopia Island. Good-value island days with beach time and snorkelling: Paradise Island (from €35) or Utopia Island (from €55).
- See the reef without getting wet. Ideal for non-swimmers and children: the semi-submarine (from €20) or the Sindbad submarine, which dives to the reef (from €70).
- Learn to dive. Hurghada is one of the world's classic dive destinations, with many dive centres in Sakkala offering try dives and beginner courses. Curious what you might see? Read our guide to Red Sea fishes.
- Go fast or go high. A private speedboat island tour (from €49) or parasailing (from €30) adds some adrenaline.
- Walk the Hurghada Marina at sunset. Yachts, restaurants, cafés and the best evening light in town.
- Visit the El Mina Mosque. Opened in 2012 next to the Marina, it is the largest mosque in the Red Sea Governorate, with two 40-metre minarets. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times; women cover hair, shoulders and knees, men wear long trousers.
- Explore El Dahar. The old town souk, local cafés and the Coptic Church of St. Shenouda show a side of Hurghada most hotel guests never see.
- Discover the Hurghada Museum. Opened in 2020 as the first antiquities museum on the Red Sea coast, it displays about 2,000 objects from prehistoric times to the modern era.
- Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium. Red Sea marine life up close, ideal for families or a windy day: Grand Aquarium trip (from €45).
- Ride into the desert at sunset. Choose a quad (ATV) safari (from €49), a dune buggy trip with BBQ (from €55) or a relaxed private jeep safari at sunset (from €45).
- Ride a horse or a camel. Horse riding between sea and desert (from €45) or a short camel ride (from €35).
In town
In the desert
With kids? Add a day at Makadi Water World aqua park (from €71).
Best beaches in Hurghada
Most of Hurghada's coastline belongs to hotels, so your hotel beach is usually your main beach. Many hotels and beach clubs sell day passes to outside guests. The most beautiful beaches, however, are on the islands.
- Island beaches: Orange Bay, Giftun and Mahmya have the whitest sand and clearest water – reachable only by boat.
- House reefs: Hotels in Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh often have reefs right in front of the beach, reached via a jetty.
- Lagoon beaches: El Gouna's lagoons are calm and shallow, good for small children.
- Further south: Sharm El Naga near Safaga is known for its reef close to the shore: Sharm El Naga snorkelling trip (from €50).
Beach tips: Wear reef shoes, never stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen and take the midday sun seriously, even in winter.
Day trips Zakharious Tours
Best day trips from Hurghada
The best day trips from Hurghada are Luxor (Karnak, Valley of the Kings) and Cairo with the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Both are long days of 14 to 18 hours, but they are the highlight of most holidays. Shorter options include the temples of Dendera and Abydos, the desert monasteries and a turtle trip to Abu Dabbab.
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Destination |
Highlights |
Travel time from Hurghada |
Our tour |
From |
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Luxor |
Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple |
about 4 h each way by road |
€90 |
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Luxor from the air |
Sunrise balloon ride over the West Bank |
overnight trip |
€260 |
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Cairo & Giza by car |
Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian museums |
5–6 h each way by road |
€90 |
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Cairo & Giza by plane |
Pyramids and Cairo without the long drive |
about 1 h flight |
€260 |
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Saqqara, Dahshur & Giza |
Three pyramid fields in one day |
5–6 h each way by road |
€85 |
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Dendera & Abydos |
Two of Egypt's best-preserved temples |
about 3 h each way |
€85 |
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Aswan & Abu Simbel |
Philae Temple, Abu Simbel |
2 days |
€350 |
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St. Anthony & St. Paul |
Two of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world |
12-hour day |
€70 |
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Abu Dabbab (Marsa Alam) |
Sea turtles, with luck a dugong |
12-hour day |
€75 |
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White Desert & Bahariya |
Chalk rock formations, a night under the stars |
3 days |
€370 |
Prices per person as of October 2026; the final price depends on group size and date.
Luxor or Cairo – which is better? If you can only do one, choose Luxor for temples and tombs and a shorter drive, or Cairo for the pyramids and the new Grand Egyptian Museum. With enough budget, the flight to Cairo turns an 18-hour road trip into a 14-hour day. Get inspired by our guides to Karnak Temple, the Pyramids of Giza and St. Anthony's Monastery.
Why book your excursions with Zakharious Tours?
- Local company: Our office is on Sheraton Road in Hurghada, next to Metro Market – you can walk in and talk to us.
- Private and small groups: Most of our tours are private or in small groups, not in buses with 50 people.
- Hotel pick-up: We collect you from hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay.
- Book the way you like: online or via WhatsApp at +20 120 123 1885.
- Real reviews: Read what our guests say on TripAdvisor.
Avoid excursion scams: Street sellers often promise very low prices, then add hidden fees for park entry, lunch or equipment – or put you in large groups with no insurance. Always ask what is included, who the guide is and whether the boat or car is licensed.
Essen, Nachtleben, praktische Tipps
Food: what and where to eat in Hurghada
For real Egyptian food, eat in El Dahar; for international restaurants and sea views, head to the Marina, El Mamsha or El Gouna. Fish restaurants usually let you choose your fish from the counter; it is then priced by weight and grilled or fried to order.
[BILD 6: Ägyptischer Tisch mit gegrilltem Fisch, Koshari, Ful und Fladenbrot]
Dishes to try:
- Koshari – rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato sauce and fried onions, Egypt's national dish
- Ful medames and ta'ameya – stewed fava beans and Egyptian falafel, the classic breakfast
- Sayadeya – spiced fish with rice, a speciality of the coast
- Molokhia – a green leaf stew, usually with rice and chicken
- Feteer – flaky layered pastry, sweet or savoury
- Om Ali and basbousa – bread pudding and semolina cake
- To drink: karkadeh (hibiscus tea), fresh sugar-cane juice, mint tea
Alcohol is served in hotels and licensed bars and restaurants, but not in most local eateries.
Nightlife and shopping
Hurghada's nightlife is concentrated in three places: El Mamsha promenade, the Marina and Sheraton Road in Sakkala. Expect bars, lounges, shisha cafés and clubs, plus evening shows in the big hotels. For a different evening, a mega desert safari (from €45) is a favourite with our guests.
Where to shop:
- El Dahar souk – spices, tea, fabrics and household goods at local prices
- Sheraton Road – souvenirs, papyrus, perfume oils and cotton clothing
- Senzo Mall – a modern shopping centre on the southern edge of the city, with a large supermarket
Haggling: In souks and souvenir shops, prices are open to negotiation. Decide what something is worth to you, start well below the first price and stay friendly. Supermarkets and malls have fixed prices.
Practical tips for Hurghada
Visa and arrival
Most visitors need a visa for Hurghada. You can buy a visa on arrival at the airport for USD 30 in cash (single entry, fee since 1 March 2026) at the bank counters before passport control, or apply in advance for an e-visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Fees change – check the official Egypt e-visa portal before you travel.
Money and tipping
The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). ATMs are easy to find in Sakkala, the Marina and El Gouna, and cards are accepted in hotels, malls and most restaurants. Carry cash in small notes for taxis, markets and tips. Tipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life: around 10 % in restaurants if service is not included, and a tip for your guide and driver at the end of a tour if you were happy.
Getting around
- Taxis: Agree on the fare before you get in; taxis rarely use the meter.
- Ride-hailing apps: Careem, inDrive and Uber operate in parts of Egypt; check on arrival which one works in your area of Hurghada.
- Microbuses: Very cheap white minibuses run along the main roads, but they are confusing for first-time visitors.
- Private driver: For airport runs and longer distances, book a private transfer with a fixed price.
Dress code and respect
Swimwear is fine on the beach and at the pool. In town, cover shoulders and knees; in mosques and churches, women also cover their hair. Ask before photographing people.
Is Hurghada safe?
Hurghada is generally considered safe for tourists. There is a visible tourist police presence and the hotel areas are well guarded. The usual travel precautions apply: watch your belongings, use licensed tour operators and check your government's travel advice before you go.
Health
Drink bottled water, wash your hands often and ease into spicy or street food during the first days. Use high-factor sunscreen and drink plenty of water – the sun is strong all year.
Phone, power and time
- Internet: Buy a local SIM card at the airport or use an eSIM; hotel Wi-Fi is often slow.
- Power: 220 V, plug types C and F (European two-pin).
- Time zone: Egypt uses UTC+2, and UTC+3 in summer (daylight saving time from late April to late October).
FAQ und Abschluss
Hurghada FAQ
Is Hurghada worth visiting? Yes. Hurghada combines warm sea all year, some of the best snorkelling in the Red Sea and easy day trips to Luxor and Cairo. It suits beach lovers, divers, families and first-time visitors to Egypt.
What is Hurghada known for? Hurghada is known for its coral reefs and islands such as Giftun and Orange Bay, diving, year-round sunshine and as the starting point for day trips to Luxor and the pyramids.
What is the best month to visit Hurghada? October, November, March and April offer the best balance: 25–30 °C during the day and a sea of 22–27 °C. December to February is mild and great for excursions; July and August are the hottest months.
Can you swim in Hurghada in winter? Yes. The sea averages 22–24 °C from December to March. Evenings are cool and it can be windy, so bring a jacket.
How far is Hurghada from Cairo and Luxor? Cairo is 455 km away, about 5–6 hours by road or 1 hour by plane. Luxor is about 4 hours by road.
Do I need a visa for Hurghada? Most nationalities do. A single-entry visa on arrival costs USD 30 in cash (since March 2026), or you can apply online for an e-visa before you travel.
Is Hurghada safe for tourists? Hurghada is generally considered safe, with a strong tourist police presence. Use normal precautions and book excursions with licensed local operators.
Where is the best place to stay in Hurghada? Sakkala and the Marina for walking to restaurants and boats, El Mamsha for nightlife, Makadi Bay for families and house reefs, and El Gouna or Sahl Hasheesh for a quieter, upmarket stay.
How many days do you need in Hurghada? A week is ideal: three or four beach and snorkelling days, one desert safari and one long day trip to Luxor or Cairo.
Is Hurghada good for families with kids? Yes. Many resorts have kids' clubs and water slides, and family favourites include the semi-submarine, the Grand Aquarium, Makadi Water World and calm lagoon beaches in El Gouna.
