One of the most popular and spectacular holiday destinations on the Red Sea coast, Hurghada is the perfect resort to visit.
Located at the coast of the Red Sea in Egypt, the city of Hurghada used to be a quiet fishing village some twenty years ago. However, since then the city has seen some rapid transformation to become the leading seashore resort on the Red Sea.
Year long sunshine, incredible beaches and countless exciting attractions for all ages to explore. Hurghada makes for a perfect holidaying destination, it’s a modern, cosmopolitan and a newly-found city, filling the gap with amazing modern and natural attractions. With so much to do, here are some ideas to make your time in Hurghada really special.
Beaches
Hurghada’s best patches of sand have all been claimed by the shore-side resorts that stretch along the coast on both sides of town. Even if you’re not staying in one of the hotels, nearly all of the resorts offer day access to non-guests. To really sample Hurghada’s beach life though, you should book yourself in for a few nights of resort living.
The best beaches lie south of the main town area (called Sigala) in the unimaginatively named “Resort Strip.” Travel a bit farther south, and you get to the area known as Sahl Hasheesh, which is home to some of the Red Sea coastline’s prime pieces of white-sand beach and best hotels
Reef Diving In The Caves Of The Careless Reef
This popular dive site in Hurghada features many coral forests and a dense population of fish, such as tuna, jacks and the occasional hammerhead shark. However, the reef’s fame comes from its large population of giant morays animating its premises. Two coral towers brushing the water surface construct the reef itself. The valley between the two towers is about 16 metres deep, and offers a wide range of dive options, being accessible for both professional divers, as well as less experienced ones.
Swim with dolphins
Get a little closer to the local marine life with a relaxing trip to Dolphin House. There you can observe the playful marine mammals in the wild and even swim with them yourself.
Water-Related Activities
- water parks
The perfect place to have some family fun is at one of the big water parks.
The Jungle Aqua Park is the largest water theme park in Hurghada and boasts 35 slides as well as 14 pools.
At Makadi Water World, you can choose between 50 water attractions, swimming pools, a children’s park, recreation areas and much more, including a 19m free-fall slide and a gleaming river to fulfill all your diving fantasies!
- parasailing
It doesn’t get any more exciting than parasailing. Make your vacation even more exceptional when you go parasailing in Hurghada.
The activity involves a parachute being attached to a speedboat while one or two persons ride at the same time.
Witness the stunning and scenic views of the Red Sea at bird’s eye level with this parasailing adventure in Hurghada, Egypt.
Non-Water Attractions
After you’re done enjoying the beautiful water, you can find other things to do on dry land. Included is taking a camel ride, driving through the desert, or going on a “safari.”
Many hotels offer camel rides on their grounds. You can also take a camel ride while visiting Bedouins in the area. Just make sure you pay upfront because some camel owners will charge a fee to get on the camel, and then another fee to get off.
If you are feeling even more adventurous, you can book a trip through the desert on motorbikes. Just visit the Hurghada Motorsport Centre to rent quads and get your team assembled to ride through the mountains and twisty desert paths.
After the noise of riding bikes through Hurghada, you can find complete silence on an Egyptian safari. This is not the African safari you think of visiting wild animals. Instead, this is a genuine experience of walking through the desert in the middle of nowhere. It’s just sand and heat.
Hurghada Sand Museum (Sand City)
Hurghada Sand Museum is the only open-air museum in Africa and the Middle East. There are numerous real and imaginative sculptures from sand in the museum. Hurghada Sand Museum is located 12 kilometers away from the airport, next to Senzo Mall.
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
For tourists who are not particularly passionate about watersports but still enjoy the beauty of the sea, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium offers an experience of the marine life of the Red Sea. Visitors can get a closer look at the attractive sea life, all well preserved and properly showcased. Just north of the public hospital, the aquarium has a fascinating selection of fish and other marine creatures that will appeal to the little ones, just as much as to adults.
Fishing tours
Embark upon a real Red Sea adventure with a fishing trip. Or join a tour to learn new techniques and tips from a professional guide and experience the best fishing in the area.
Sindbad Submarine
If you don’t want to get your feet wet, this tourist submarine — the only one operating on the Red Sea — takes passengers down to a depth of 22 meters under the water for a peek at the Red Sea’s abundant coral and fish life, all without even putting a toe in the sea. Trips take about one hour, and although they don’t go very far offshore where the better coral can be viewed, for non-swimmers, it provides an opportunity to see the magical world below the surface.
Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul
Those expecting only mighty mosques might be surprised to know Egypt is home to some of the most beautiful Coptic churches in the world.
The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are old Christian monasteries dating back to the 4th century AD.
The Monastery of St. Anthony specifically is considered the holiest site of the Coptic Church in Egypt.
Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque
Also called the Big Mosque, the architectural marvel that stands tall offers tourists the opportunity to connect with the culture and daily life of Hurghada, Egypt.
The classic Islamic architecture and the intricate design might be enough of an attraction for many. Clothes with which women can cover are available for free near the entrance of the mosque.
Egypt Travel Guide 