Hurghada, on the shore of the Red Sea, was the Egyptian city that pioneered ‘sun and sand’ tourism in the 1980s, when some of the country’s finest resorts were built. Located about 450 km south-east of Cairo by road, Hurghada is well known for its astounding marine life, its beaches with their crystal-clear waters, and the vast Eastern Desert that lies around it. This former fishing town has successfully reinvented itself to offer travellers a fascinating combination of marine activities, desert landscapes and a rich cultural life. Its world-famous coral reefs attract not only professional divers, but also snorkelling enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the undersea beauty that lies beneath the surface. Likewise, the surrounding desert offers the opportunity for a deep, mystical experience — touring the dunes on a quadbike or spending a night in a Bedouin camp beneath a star-strewn sky.
History and context: Hurghada: from humble fishing village to a tourist paradise
Hurghada, on the Red Sea coast, has undergone a radical transformation over the last century. What was once a small, humble fishing village has blossomed to become one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations. Before the arrival of mass tourism, Hurghada was practically unknown, inhabited mainly by Bedouin fishermen who made their living from the abundant waters of the Red Sea. Despite its remoteness, Hurghada’s strategic location made it an important spot for fishing and small-scale maritime trade.
It was in the 1980s that Hurghada began to attract international attention. Thanks to its pristine beaches, its clear waters and its abundant marine life, it soon became a sought-after destination for diving and snorkelling. As the fame of its coral reefs and the diversity of its marine species spread, foreign and local investors saw its potential to be developed as a top-level tourist destination. Within a few years, what had once been a forgotten village was transformed into a bustling tourist resort with luxury hotels, resorts, and a wide range of water-based activities.
This surge in tourism brought with it a rapid growth in infrastructure, transforming Hurghada into a modern city that not only makes its living from tourism, but has also diversified into other industries, such as trade and education. Despite this modernisation, Hurghada has succeeded in retaining part of its original charm. The older neighbourhoods, such as Dahar, still display vestiges of their Bedouin past, and offer tourists the opportunity to experience a more authentic side of the city, far removed from the tourist complexes.
What you can see in Hurghada: a vibrant range of activities, ranging from traditional to modern
Hurghada’s fame depends not only on its idyllic beaches and its coral reefs, but also on the variety of experiences it offers visitors. From its old quarter, steeped in history, to its modern shopping centres, the city presents a perfect contrast between traditional and contemporary. If you love local culture, you won’t want to miss a walk around Dahar, the oldest part of Hurghada. In this neighbourhood, you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the local markets, known as souks, where bargaining is part of the experience. Here you will find all kinds of goods, from spices and souvenirs to traditional craft items.
In addition, make sure you don’t miss a visit to the Al Mina Mosque, the city’s biggest. This monumental edifice, with its tall, white minarets, is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. As evening falls, the area around the mosque comes to life and the nearby port bursts into activity, making the perfect spot to stroll while you enjoy the sea breeze.
On the other hand, if you prefer the city’s more modern areas, head to Sakkala, the tourist area par excellence. Here you will find a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops stocking international brands, the perfect way to relax after a day of adventure. Hurghada’s leisure marina, Hurghada Marina, is a destination in its own right, particularly at sunset when the lights from the yachts and restaurants create a dazzling, colourful reflection on the water.
Hurghada Museum, which opened in 2020, is another essential attraction. This modern complex houses over 1,000 archaeological exhibits that tell the story of Egypt from ancient times to the modern day. It is a unique opportunity to get to know the history and cultural legacy of the region before setting off on an expedition to explore the coral reefs.
Finally, the Village Road area is dominated by luxury tourist resorts that offer every possible comfort and convenience from infinity swimming pools to first-class spas, and all just a stone’s throw from the sea.
Diving in Hurghada: an undersea universe waiting to be explored
One of Hurghada’s greatest attractions is its world-class diving. The Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs, and the diversity of the marine life that inhabits these waters is simply astonishing. From colourful tropical fish to sharks and sea turtles, every dive promises an unforgettable experience.
One of the most famous diving spots are the Giftun Islands, two sister islands that lie a few kilometres from the coast in a marine national park where the reefs are incredibly well conserved. Here, novice and expert divers alike can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and colourful corals that look like a scene from a postcard. In addition, Abu Nuhas, a famous boat graveyard, offers a fascinating dive among shipwrecks, and several wrecks have become home to a plethora of marine species.
For those who prefer not to dive into the depths, Hurghada also offer excellent snorkelling experiences. With suitable equipment, you can easily explore the coral reefs from the surface, and enjoy the rich biodiversity that is so characteristic of the Red Sea.
Hurghada desert: adventure in the dunes and beneath the stars
Although the Red Sea is one of Hurghada’s great attractions, the surrounding desert also offers unforgettable experiences. This great expanse of golden sand is ideal for exploring in a 4×4 vehicle, or on a camel — or you could try sandboarding. One of the most popular tours takes you to the heart of the desert to visit a Bedouin camp, where you can learn something of the Bedouin way of life, enjoy a traditional dinner beneath the stars and gaze at the glorious splendour of the night sky.
Quadbike excursions in the desert are another very popular option, which allows visitors to experience an adrenaline surge as they cross the dunes at high speed. These excursions generally finish at the top of a dune, so that visitors can watch the sunset — a visual spectacle that will remain forever etched on the memory.
Beaches: relaxation and luxury on the Red Sea coast
Hurghada’s beaches are famous for their white sands and their clear, turquoise-tinted waters — ideal for those looking to soak up the sun. Most of the resorts have private access to the beach, which ensures that visitors can enjoy peace and quiet, and admire the sea views without the crowds.
Some of the most popular beaches are Mahmya Beach and Orange Bay, both on Grand Giftun, which is well known for its white sands and transparent waters, perfect for snorkelling. Here, visitors can enjoy a day on the beach with all the conveniences of a resort, but in a more natural and secluded setting. Near the centre of Hurghada, there are a few exclusive beaches with a more luxurious vibe, such as Old Vic Beach and Dream Beach, but you have to pay to use them.
Nearby places to visit: the ancient temples of Luxor and the natural wonders of El Gouna
Hurghada is an excellent base for exploring some of the historic and natural wonders of the local area. Just a few hours’ drive away is Luxor, the city that was the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom. Here, visitors can marvel at the Temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, the site of the tombs of some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs.
Another recommended excursion is the El Gouna Nature Reserve, located about 30 minutes north of Hurghada. This environmentally friendly destination is famed for its lagoons, canals and distinctive architecture. Tourists can enjoy boat trips or water sports, or they can simply relax on the beaches surrounded by protected natural landscapes.
