Sunny Hurghada is the largest of all resorts in Egypt . The bright sun and warm sea, the splendor of coral reefs, oriental dances – a holiday that awaits you in Hurghazi all year round.
Hurghada is located on the east coast 500 km southeast of Cairo . Due to the low humidity and the constant breeze from the sea, even at high air temperature, the heat is easily tolerated and the midday heat is not exhausting. The climate is favorable for any age without exception.
The swimming season lasts all year round. In Hurghazi, thanks to the winds, wonderful natural conditions for surfing have been created, and swimming with a mask and snorkel, which does not require any special skills, will bring real pleasure to both adults and children.
The most interesting districts of Hurghada for tourists :
- El Dahar is the historical center of the city, now there are some attractions of the city, entertainment centers, and in general a bustling city life.
- Sakkala is the newest, modern district of Hurghada . Modern beaches, discotheques and bowling, diving centers are located right here.
- New Hurghada – this district appeared quite recently. In fact, this is a strip of the coast of Hurghada , with built hotels, water parks, diving centers, restaurants.
So, the advantages of Hurghada :
- sandy beaches;
- convenient access to the sea;
- various excursion programs;
- infrastructure development;
- numerous hotel base in different price categories.
You can write about Hurghada for a long time, it is better to come here and enjoy an unforgettable vacation.
The most famous hotels with quality service are considered to be:
- Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh 5 * (one of the most luxurious hotels on the coast)
- Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh 5 * (luxury VIP – hotel for demanding tourists)
- Dana Beach Resort 5 * (the hotel is perfect for a family holiday, a romantic trip or a trip with friends)
- Steigenberger Al Dau Beach 5 * (perfect for families with children)
- Jungle Aqua Park 4 * (the hotel is ideal for active family and youth recreation)
- Mercure Hurghada 4 * (the hotel is suitable for an active youth and romantic vacation)
Most of the most famous restaurants and discotheques of Hurghada are located on the territory of hotels. One of the most popular is the disco of the Sindbad Beach Hotel , where you can dance all night to the most famous European hits. You can also have a great time at the discos of the Intercontinental, Hilton Plaza and Hilton Resort hotels . Real gourmets are invited to visit Felfela Restaurant . It is famous not only for its excellent cuisine, but also for its good location: the slope of the mountain descending to the sea is divided into separate terraces. You can taste dishes of European and national cuisine, enjoying the view of the sea.
A wonderful fish restaurant next to the Grand Hotel will delight you with a variety of seafood dishes. There are several Chinese restaurants nearby. And, of course, for those who cannot live without cheeseburgers, Coca-Cola and pizza, the doors of McDonald ‘s and Pizza Hut are open . A huge five-story building in the center of Hurghada , built in the form of a pyramid, is the Duty Free shopping center . Here, without a “suitcase” rush, you can buy perfumes, household appliances, leather goods, jewelry of the most famous global companies.
Besides the fact that your purchases will not be subject to taxes, this is really your only chance to buy alcohol at a reasonable price in a country where the majority of the population practices Islam. Be careful: you can use your benefits only within 24 hours of entering Egypt.
Climate
Due to the fact that Hurghada is not surrounded by mountains, like, for example, another famous Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh , the climate here is cooler. In winter, of course, this is a disadvantage, but in the hot summer months it is a big advantage. However, sunny weather prevails all year round. Due to the excellent weather conditions of the coast, it is most pleasant to engage in such water sports as diving, surfing and others. By the way, it is much easier to bear the heat even in the hottest months here, as a light breeze constantly blows from the sea.
Hurghada is an all-Egyptian health resort where you can relax all year round. In summer, the average air temperature is stable at around 30-35 degrees, water 26-28 degrees Celsius. The average air temperature in winter is slightly more than + 21 ° C, water + 20-23 ° C.
Hotels and infrastructure of Hurghada
Hurghada is a large and rapidly developing resort. Now there are about 200 hotels here, and two or three more are added every month. Depending on taste and wallet, you can find hotels from 3* to 5*. Such well-known chains as Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Intercontinental, Le Meridian and many others have built their hotels in Hurghada .
At this resort, tourists can shop at the duty-free shop. Within 24 hours after arrival, by presenting a passport, any foreigner can buy a pack of cigarettes, three units of alcohol and other goods.
Hurghada cuisine
Hurghada has many restaurants specializing in cuisines from around the world – restaurants with Italian, Chinese, English, Thai, French and Japanese menus. And of course there are many oriental restaurants serving Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish and Moroccan dishes. Sometimes, gastronomic experiments can lead to disappointment, so it is better to visit good, proven restaurants. A frequent dish in local restaurants is kebab or barbecue – lamb or chicken on a spit, usually served with rice or stuffed eggplant. You should definitely try the traditional Egyptian dessert – baklava , which is thin layers of cookies with crushed pistachios, sugar and cinnamon. Other interesting desserts – konafa, basboosa, om ali will also please those with a sweet tooth.
One of the most popular restaurants in Hurghada , Felfel a, is located on the picturesque coast. At the disposal of its visitors are spacious panoramic terraces located on different levels, as well as separate recreation areas with a romantic atmosphere. The Felfela restaurant specializes in the preparation of meat dishes, the chefs also excel in exquisite fish delicacies. Fans of the exotic should try stuffed pigeons, and lovers of the classics can easily choose a suitable treat.
Those who prefer fish dishes will definitely like El Mina restaurant . Visitors have the opportunity to choose their own fish, shrimp and squid, which the chefs will prepare to order in a matter of minutes. The restaurant is equipped with two beautiful halls, it is distinguished by a very hospitable and relaxed atmosphere.
Shopping in Hurghada
From Hurghada , tourists like to bring statuettes of ancient Egyptian gods made of stone as souvenirs, but you should be wary of fakes made of plaster, painted to match the stone. Also popular are hookah and papyrus, which is also often a low-quality fake for 1-3 pounds, good papyrus is distinguished by a neat drawing technique, and its cost is 10-20 pounds.
Beaches of Hurghada
One of the pleasant features of Hurghada is that most of the beaches here are gentle and sandy, and only in some places the coral reef swims close to the shore, making it difficult to enter the water. In these cases, you can enter the water from pontoons, but it is not very convenient for children. So, if you are going on vacation with the whole family, it is better to clarify in advance which shore is at your hotel. Most hotels have their own beaches, but there are also paid city public beaches.
Sights and entertainment in Hurghada
There are several attractions located directly in Hurghada . You can reach them by taxi.
Abdulhasan Elshazi Mosque is built in the Turkish style. The mosque was opened only in the middle of the last century.
This mosque is not a tourist attraction, and non-Muslims are not allowed inside. You will have to admire the beauty of this mosque from the outside. She is really beautiful.
If you are very curious, you can look at the decoration of the mosque from the outside, some tourists do so.
When this mosque was built, the calculation of the number of believers was clearly wrong, now the mosque cannot accommodate all those who want to pray. Often, especially on Fridays, people pray in gazebos nearby or in the yard.
The next attraction belongs to the Christian religion. The Coptic Church of Saint Shenuda was built in 1922. Some sources say that the church was built for oilmen by the British, but this is not entirely true.
The British began to build it, but in the end the church was handed over to the Copts. It has retained many British features, but this church is Orthodox, not Anglican.
Saint Shenuda was born a shepherd, but he fasted from an early age. Arriving at his uncle, one day he heard a voice from the god who said: “Shenuda! You have already become the father of recluses!”
Saint Shenuda lived in the 5th century and was an exemplary monk.
Saint Shenouda founded two monasteries, the first bears the name of Saint Beshoy , the second was named in his honor. Both monasteries operate to this day.
The complex “1000 and one night” was created especially for tourists. This is an entertainment complex with restaurants, where traditional shows with belly dancing, horse tricks, fakir shows and other performances are held.
The show is held in a hotel called Alf Leila Wa Leila , it will be interesting for everyone.
This performance features mace dancing, skirt dancing, belly dancing, camel dancing, horse dancing, and a wedding ceremony. In general, all the color in one place, it’s convenient.
Basically, the elements of the show tell the story of Egypt from the era of the pharaohs to the present day. The most beautiful thing in the show is the scenery, which is the hotel itself.
Many tourists will be interested in watching the show of dancing fountains . It can be seen at the Paradise Golden 5 hotel , which is quite far from the city center, save money for a taxi, although perhaps your hotel will be in the same area.
Among the interesting places of entertainment in Hurghada , you can note the city aquarium , where you can see the underwater life of the Red Sea and the water park of the Sinbad Hotel . You should not expect anything outstanding from either the first or the second. Egypt is positioned as a place of inexpensive recreation, huge oceanariums and outstanding water parks are not being built here, this is not the United Arab Emirates.
Hurghada is a paradise for divers. The visibility in the Red Sea is simply wonderful, and the variety of marine life is simply enormous.
The Red Sea is very warm, which is why it should contain so many fish, crustaceans and corals.
There are more than 50 popular diving spots around Hurghada , and you can find a diving center in almost every large hotel.
Excursions from Hurghada
If you are tired of lying like a seal on the beach or by the pool, you can take the opportunity and visit the interesting excursions that are offered in Hurghada . It can be land or sea trips or a walk in the central part of the city.
If you are going to see the city on your own, there are taxis near every hotel. For a small fee (depending on the location), they will take you to the center of Hurghada . It is worth negotiating with the driver in advance so that there are no ambiguities when disembarking.
One of the main sights of Hurghada is the Abdulhasan Elshazi Mosque. The majestic temple cannot be overlooked. The light tones of the walls and the tall towers impress with their image. Next to it stretches the wonderful Marina Boulevard embankment . There are restaurants and cafes on it.
A souvenir street with many different shops is located parallel to the embankment. Here you can buy souvenirs from Egypt for yourself and your loved ones. And don’t forget to bargain.
Families with children can also visit the water park and the Grand Aquarium , if there are not enough fish in the Red Sea.
Hurghada hotels offer many excursions both by sea and by land. The most popular:
Excursion from Hurghada to Luxor
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the ancient city of the pharaohs – Luxor . The ancient capital of Egypt is considered the pearl of the country. It takes about 4-5 hours to drive from Hurghada . You can get to Luxor from Sharm El Sheikh only by plane (plus Hurghada ). The city is located on the banks of the Nile, which divides it into two parts: the western – the city of the dead and the eastern – the city of the living. In each part, survived centuries, ancient buildings have been preserved.
Excursion from Hurghada to the Pyramids of Giza
You can also visit the famous Egyptian pyramids from Hurghada . This is a long excursion. It will take almost a day. It’s about a 6 hour drive to the pyramids, but it’s worth it. Ancient tombs impress with their scale and grandeur. Often, the pyramids of Giza are combined with an excursion to the museum of papyrus and aromatic plants from which perfumes are made.
A trip to the desert from Hurghada
Extremes can go to a real desert, to a Bedouin village. Only, keep in mind, the desert cannot be half an hour’s drive from Hurghada . And if you are offered to ride in the desert on quad bikes, it means riding one chain after another, not far from the city, and it is definitely not the Sahara.
In fact, vacationers are offered plenty of entertainment, so the choice is yours. Just clarify all questions before the trip so that there are no disappointments.
Walks along the sea in Hurghada
Paradise Island
We really enjoyed the excursion to Paradise Island . On the way to the island there were stops at picturesque reefs. We dived with a mask and fed huge fish – Napoleons and Morena. An island with stunning turquoise water and white sand.
Diving in the Red Sea
Diving is the most popular sport in Egypt, for its organization equipped boats are used, which start their work early in the morning. Their destination is the picturesque coral reefs, and – – the most attractive of them is the Carless Reef with its thirty meter ledges. This place is very dangerous, so it obeys only the most desperate and brave divers. Tourists who do not risk sinking to the bottom of the sea are offered a visit to a huge aquarium and get an equally vivid impression of watching turtles, moray eels, stingrays and various fish.
You can also admire marine fauna from the tourist submarine Sindbad , which can descend to a depth of 75 meters. The ship is equipped with wide screens, through which underwater beauties can be clearly seen, and it is even possible to take unique photos and video. The entire excursion lasts about 50 minutes, and the impressions remain for a lifetime.
A boat with a transparent bottom
For those who want to observe fish and sea beauty while staying dry, Hurghada offers a sea trip on a boat with a transparent bottom.
Fishing on the Red Sea
Fishing enthusiasts were not left without attention. They are offered fishing in the sea. And if you are lucky to catch a fish. In any case, the time spent on a yacht in the open sea with spinning will be remembered for a long time.
Lovers of educational excursions are happy to visit the Biological Museum of Hurghada . The scientists of this museum are engaged in researching the underwater world of the Red Sea and have collected the most interesting specimens in a special aquarium. The Temple of the Copts is a unique architectural monument . It is located in the old city and is always open for inspection.
Exciting excursions are organized to Bedouin campsites , where you can learn a lot of interesting things about the nomadic life of this harsh people, take part in their daily life and even stay for a while, taking advantage of their hospitality, to fully enjoy the remoteness of civilization.
Evening and night are a time of unforgettable entertainment. Incendiary discos with the participation of famous DJs and pop stars are held on the coast, and casinos located in each hotel invite gambling lovers. Bowling alleys, pubs and restaurants are open until the morning. Fans of everything oriental are advised to visit the entertainment center “One Thousand and One Nights”, where enchanting dance shows, acrobatic acts on Arabian horses, wonderful retelling of magical legends, as well as wedding ceremonies taking into account all national customs and traditions are arranged.