If you're looking to dive in a quieter location check out Marsa Alam and if you want to go more upmarket, check out El Gouna. Hurghada is still adding more hotels to its 20km beach, so parts resemble a construction site and you have to take care when choosing a hotel. Hurghada is very popular with Russian and German tourists.
Hurghada is split into 3 sections. The northern end of town is El Dahhar which is where most of the budget hotels are located. This is the most "Egyptian" part of town, there are souqs, local restaurants and a general authentic bustle. Al-Sakkala is Hurghada's mid-section, it's crowded with hotels on the beach and lower-end establishments in the back. South of Al-Sakkala is the resort strip, filled with high-end resorts, half-finished resorts and some western-style shops.
Where to Stay in Hurghada
There are more than a hundred hotels to choose from, most people opt for a package that includes their flight and accommodation. The hotels listed below offer good access to the beach and water sports, and get good user reviews.Budget: Triton Empire Inn, Sham's Beach B&B, and Sol Y Mar Suites.
Mid Range: The White Villa, Iberotel Arabella, and Jak Makadi Star and Spa
Luxury: Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort, Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, and Citadel Azur Resort.
Hurghada Activities
- Watersports - you can dive, snorkel, kiteboard, jet ski and parasail. Responsible dive shops that help protect the coral reefs include: James and Mac, Subex and Divers Lodge.
- Submarine Tour - Explore the underworld without getting wet.
- Giftun Island - Take a boat trip out to the island for lunch, enjoy snorkeling and the lovely Mahmya beach.
- Desert Safaris - Organize a trip into the desert on a quad bike, a 4x4, or on the back of a camel.
Getting To/From Hurghada
There's an international airport in Hurghada (code: HRG) with direct flights (including many charter flights) from Russia, Ukraine, England, Germany and others. Egyptair offers domestic flights to Cairo. The airport is about a 20 minute drive from the center of town.By land, you can take a long-distance bus from Luxor (5hrs) and Cairo (7hrs).
By sea you can catch a ferry to and from Sharm el-Sheikh.
Hurghada Packages
From the US, Yahoo has some decent deals, from the UK check out Direct Line Holidays, Late Holiday Bargains, Travel Deals and Thomas Cook.Sources and More
- Hurghada Guide - LookLex
- Hurghada Guide - TourEgypt
- Hurghada - Wikipedia
