Hurghada, Egypt travel guide

Red Sea resort capital - world-class diving, year-round sun, and turquoise reefs.

Best time to visit: March-May and September-November
Average daily budget: $40 to $100 USD
Ideal trip length: 4 to 6 days

Hurghada is Egypt's Red Sea playground - a long strip of resorts, marinas and dive centres facing some of the warmest, most colourful reefs on the planet. It's all-inclusive holidays and beginner diving by day, with easy day trips to desert and reef. Joy Plus steers you past the worst tourist traps to the best house reefs, the snorkelling islands worth the boat trip, and a half-day to the temples for those who want more than the beach.

Hurghada itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Dive or snorkel Giftun Island. Protected reefs and white-sand beaches a short boat ride offshore - Hurghada's best day on the water.

Afternoon: Explore Sekalla (downtown), The lively old centre - cheaper hotels, bars, restaurants and the buzzing Marina.

Evening: Desert safari. Quad bikes or jeeps into the Eastern Desert, with a Bedouin camp dinner under the stars.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Learn to scuba dive. Warm, clear, calm water makes Hurghada one of the world's best (and cheapest) places to get certified.

Afternoon: Explore Marina, The waterfront promenade of yachts, dining and nightlife - the social heart after dark.

Evening: Orange Bay / Paradise Island. Postcard sandbar islands for turquoise-water snorkelling and beach time.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Abu Dabbab beach for the chance to snorkel with dugongs and sea turtles.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore El Mamsha, A long pedestrian strip of shops, cafes and bars linking resorts and the sea.

Evening: The new Hurghada Marina at sunset, calmer and prettier than the party strip.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Sekalla (downtown): The lively old centre - cheaper hotels, bars, restaurants and the buzzing Marina.
Marina: The waterfront promenade of yachts, dining and nightlife - the social heart after dark.
El Mamsha: A long pedestrian strip of shops, cafes and bars linking resorts and the sea.
Sahl Hasheesh: An upscale resort enclave south of town with calm beaches and luxury hotels.
El Gouna: A polished lagoon resort town 25km north - lagoons, golf and a stylish marina.

Must-do experiences

Dive or snorkel Giftun Island: Protected reefs and white-sand beaches a short boat ride offshore - Hurghada's best day on the water.
Learn to scuba dive: Warm, clear, calm water makes Hurghada one of the world's best (and cheapest) places to get certified.
Desert safari: Quad bikes or jeeps into the Eastern Desert, with a Bedouin camp dinner under the stars.
Orange Bay / Paradise Island: Postcard sandbar islands for turquoise-water snorkelling and beach time.

Hidden gems

Abu Dabbab beach for the chance to snorkel with dugongs and sea turtles.
The new Hurghada Marina at sunset, calmer and prettier than the party strip.
A liveaboard dive trip out to the remote, pristine reefs of the offshore marine parks.
Sand City sculpture park for a quirky, kitsch hour off the beach.

Daily budget

$40 to $100 USD per day.

What to eat

Fresh Red Sea grilled fish and seafood
Egyptian mezze and koshary
Seafood tagen (clay-pot stew)
Fresh mango and guava juices

Getting around

Most resorts run shuttles, and the main strip is walkable in parts. For getting around town, use ride-hailing where available or agree taxi fares before setting off (insist on a price, not a meter). Dive and excursion operators handle their own transfers. The airport is close to the centre.

Safety

Hurghada is a safe, tourism-focused resort area with hassle from touts and taxi drivers the main annoyance. Agree all prices upfront, choose reputable, well-reviewed dive operators (check equipment and certification), and respect strong Red Sea currents. Outside resorts, dress modestly in town as it remains a conservative Egyptian city.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hurghada good for diving and snorkelling?

Yes - it's one of the world's top destinations for both. The Red Sea offers warm, clear water, vibrant coral and abundant marine life year-round, with sites for every level. It's also among the cheapest and easiest places to get scuba certified, which is why so many divers start here.

How many days should you spend in Hurghada?

Four to six days suits a beach-and-diving holiday, leaving time for a couple of boat trips, a desert safari and pure relaxation. If you want to add a long day trip to Luxor's temples, build in an extra day, as it's a few hours each way by road.

Can you visit Luxor from Hurghada?

Yes - Luxor is a popular full-day trip, around three to four hours each way by road. Organised tours leave very early and cover the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Hatshepsut's temple before returning at night. It's long but lets beach-goers experience Egypt's greatest ancient sites.

Is Hurghada safe for tourists?

Yes, it's a well-established and safe resort destination. The main issues are persistent touts and taxi drivers rather than crime. Agree prices in advance, use reputable dive and tour operators, and respect the sea's currents. Outside the resorts, dress modestly as the town itself is conservative.

What is the best time to visit Hurghada?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) bring warm, comfortable temperatures ideal for diving and the beach. Summer is very hot but bearable with the sea breeze and resort pools, while winter is mild and sunny - one of the warmest European-accessible escapes in the off-season.

Do you need a visa for Egypt to visit Hurghada?

Most visitors need a tourist visa, available as an e-visa online before travel or on arrival at the airport for many nationalities. There's also a special, cheaper permit option for those staying only in the Red Sea resort zone, though it limits travel to places like Luxor - check current rules.

Is Hurghada expensive?

No - it's excellent value. All-inclusive resorts, diving and excursions are cheap by international standards, and food and drink in town are very affordable. A comfortable day runs $40 to $100 depending on whether you go all-inclusive or pay-as-you-go, with diving the main extra cost.

Tours and activities in Hurghada | Hurghada in 3 days | Hurghada in 5 days | Hurghada in 7 days