Hurghada
Currency
EGP
Language
Arabic
Timezone
Cairo
Continent
Africa
Discover Hurghada
Hurghada was a fishing village of five hundred people in the 1980s; it is now a resort of more than two hundred thousand, stretched along forty kilometres of coast. Say it plainly: nobody comes here for monuments, because there are none. People come for the Red Sea, which holds some of the best diving in the world, for sun guaranteed all year, and for prices few beach destinations still hold. The town splits in three: Ad-Dahar in the north, the Egyptian part with its souk; Sekalla in the middle, with the bars and restaurants; and the rebuilt Marina, where the excursion boats leave. The Giftun reefs offshore are a national park and the trip everyone makes.
When to go
October to May is the season: twenty-five to thirty degrees, water between twenty-two and twenty-six, and underwater visibility often beyond thirty metres. June to September reaches forty and more, and only the water makes the day bearable. It effectively never rains. The northerly wind blows almost constantly, which makes the heat tolerable and has made the area a recognised kitesurfing spot.
Getting around
Hotels are spread along the coast and nearly all run a shuttle; beyond that, agree the taxi fare before getting in, never after. Shared minibuses link Ad-Dahar to Sekalla for a few pounds. The airport is five kilometres from the centre. Excursions — Giftun, dolphins, the desert by quad, Luxor four hours away — are sold everywhere; prices vary threefold and are negotiable. There is nothing to see on foot: the town was not built for it.
Where to eat
Grilled fish of the day is the best choice and is priced by weight. Koshari — rice, lentils, pasta, fried onion, tomato sauce — is the Egyptian staple and costs almost nothing. Ful and taameya are breakfast. Ninety-four restaurants and thirty cafés are listed, most between Sekalla and the Marina. Four addresses are tagged halal, though Egyptian cooking very largely is.
Good to know
The Egyptian pound is the currency; euros and dollars are accepted in tourist areas at an unfavourable rate. A visa is bought on arrival or online. All-inclusive dominates and distorts price comparison. Tap water is not drinkable. Tipping — baksheesh — is expected everywhere and is part of the real price. Diving requires a certificate or a supervised first dive: serious centres check, others do not, and that is a good way to choose.
Where to Stay in Hurghada
Top Activities in Hurghada
Sand City Museum
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
mobark 2
عمارة ٢٦مبارك ٢
كنيسة الإخوة الغردقة
Dr Hamid Gohar
Red Sea Aquarium
Jasmine Theater en Bar
Shaabruhr Umm Gamar
Shaab Umm Gamar
Cinema
Medan Arousa
Anemone Beach
Shiri Tourist Walk
Free
Balena
Dolphin show
Beach Albatros
Free
Sheraton beach 2
Free
Paradise
Free
Mahmya
Free
The View
Free
Mojito Beach
Free
Moon Valley Beach
Free
White Beach
Free