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Hurghada City
Spanning over 40 km of pristine coastline, Hurghada City has year-round sunshine, incredibly beautiful coral reefs and dozens of exciting attractions in a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. Even though it's known as a top-three diving destination on the planet, it still has something for everyone, even the non-divers: beach fun, extreme water sports, clubbing and golfing are only some of the options you have to choose from. You can also enjoy an amazingly relaxing holiday by booking a treatment or two at one of Hurghada's best Spas. Hurghada is a luxury resort town divided by Sigala, El-Dahar and El-Memsha. Sigala is where you find many seaside resorts, mid-range hotels and plenty of restaurants. South of Sigala, you find luxury resorts. El-Dahar is the older charming part of town with its bountiful bazaar. El Memsha, which means the village road, is the modern part of the city. There are numerous luxury locations nearby, visit Soma Bay, Makadi Bay, and Sahl el Hashish. Considered the capital of the Red Sea Riviera, Hurghada is south of Suez and 550 km from Cairo. You can reach Hurghada by ferry from Sharm-el-Sheikh, the road from Luxor and by the Hurghada International Airport. The temperature is lovely all year round, with Hurghada dry desert climate you should expect large differences in the temperature between night and day, days are hot, while nights can get pretty cold especially during winter months. Temperature can reach highs of 18 C and lows of 42 C.
What To Visit In Hurghada City !
- St Anthony and St Paul Monasteries
The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul are the oldest Christian monasteries; they both date back to the 4th century AD, when monks began to settle at the foot of the Red Sea mountain of Galala Al-Qibliya, in hidden cliffs and caves. Both monasteries are considered as the holiest sites of the Coptic Church in Egypt. Located off the Zafarana Road leading to Beni Suef, some 70 km south from Ain Sukhna, 45 km from Hurghada City, the Monastery of St Anthony is a large complex encircled by high walls, including churches, chapels, a bakery, a garden and a spring, celebrating the father of monasticism, Saint Anthony. Things have evolved drastically from the time when back in the 4th century, there were only a few hermits hiding in these cliffs . After a hike through the cliffs and plateaus of the Galala Al-Qibliya Mountain, you can reach the monastery of St Paul, which was built in the 4th century by hermits who had chosen to isolate themselves from the material world at the very same location where Saint Paul had chosen to live in a cave for 90 years. Both monasteries are worth a visit, even if you're not interested in the spiritual aspect of the experience. The beauty of the view you'll catch from up above will make this an unforgettable trip.Daytrips to St Anthony and St Paul Monasteries can be arranged through any travel agent in Hurghada, or with the help of your hotel. The tour operator you'll choose will arrange your pick-up from your hotel in the early morning and drop-back at the same location in the late afternoon.
A stroll along the Hurghada Marina Boulevard is a must-do: watch multi-million dollar yachts floating on the majestic Red Sea before settling down in one of the upscale cafés, bars or pubs of the Marina.
- Careless Reef
The Careless Reef is justifiably one of the more popular dive sites in Hurghada, with its many coral forests and a dense population of fish, including the occasional hammerhead shark, jacks, tuna and barracuda. The reef is however famous for the large population of giant and other morays flourishing in its premises, thanks to all the gifts of food they get from the dive guides.The reef itself consists of two coral towers brushing the water surface. The valley between these peaks is about 16m deep, and offers a wide range of dive possibilities for less experienced divers. A few meters east and well beyond 40m, experienced divers can find many caves to explore.
Gracefully perched atop a desert cliff between the cities of Taba and Nuweiba, Castle Zaman is a unique attraction on the serene stretch of Sinai. In this newly built medieval-like castle, you'll be transported in a luxurious yet eco-friendly atmosphere with attractions ranging from swimming and diving to upscale dining, yoga and massaging. You'll also have access to the castle's private beach, with its pristine sand and crystal clear waters, the only virgin beach left in the Taba-Nuweiba area. Some of the best corals on the coast are within a short swimming distance from the shoreline.
One of the natural wonders of the Sinai, the Coloured Canyon, can be visited from Taba. It's a maze of sandstone rocks in hues of yellow, purple, red, magenta and gold reaching up in some places a height of 40 meters. The uneven forms and height of the rocks sometimes make climbing necessary, so be prepared and try to get there as early as possible, not only because of the weather, but also to avoid the crowds. Although you might agree that the magic of the place is best enjoyed when you're on your own, you will have to take a guided tour to the Canyon.Many hotels and tour operators in Taba organize day tours to this amazing destination.
- Tok Tok Ride
Is it a motorcycle? A car? No, it's a Tok Tok. A motorized tricycle and a cabin where two or three passengers can squeeze themselves in, somewhat comfortably. Probably the best mean of transport across El-Gouna: it may look awkward, but be sure it's quite functional and pretty cheap.
Located at the tip of a small peninsula a few kilometres south from Naama Bay and offering spectacular views of the Red Sea and the reefs, Ras Um Sid is a much quieter area close to Sharm El Sheikh's old souk and the Ras Mohamed National Park, where divers head to be dazzled by stunning coral formations, especially fan corals, and an amazing abundance of underwater life, including rare fish species. As a beach, it is the location you want to find yourself in if you're planning on having a truly relaxing holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, far from the crowds. There are interesting accommodation options at Hadaba, the residential area located in the central area of the peninsula, the tip of which being known as Ras Um Sid. Hadaba caters to families, honeymooners and groups through a varied accommodation offer ranging from luxurious hotels and resorts to individual villas, beach houses and budget apartments. The area is located 5 km away from Naama Bay, which gives you great entertainment opportunities after a full day of beach fun and snorkelling.
- Hurghada Beach
Hurghada is one of the best seaside destinations in Egypt, second only to Sharm El Sheikh. Enjoy the sun and sea in resorts tailored to meet all your needs. Wake up to the sight of crystal clear waters, dive among remarkable reefs and check out ship wrecks off the coast. Whether you are a confirmed diver or not, you can enjoy the underwater flora and fauna sights, as many of the dive sites are close to the beach. If you are not into diving, nor into swimming, you can always go on a glass bottom boat or weak boat trip. For a quick visit to the beach, resorts offer access and services for a fee. Check with hotels for the rates. Keep in mind that the hundreds of metres of beaches in Hurghada are privately owned by hotels and resorts; the better the resort is, the better your beach experience will be.
- The Blue Hole
A few kilometers north of Dahab, you will find the world famous 'Blue Hole.\" It is a spectacular, but somewhat dangerous site: corals, fans, eels and dozens of fish species flourish there, and the incredible depths of the hole provide magnificent scenery. The technical divers are particularly attracted by the arch connecting the Blue Hole with the open sea and the whole site is a marvel of light and life which makes unforgettable memories. The Blue Hole is a shore dive and the view is magnificent in this spot where the mountain meets the sea.
- Senzo Mall Hurghada
Looking for a Red Sea shopping destination? Senzo Mall in Hurghada will definitely satisfy. Opened in 2009 it is in the middle of Hurghada city; just a short ride away from the airport. There is an array of retail shops, with many well known international brands, such as Timberland, Adidas, and Aldo. There is also a food court, 5 screen cinema, and a children's amusement park, with plenty of arcade games and several bouncy castles. Senzo Mall has a huge Spinney's which sells everything from groceries to pillows making it the perfect place if you are self catering on your vacation, or planning a camping trip.
- Pharaohs Island
After a short ferry ride from Taba's coast, you'll reach the Island of the Pharaoh, also known as the Coral Island, a small granite atoll surrounded by coral reefs and amazing dive sites. The island is also known for its citadel, originally built by crusaders and later conquered and reconstructed by Saladin. The citadel is listed today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The diving sites surrounding the island include the Picasso Reef; an underwater mountain that leads down 24 metres to huge table corals. At a depth of 12 metres, you'll find yourself surrounded by a wide variety of colourful fish, including the famous 'Picasso Trigger Fish.'
- Suez Bird Watching
The Suez is a major concentration point for migratory birds of prey. While taking in the sight of the Suez Canal, you'll spot shorebirds, White-eyed Gulls and Lesser Crested Terns. Driving up to Suez from Cairo will take you about 2 hours.
- Hurghada Glass Bottom Boat
Who said that you have to be a professional diver, or even know how to swim to be able to enjoy the amazing underwater scenery of the Red Sea? Comfortably seated in a slowly cruising glass bottomed boat, you can explore Hurghada's underwater treasures. You'll be amazed by the water clarity, the richness of the corals underneath and the marine life diversity on such a shallow level. Apart from being quite cheap, the trip is a perfect family attraction; children, parents and elderly people will all enjoy it equally. It is also the perfect occasion to make great souvenir pictures; on your way back to shore you'll be able to strike the pose with a beautiful panoramic view of the coast in the background. A glass-bottom boat ride can be easily booked through any water sports company in Hurghada, ask your hotel for a list of the available water activities experts. Usually the company will pick you up from your hotel, escort you to the marina where you will board the boat. You will then cruise the Red Sea for about 2 hours. Shortest rides can also be arranged directly from the marina.
- Parasailing in Hurghada
While on a summer holiday in Hurghada, you're most likely to be offered a parasailing ride by your hotel, or an on-site diving/water activities centre. If you haven't experienced the thrill of gliding through the air before, consider your Hurghada holiday as the perfect time and place to do it. Most of Hurghada's all-inclusive holiday resorts offer parasailing among their featured water activities, and can arrange single, double or even triple rides. The beautiful shore, eastern desert, and mountains views you'll catch from above will make you soon forget that you're floating in the airs, all alone, hanging down a parachute being dragged by a speed boat. But no worries! Beginners, keep in mind that parasailing is not as hard as you might imagine, it is easy, and anyone can do it, even 5-year old kids.
- Ferry Boat Ride to Sharm el-Sheikh
A fast ferry service operates between the 2 major Red Sea destinations in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada City.The fast ferries depart from Hurghada 4 days a week and the trip covers a total distance of 56 nautical miles in 90 minutes.Ferries leave from Hurghada's port in the early morning. A one-way adult ticket costs approx. 40 dollars, thus making the ferry one of the most convenient ways to reach Sharm el-Sheikh from Hurghada.Your hotel in Hurghada can help you book your ticket in advance, unless you prefer to do it yourself through a travel agency in town.
- Abu-Rimata
Easily accessible from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh by a liveaboard or day boat, this site has aptly been named the 'Aquarium': relatively shallow and quite flat, it is home to a stunning variety of marine species: it is packed full of small reef fishes, stingrays, leopard sharks. Jacks, barracuda and small tuna can also be seen in big numbers, and you might even witness a whitetip reef shark passing by.
- Snorkel in Sharm el Naga
Only 45 km south of Hurghada, you'll find the fantastic protected area of Sharm el Naga, a paradisiacal beach ideal for snorkelling or just relaxing in the sun. Get your gear from the mall in Hurghada, if you don't want to rent it on site, hop on a bus (transportation can be arranged by your hotel) and spend a day exploring the underwater lively fauna and flora of the Red Sea. Fishes galore and exceptionally intact corals await you at this unspoilt spot of the Red Sea Riviera. The wide sandy beach slopes smoothly into the waters: an ideal feature for beginners who may be scared off by depths. You'll also find charming beach chalets: how about booking one for the night?