About Hurghada
Hurghada is a coastal city that serves as the largest city and capital of the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt. Hurghada has grown from a small fishing village to one of the largest resort destinations along the Red Sea coast, stretching close to 40 km.
Places to visit in Hurghada
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Giftun Islands
Beach · 8 mi from centreA protected group of islands off Hurghada with white beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling. Day trips leave from the marina; bring reef-safe sunscreen and choose operators that follow park rules.
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El Gouna
Neighborhood · 12 mi from centreA resort town north of Hurghada built around lagoons, with marinas, beaches and restaurants. It is popular for kitesurfing, and small boats connect its waterfront areas.
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Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Zoo · 9 mi from centreA large aquarium with tanks displaying Red Sea marine life, plus a small zoo area. It is a good option for families or a break from the sun during the hottest part of the day.
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Makadi Bay
Beach · 19 mi from centreA resort area south of Hurghada with sandy beaches and offshore reefs. Many hotels have their own piers leading to snorkeling spots, so bring your own mask and fins.
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Sahl Hasheesh
Beach · 15 mi from centreA resort bay south of Hurghada with a long promenade, calm water and a submerged old pier for snorkeling. It is quieter than central Hurghada, making it a good choice for a relaxing day.
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Mons Porphyrites
Historic · 31 mi from centreRemote Roman quarries in the Eastern Desert, where rare purple porphyry stone was mined for emperors. Visit with an organized desert tour, as the site is remote and the roads are rough.
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Mons Claudianus
Historic · 37 mi from centreAn ancient Roman granite quarry in the mountains of the Eastern Desert, with a fort and huge abandoned columns. Reach it with a guided jeep tour, and bring plenty of water.
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El Mina Mosque
ReligiousHurghada's largest mosque, a landmark by the harbor in the downtown area. Non-Muslim visitors can view it from the outside; dress modestly and avoid prayer times if you plan to enter.
Top experiences in Hurghada
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 43 available.
From Hurghada: Cairo by Flight
From $400 per adult
Discover Luxor - Full-Day Tour
From $244 per adult
Discover Egyptian Museum, and Giza - Full-Day Tour
From $232 per adult
Desert Safari - Full-Day Tour
From $39 per adult
Dolphin House and Snorkling Tour
From $39 per adult
Red Sea Diving - Full-Day Tour
From $39 per adult
Sindbad Submarine
From $74 per adult
Quad Bike Desert Adventure
From $29 per adult
Mahmya Sunset
From $210 per adult
Day at the Paradise Island
From $37 per adult
Royal Sea Scoop Semi Submarine
From $29 per adult
Sindbad Submarine
From $83 per adult
Where to stay in Hurghada
Popular hotels in Hurghada, out of 251 properties you can book.
V Grand Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh Ex.Pyramisa
From $153 per night
Steigenberger Aqua Magic
From $154 per night
Dexon Roma Hotel & Aqua Park
From $40 per night
Caves Beach Resort Hurghada
From $143 per night
Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle - Adults Only
From $385 per night
Giftun Azur Resort
From $132 per night
SUNRISE Mamlouk Palace Resort
From $187 per night
Sunny Days El Palacio Resort & Spa
From $108 per night
Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park - Neverland Hurghada
From $232 per night
El Karma Aqua Beach Resort (Ex. Nubia)
From $98 per night
Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel
From $272 per night
The V Luxury Resort Sahl Hasheesh
From $168 per night
Best time to visit Hurghada
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hurghada is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 71–84°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Hurghada weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 76° 65° 0%
- Thu 12 Nov 78° 66° 0%
- Fri 13 Nov 80° 68° 0%
- Sat 14 Nov 82° 70° 0%
- Sun 15 Nov 81° 71° 0%
- Mon 16 Nov 81° 69° 0%
- Tue 17 Nov 79° 69° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Egyptian pound (EGP)1 US dollar ≈ £53.3
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +20
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Africa/CairoUTC+2
- Capital
- Cairo
Upcoming public holidays in Egypt
- Christmas Day (Orthodox)عيد الميلاد المجيد
- Revolution Day 2011 / National Police Dayعيد الثورة 25 يناير
- Sinai Liberation Dayعيد تحرير سيناء
- Labour Dayعيد العمال
- Easter MondaySham El-Nessim
- Islamic New Year
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Hurghada
These are the airports closest to central Hurghada. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- HRG Hurghada International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Hurghada
A swarm of white minibuses (Toyota Hiace) called micro bus serve the area, with a flat fare of LE2–3 (Dec 2022). They run fixed routes, mostly along the coastal strip, picking up and dropping off anywhere along the way. Ask around for your destination before getting in - if it's not this bus, it's probably the next one already pulling up. They're cramped and crowded, and young women may have to ward off pests.
By e-hailing
Uber and Careem operate in Hurghada and can be convenient for short trips within the city, avoiding much of the haggling required for ordinary taxi rides. Prices are shown in the app, but availability, waiting time and final pickup point can vary by area, time of day and demand. App fares have increased compared with older guidebook prices, so do not rely on past examples.
By taxi
Taxi drivers in Hurghada have an astonishing talent for spotting tourists from far, far away; look at the approaching car and it may stop for you — at a price.
Hurghada travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Hurghada?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hurghada is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 71–84°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
What is the weather like in Hurghada?
August is usually the warmest month in Hurghada, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 57°F (14°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 1 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Hurghada?
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Hurghada.
What currency is used in Hurghada?
Hurghada uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £53.3.
What time zone is Hurghada in?
Hurghada uses the Africa/Cairo time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Hurghada?
A swarm of white minibuses (Toyota Hiace) called micro bus serve the area, with a flat fare of LE2–3 (Dec 2022). They run fixed routes, mostly along the coastal strip, picking up and dropping off anywhere along the way.
What are the best places to visit in Hurghada?
Top sights in Hurghada include Giftun Islands, El Gouna, Hurghada Grand Aquarium and Makadi Bay. A protected group of islands off Hurghada with white beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling. Day trips leave from the marina; bring reef-safe sunscreen and choose operators that follow park rules.
What are the top things to do in Hurghada?
Popular experiences you can book in Hurghada include From Hurghada: Cairo by Flight, Discover Luxor - Full-Day Tour and Discover Egyptian Museum, and Giza - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 43 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Hurghada?
Popular areas for hotels in Hurghada include Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada and Makadi. Well-reviewed options include V Grand Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh Ex.Pyramisa and Steigenberger Aqua Magic.
How many hotels can I book in Hurghada?
Destina Holidays currently lists 251 properties in and around Hurghada, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
