Incredible Things To Do In Hurghada You Can’t Miss
Hurghada, a once-calm fishing village on Egypt's Red Sea coast, has developed into a major resort that includes a city and a 37-mile stretch of mega-resorts ideal for families, many of which have private beaches. The most well-known Egyptian resort, Sharm el-Sheikh, is located across the Gulf of Suez from Hurghada. Like Sharm, it offers a variety of water sports and diving opportunities. Hurghada is also closer to the Nile delta, making it only a few hours' drive from the Valley of the Kings, stunning temples, and historic monuments.
Although Hurghada Airport offers frequent direct flights from London and Manchester, the resort can alternatively be reached by ferry from Sharm. Additionally, the weather is ideal for enjoying some winter sun, with January lows in the low 20s and moderate sea temps to match. You will be content here if you like days full of family-friendly activities or if you like to combine culture and the beach. Here are the incredible things to do in Hurghada city.
Top things to do in Hurghada for an unforgettable trip
Ready to turn your Red Sea getaway into a lifetime memory? Here are the top things to do in Hurghada for an unforgettable trip!
Go diving
Egyptian Red Sea reefs and shipwrecks offer diverse tropical fish and coral formations ideal for diving. Hurghada's extensive independent tour operator presence contributes to its busy atmosphere, despite proximity to stunning locations such as the Giftun Islands. For a calmer diving experience with improved visibility, consider starting near El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, or Makadi Bay.
Go diving is one of the top things to do in Hurghada city
Explore the Giftun Islands by boat
The Giftun Islands (Big Giftun or Small Giftun) offer boat tours suitable for snorkeling. These locations are within a coral reef protection zone. Dolphin House Island, a marine reserve, is approximately one hour by boat from Hurghada. This island supports spinner and bottlenose dolphins. Swimming with these dolphins is possible, subject to favorable conditions. Orange Bay, on the west side of Big Giftun, provides a sheltered environment for those wishing to avoid water activities.
Cool off at a waterpark
Jungle Aqua Park, Hurghada's largest waterpark, is located on the southern edge of the city. The park features multiple restaurants, swimming pools, and water slides. Sun loungers are available for guests to relax and observe the park. Nearby Makadi Bay features Makadi Water World. Sinbad Aqua Park, designed for families, is situated in Hurghada's city center.
Visit the aquarium
The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is one of the top things to see in Hurghada. The 24 exhibits of the aquarium feature a wide variety of species, from elegant sharks to tiny clownfish. You can dive with them if you have the nerves of steel (and diving experience).
The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is one of the top things to see in Hurghada
Set off on an expedition in the desert
The coastal city of Hurghada offers a stark juxtaposition of sea and desert. A visit to Hurghada, focused solely on the beach, would neglect a crucial element of the Egyptian experience: desert exploration. Activities such as camel riding, Jeep tours, quad biking, and dune buggy rides are integral aspects of Hurghada's offerings.
These activities often culminate in stargazing under the clear night sky, following a visit to an authentic Bedouin village. Despite their traditional customs, Bedouin hospitality is renowned. Cultural immersion includes a feast of dates, music, and delicious flatbreads accompanied by succulent grilled meats.
Experience the iconic camel ride, drive a Jeep, a quad bike, or a dune buggie, which are definitely things to do in Hurghada
Take a day trip to Luxor
Reaching Luxor by car takes approximately four hours. A bus ticket costs approximately £10, while a private car rental is around £160. Hotels often assist in arranging transportation.
A one-day trip allows for visits to the Hatshepsut and Karnak temples, and the Valley of the Kings. Booking a guided tour with an Egyptologist specializing in ancient monuments (approximately £100 per person) is recommended. Pre-booking is essential.
Discover ancient Egypt
Egypt is known for its pyramids and mummies, but the Hurghada Museum offers over 2,000 artifacts that give you a flavor of the country's rich, underappreciated Coptic Christian, Jewish, and Islamic past.
Hurghada Museum offers over 2,000 artifacts
Travel to Cairo by flight
The Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx, key attractions for Egyptian tourism, are situated in Cairo, accessible by one-hour flight (roundtrip fares begin below £60). Enjoy breakfast on the Marriott Mena House terrace in Giza, affording a prime view of the Great Pyramid upon arrival. The Giza Pyramid complex's entrance is a short walk away, and buffet service, approximately £30, is available. Conclude the day at the Egyptian Museum, housing Tutankhamun's golden mas.
Experience water sports at Soma Bay
Soma Bay, located just off the coast of Hurghada, provides a mix of semi-constant wind and warm, shallow water for kitesurfing, windsurfing, parasailing, waterskiing, and paddleboarding if you like racing around on the surface. Numerous schools, like the Tornado Surf Centre, provide lessons in kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and stand-up paddleboarding to novices in the lagoon. For those with more experience, there is a large freeride area.
In short, Some Bay offers many activities in Hurghada as well as a variety of lodging options, such as the five-star Mövenpick resort or the Breakers Diving & Surf Lodge, which specializes in water sports.
Some Bay offers many activities in Hurghada
Walk around the El Dahar bazaar
Hurghada may no longer be the fishing village of its past, but the old town still has a bustling market with produce, fruits, and even livestock. In addition to shopping for souvenirs, you may sample the produce grown in the fertile Nile basin, which has long been the backbone of the Egyptian economy. Mangos are sweeter than anything you will find on the shelves of UK supermarkets, so do not leave without one.
Best time for activities in Hurghada
The spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons offer the best time for activities in Hurghada. The cooler temperatures during these times, which range from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F), make outdoor activities and water sports enjoyable.
What should I pack for a trip to Hurghada?
It is recommended that visitors to Hurghada bring breathable, light clothes that are appropriate for the hot climate, such as summer dresses, t-shirts, and shorts. Remember to include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the strong sun. Packing a lightweight jacket or long-sleeved shirts is also advised for chilly winter evenings.
The spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons offer the best time for activities in Hurghada
How to get to Hurghada
Hurghada, the biggest resort on the Red Sea coast, is easily accessible by air, ferry, and direct coach. This is the route to Hurghada.
By plane
Hurghada has an international airport with direct flights from the UK, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, and other countries, plus several charter flights. Domestic flights are available from Sharm El Sheikh and Cairo.
By coach
Another alternative is to take a luxury coach from Cairo. Because it is a seven-hour drive, this may require leaving very early in the morning and returning late at night. It takes five hours to get from Hurghada to Luxor by coach.
By ferry
The contemporary ferry service takes two hours and runs four times a week between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Final thoughts
Hurghada presents a diverse destination, offering captivating beaches, abundant marine life, exciting desert excursions, and a rich cultural heritage. This location caters to diverse interests, from relaxation on the Red Sea coast to exploration of ancient Egyptian culture or participation in exhilarating adventure activities. Hurghada promises to create lasting memories.
Obtaining an Egyptian e-Visa is the first step in planning a trip to Egypt. Our platform streamlines the application process, avoiding complex government portals or embassy visits. We provide a straightforward, secure, and efficient eVisa application, minimizing administrative burdens.
Related Articles
- Meidum Pyramid: History, Structure & Mysterious Collapse
- Pyramid of Menkaure: History, Facts, and Mystery
- Explore the Pyramid of Khafre: History & Travel Guide
- How to Travel from Canada to Egypt: A Complete Guide
- 15 Things to do in Dahab: Travel guide
- Best Restaurants in Dahab: Top dining spots to try
- Dahshur Pyramids: Egypt’s hidden architectural marvels