Egypt Holidays

Egypt is home to ideal spots for keen beachgoers. Think tons of beaches, a lively nightlife scene and a whole load of hotels that’ll make every type of holidaymaker happy. There’s a reason why the Ancient Greeks used to holiday here, too…

Destination Highlights

Rich in history from the Pyrmaids and beyond
Tons of hotels that’ll have the kids, you, your pals, Uncle Brian and everyone else smiling all jolly long
On the coast of the Red Sea, which is rich in beautiful marine life (so don’t forget that snorkel)
Year-round sunshine with it rarely dipping below 20 degrees - perfect for those last-minute holidays!

What are the best beaches in Egypt?

Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh - The main beach of Egypt’s prime beach resort Sharm El Sheikh is ideal for diving, chilling out and playing a bit of beach sport! So, pack the snorkel and a fun-having attitude ‘cause this one’s beachin’!
Makadi Bay, Hurghada - Located just outside of the main city of Hurghada, this is a divers paradise as it’s home to warm waters and beautiful coral reefs
Mahmya Island, Hurghada - Hop on a boat ride from Hurghada and head to this exotic island escape. Swimming and snorkelling are a must here so pack those swimsuits. You can also enjoy gorg sunset views and delicious food at the island’s main restaurant ‘Mahmya’.
Al Nayzak, Marsa Alam - Now this one is unique! Said to be created from a meteorite, this pool that’s located just a short trip from Marsa Alam is one of the best beaches in the whole of Egypt and one that is a must-visit…
Nabq Bay, Sharm El Sheikh - Another one of Sharm’s beaut beaches, Nabq Bay is perfect for those looking to chill out or take a swim. With a load of coral reefs and elegant marine life, a snorkelling trip should be right up on your list of things to do whilst here.
Blue Lagoon, Dahab - This beach sits in the Abu Galum national park, near the coast of Dahab and is amazing for those looking to disconnect from the world and be at one with nature. A relaxing spot that’s a must when you’re looking for a bit of an escape.

Many of the resorts in Egypt offer private beaches, too, with a lot of them having loads of loungers, water sports options and even beachfront bars!

Still not sure where to stay? Here are our top 11 reasons to visit Hurghada.

Egypt Holidays 2024 - Top hotels!

There are loads of hotels you can snap up for a cheap Egypt holibobs, but here are a few of our faves:

Serenity Fun City - A proper good spot for a big ol’ family jolly. This hotel is kitted out with its own waterpark that has loads of slides, kids’ rides and even an amazing kids’ club. And for the adults, there’s an English-style pub for some home-style comforts.
Monte Carlo Sharm El Sheikh - With a private beach, 24-hour all-inclusive and a Royal programme to upgrade to (that includes loads of juicy extras), this hotel should be right up on your list for your holibobs to Sharm El Sheikh.
Savoy Sharm El Sheikh - Dine around the globe at this top spot in Sharm El Sheikh with their brilliant all-inclusive programme and choice of restaurants. You’re 100% guaranteed to be well-fed, that’s for sure!

☀Staff Pick: Rixos Premium Seagate in Sharm El Sheikh☀

Trust us when we say that this hotel is AM-A-ZING. We stayed for a week there and never wanted to leave. One word to describe this hotel would be: generous. Ultra All Inclusive as standard, a private beach, two spas (one is ladies only), golf cart shuttle buses that ferry you around the resort and an impressive selection of restaurants that are included in your board. If we could move in and live here forever, we would.

Titanic Beach and Palace Hurghada - This 5-star resort sits with a backdrop of the Red Sea and is home to the largest waterpark in Hurghada. Combine that with a 24-hour lobby bar and a relaxing spa and you’ve got fun for everyone.
Xperience Sea Breeze - Five swimming pools, a private beach, two restaurants and a health club. This 5-star spot is ideal for couples, families and friends looking for a beach break in Sharm El Sheikh.

Looking for a big, beachy break with every included? Check out our all-inclusive holiday deals to Egypt.

Things to do in Egypt

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Egypt for families

A lot of the hotels on offer in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are absolutely stacked with things to do for the whole family. We're talking amazing waterparks, a bucket load of sports, beachfront locations, impressive kids' clubs and animation teams and much more. Throw in the fact it's (pretty much) always sunny and the kids can get FREE ice cream down on the beach when you go all-inclusive then you should definitely be considering Egypt for your next family jolly. If getting out and about is more your style, though, you can take a day trip and do things like river cruises down the Nile or a tour of some ancient history like the Pyramids or tombs.

👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏾 Things to do in Egypt for couples

If you're visiting as just the two of you, then romance will definitely be in the air. Egypt is spot on for couples' breaks, with hotels that'll leave you smitten and restaurants you can sit and stare into each others' eyes at. And don't forget the bucketload of beaches you can stroll down hand in hand as if you're in the closing scene of a cringey rom-com. Tip: the sunsets here are outrageously beautiful so if you're wanting to get extra lovey-dovey, then head down for a late afternoon stroll and watch the sun dip behind the horizon. Whether you're off to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, be prepared for a scorchin' hot, sun-soaked holibob where you'll be rubbing the sun cream into each other's backs. Now, all you need to decide is who's getting the next drink from the all-inclusive bar...

Popular Egypt hotels

Stunning Egypt resorts

Popular Hurghada destinations

Weather in Egypt

JAN

21^°C

FEB

22^°C

MAR

24^°C

APR

26^°C

MAY

30^°C

JUN

33^°C

JUL

35^°C

AUG

35^°C

SEP

33^°C

OCT

30^°C

NOV

23^°C

DEC

21^°C

Egypt weather serves up sunshine like the Nile serves up life - generously and all year round. Imagine wrapping yourself in warm golden rays as you gaze up at the Great Pyramids.

Summer in Egypt is not for the faint-hearted, with temperatures often venturing into the 30s and even 40s Celsius. It's a sun-worshipper's paradise - just remember to pack your SPF 50!

Winter, on the other hand, is like a warm British spring. With temperatures hovering around the mid-teens to low 20s Celsius, it's the perfect time to explore Egypt's ancient wonders or take a leisurely cruise down the Nile.

And spring or autumn? They’re like a perfectly brewed cup of Egyptian tea - warm, comforting, and just right.

FAQs

It takes about six hours to fly to Egypt from the UK - load up your Netflix and binge some downloaded faves.

Egypt is one hour ahead of the time in the UK - hard to believe, but it means jet lag isn't gonna catch you out. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound.

The official language spoken in Egypt is Arabic.

Your Egypt Holiday bucketlist

☀Discover the Ancient Egyptians

From Tutankhamun's tomb to the temples dotted all over Egypt, there's nowhere better to learn about one of the most fascinating civilizations in history than where they lived. Many excursions can be arranged by speaking to your hotel reception for information and advice - you won't regret seeing a sphinx or the Pyramids of Giza in person.

☀Learn to scuba dive in the Red Sea

Scuba diving pros and beginners alike are encouraged to journey under the water to discover a whole new world of rainbow fish, pretty coral and interesting shipwrecks. Known for some of the best diving spots in the world, you could even find yourself swimming alongside turtles. Keep an eye out for Nemo down there too - colourful clownfish are a fun fish to spot.

☀Take a cruise along the River Nile

Take a trip along the Nile, taking in the sights and sounds of nature around you. Whether you opt for a river cruise or one of the classic wooden sailing boats that have been used, like, forever, you're guaranteed a bit of sightseeing pleasure. Go for sunset or go early on, either way, the sights are beautiful and the journey is so peaceful. A must.

☀Have a dip with the dolphins in Hurghada

The Red Sea is a staple point among divers and for good reason, too. It's home to a ton of marine life, dolphins included. Take a boat trip out from the Red Sea resort in Hurghada and head to an area where you can snorkel and sunbathe. If you've caught them on a good day, the dolphins may come out to play and put on a show for you. Fingers crossed!

☀See the sights from above

If you want to get a bird's eye view of Egypt, do it in style with a hot air balloon ride. Soar as the sun rises and bask in the glorious sights of Egpyt. Plus, a load of other balloons go up at the same time meaning the views across the sky are truly special. It's definitely worth the (very) early wake-up call.

What events can I go to in Egypt?
If you're after some things to do and places to go to soak up some culture and get right amongst it, then we've sorted you right out. With this list of events that happen throughout the year in the country, you can get involved in a load of stuff:
- Eid Al Ghetass (January) - This religious celebration focuses on the baptism of Jesus Christ and serves as a wonderful display of Egypt's culture. Sample traditional sweets and enjoy the processions during this festival
- Cairo International Book Fair (January) - one for all the bookworms, if you find yourself on a cheeky winter-sun getaway then this book fair is one of the biggest you can make your way to with publishers from around the world flocking over to it.
- Sham El-Nessim (April) - this festival is celebrated by Egyptians across the country with picnics, outdoor activities and delish tradish food, it's what the ancient Pharaohs would've wanted.
- Sandbox Music Festival (May/June) - This festival is a three-day dance music paradise, located right on the beachfront. Dance the days and nights away under the Egyptian sun to some top, top DJs and artists
- Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre (June) - a time for the avant-garde to come out and play with a tonne of experimental theatre that's sure to have any avid theatre-goers brimming with excitement.
- Wafaa El Nil Festival (August) - this celebration is all about the River Nile, we're talking a fest of cultural activities that all centre the importance of, simply put, this iconic staple of Egyptian life.
- Pharoah's Rally (October) - A Pyramid to Pyramid week-long car race, where motorbikes and cars rally through the desert for 3,100km in the bid to become the champion
- Moulid an-Nabi (October) - Also known as 'The Prophet's Birthday', this event is bursting with colour and celebration as Egypt celebrate Prophet Mohammed's birthday
- Cairo International Film Festival (November) - it's a renowned event for a reason, with films featured from around the globe all finding there home at one of the oldest film festivals in the Arab world, cinephiles, this is deffo your bag.
- Moulid of Abu al-Haggag (a month before Ramadan) - Honouring Luxor's patron saint, this event has giant floats, drumming, packed streets and a load of stuff going on. Publishers, authors and people come from all over the world to take part
Where's the best nightlife in Egypt?
We get it, after a long, hard day lounging on the beach, you want to blow off some steam and have a drink and a dance on your holidays to Egypt. So, we've pulled together some of the top spots to do just that. Dust off the dancing shoes and get ready...
- Amici Bar (Hurghada) - Often regarded as one of the top spots for a good ol' cocktail, Amici Bar is on hand to have you sipping and singing until 1am
- Ice Bar (Sharm El Sheikh) - One of the coolest bars on the continent. Literally. Walls, seats, bars and glasses are made of ice and the entry price to get in includes a FREE drink, too
- Space (Sharm El Sheikh) - This club that's got both indoor and outdoor sections and it's ideal for those who love some dance music
- Little Budha (Hurghada) - A restaurant that turns into a club sounds ideal, doesn't it? Well, the Little Budha serves up delicious grub and then gets the music pumping into the early hours
- Papas Beach Club (Hurghada) - A swanky beach spot for day and nighttime boogies, we're talking beach parties and live music with lush sand right at the tips of your toes, heck, you can even kick back and relax here, it's not all about the partying, but the partying is super cool too.
What food can I eat in Egypt?
Food in Egypt is delicious and will have you tuckin' in like there's no tomorrow. It's a massively underrated cuisine, serving up some top-level dishes for the whole family to enjoy. Prepare the knife and fork for some extreme indulging:
- Kofta and Kebab - A typical dish across the Middle Eastern and North African world, this is minced beef or lamb mixed with some herbs and spices and then rolled and grilled. It's amazing and we could eat a plate load
- Basbousa - This popular dessert is cake-like and is sticky, sweet and bursting with citrus. Enjoy it cold or warm, it doesn't matter because it's delicious no matter what
- Fiteer Baldi - Also known as the Egyptian pizza, this a filo pastry-based dish that definitely doesn't skimp on the calories. Covered in butter and cooked in a brick oven, you can enjoy it plain or covered in meets, cheeses and veg
- Ful Medames - A paste of mashed broad beans flavoured with garlic and olive oil. It's one of the most popular dishes in Egypt and can be enjoyed with salads and breads
- Tamiya - This Egyptian street food staple is a must-try if you're visiting the country. It's a style of Falafel that uses fava beans instead of chickpeas. Ideal in a sandwich or a salad
And here are some of our faves for you to get on your restaurant list ahead of your Egypt holidays:
- Rangoli (Sharm El Sheikh) - A top-tier choice for anyone craving some Indian cuisine while soaking up the Egyptian sun.
- Farsha Café (Sharm El Sheikh) - Picture this: a café perched on a cliff with panoramic sea views and a vibe so chill, you'll never want to leave.
- Moby Dick (Hurghada) - At this bustling hotspot, you'll find locals and tourists alike diving into some of the best seafood in town.
- El Halaka (Hurghada) - Located in the marina, El Halaka is renowned for its wide selection of fresh fish and seafood that you can pick directly from the day’s catch.
- Camel Bar & Roof (Sharm El-Sheikh) - This spot's packing tasty faves like pizzas and burgers, but the real MVP is those rooftop views over Sharm El-Sheikh, it's what everyone flocks here for, that, some good grub, and a bangin' cocktail or three.

Places to visit

The Great Pyramids of Giza
Nestled on the outskirts of Cairo, these ancient marvels stand as the last surviving wonders of the ancient world. The Great Pyramid of Khufu reigns supreme, a whopper construction. And as you wander around, don’t miss the enigmatic Sphinx, guarding the plateau with a pharaoh’s wisdom and a lion’s strength. Whether you're gawping at the sheer size or pondering how the ancient Egyptians pulled off such a feat without modern machinery, the Pyramids of Giza deliver a proper good, history-soaked adventure for your Egypt holidays that’s both enlightening and totally Insta-worthy.
Abu Simbel
Tucked away in the southernmost part of Egypt, this place is stacked with history and culture that’ll leave even the smallest history buffs swooning. Picture this: two mahoosive temples, carved straight out of a mountain, standing as a whopping testament to ancient marvels. Built by the pharaoh Ramses II, these structures are some of the most jaw-dropping relics you'll ever lay eyes on. And let’s not forget the twice-yearly solar event when the sun aligns perfectly to light up the inner sanctum— it's a special sight to behold on your holidays to Egypt.
Dahab
Pack your bags for Dahab, Egypt—a hidden gem with a chill vibe and heart-stopping beauty. Picture this: you're basking under the scorchio Egyptian sun by day and discovering underwater marvels by night. Whether you're up for windsurfing across the sizzling Red Sea or exploring the kaleidoscopic reefs of the Blue Hole, Dahab serves up top-tier experiences that are both a feast for the eyes and thrilling for the soul. After a day of splashes and dives, hit the buzzing promenade. It's popping off with quirky cafés and shops to grab a bite to eat and something to drink. Dahab is the place to be if you’re looking for something a little boujee, yet totally laid-back. It’s the ultimate blend of relaxation and adventure for your Egypt holidays 2024. Holibobs in Dahab? Bish. Bash. Bosh!

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Visitors must acquire a £25 Egyptian tourist visa payable in GBP, USD, or Euros. These can be purchased at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters, or from the Egyptian Consulate prior to travel.

Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 10/03/2024 and 09/04/2024. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking will be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors are expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.

Egypt Holidays

Destination Highlights

What are the best beaches in Egypt?

Egypt Holidays 2024 - Top hotels!

Things to do in Egypt

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Egypt for families

👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏾 Things to do in Egypt for couples

Popular Egypt hotels

Stunning Egypt resorts

Popular Hurghada destinations

Weather in Egypt

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Egypt?

What’s the time difference between the UK and Egypt?

What currency do they use in Egypt?

What language do they speak in Egypt?

Your Egypt Holiday bucketlist

☀Discover the Ancient Egyptians

☀Learn to scuba dive in the Red Sea

☀Take a cruise along the River Nile

☀Have a dip with the dolphins in Hurghada

☀See the sights from above

What events can I go to in Egypt?

Where's the best nightlife in Egypt?

What food can I eat in Egypt?

Places to visit

The Great Pyramids of Giza

Abu Simbel

Dahab

Key facts about Egypt

Flight time

6 hrs

Time Difference

+1 hr

Currency

Egyptian pound

Language

Arabic

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Egypt?

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Observing Ramadan