Grab your snorkel and your waterproof GoPro, because Hurghada’s swanky beaches offer just as much to explore underwater as they do on land.
Destination highlights
Sizzlin' sunshine all year
Budget-friendly luxury
Packed with fun family resorts
Great swim spots
What are the best beaches in Hurghada?
The glorious Red Sea coast is full of the kind of beaches you see on a postcard, ideal for soaking up the rays on your 2024 holiday to Hurghada. Your resort is likely to have its own private beach, but don’t miss out on these public beaches which you can visit for just a small fee:
El Sawaky Beach – a calm and family-friendly bay, great for safe dips in shallow waters.
Mahmya Beach – a hotspot for diving and snorkelling thanks to the surrounding coral reefs which are buzzing with marine life.
Makadi Bay Beach - pristine sands and glorious waters perfect for some under the sea adventures.
Solano Beach – a friendly beach with golden sands - a weekend favourite with the locals.
Sheraton Beach – get away from it all at this peaceful beach, where you can cool off in the crystal-clear water.
What are the top hotels in Hurghada?
You get a lot of bang for your buck in this resort town. Even five-star, All Inclusive holidays to Hurghada come with a reasonable price tag, and don't worry - we've got some great deals for all you last-minute Larries out there too. Get inspired by these hotels:
Serenity Fun City - a dream come true for kids (and adults!), thanks to its 6D cinema and the whopping waterpark.
Palm Royale Soma Bay - a romantic hotel with its own private beach, plush suites and lively evening entertainment.
Serenity Makadi Beach - we aren't Ma-kidding when we say this is the perfect place for couples and families alike along the beach, with special areas for the kids and a deluxe spa.
Jasmine Palace - feel like royalty at this lush hotel with fun for the kids and relaxation for you.
Sea Star Beau Rivage Hotel - a hotel with colourful rooms with a bit of zest and a range of waterside activities at the private beach.
Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna - a deluxe seaside retreat where you can choose from a range of swanky suites, including wheelchair-accessible rooms.
Popular Hurghada hotels
Stunning Hurghada resorts
Weather in Hurghada
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
22°C
Let's shake things up and start with winter. Hurghada literally laughs in the face of the cold, offering up a balmy 19°C to 23°C. When others are bundled up in scarves and mittens, you can be enjoying a leisurely beach walk or snorkelling in the Red Sea. Winter in Hurghada? More like a sneak peek of summer.
Spring's the time when Hurghada starts to turn up the heat, and I'm not just talking about the sizzling nightlife. Temperatures rise to a friendly 24°C to 30°C. It's like a warm invite to explore the town, hit the beach, or just lounge by the pool.
Now, let's talk about summer. With temperatures loving the 30°C to 35°C range, Hurghada's weather becomes the ultimate beach buddy. The sun's out, the sea's calling, and there's always a cool breeze to keep things fun. Beach volleyball, anyone?
Autumn? It's Hurghada's playful nod to those easing into the holiday spirit. With temperatures hanging out at 25°C to 30°C, it's a perfect time for water sports, desert trips, or just soaking up the sun.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Hurghada?
It takes about six hours to fly to Hurghada from the UK/Ireland, you'll nearly have finished book no.1 when you land.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Hurghada?
The time in Hurghada is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland, no naps needed when you get home... well jet lag caused naps anyway.
What currency do they use in Hurghada?
The official currency of Hurghada is the Egyptian pound.
What language do they speak in Hurghada?
The official language spoken in Hurghada is Arabic.
There's no need to ditch the sand before sundown on your beach holiday to Hurghada. Take a romantic trip out into the desert for dinner and you’ll be rewarded with the clearest sky — perfect for planet-spotting over pudding.
Take the plunge
There’s no better place to learn to dive than Hurghada, with its clear water and vibrant marine life. Once you’ve found your flippers, take a day trip to the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas coral reef, where thousands of fish swim amongst the wrecks of seven ships.
Get sub-Saharan
Little ones wanting to explore underwater but not quite old (or brave) enough yet? Why not take a submarine? Sindbad Submarines is one of the world’s only recreational subs, where you and the kids can get up close to the fish without even getting your feet wet.
Bag some souvenirs
Head North from the luxury resorts and you’ll find the Old Town area where there’s a traditional souk to explore. Show off your best haggling skills and you can grab authentic goodies even on a cheap holiday to Hurghada.
Sand Dune Safari
One of the pros of being in Egypt is the Sahara Desert practically on your doorstep, it'd be rude not to make an expedition and live out your Brendan Fraiser in 'The Mummy', fantasy - hop on a camel or buckle up your helmet and zoom off into the sunset on a quad bike.
What events can I go to in Hurghada?
While we may enjoy lazy days in the Red Sea, throughout the year you’ll find slightly more fast-paced events to take part in. Here are a few to check out, plus some extra local fun:
Hurghada International Festival (February) - a sporty bonanza with a fishing contest and triathlon.
Egypt Sensual Festival (March/April) - a weeklong ballroom dance festival with classes, workshops, and beach parties.
Sham El-Nessim (April) - a celebration of spring translating to ‘smelling the breeze,’ with big outdoor picnics.
Ramadan (April/May) - things may be quieter as Muslim Egyptians observe their holy month - the dates change each year so be sure to check before booking a last minute holiday to Hurghada.
Yacht Racing and Water-Skiing Festival (October) - a chance to see watersport experts from around the world take to the sea.
Pharoah’s Swim (November) - an open-water swimming race in the Red Sea which visitors are welcomed to compete in.
New Year’s Eve (December) - Hurghada sees the year out with parties and fireworks along the marina.
Where's the best nightlife in Hurghada?
Your resort is going to be your best bet for party vibes on your Hurghada holiday, with most hotels having a range of options from chill cocktail bars to full-on nightclubs. If you’re feeling adventurous these are a few local spots which go down well with tourists:
Papas Beach Club - a fun place to mingle with locals over live music and dancing in the open air.
Elements Club & Lounge - colourful mood lighting sets the scene in this easy-going nightclub where the cocktails flow through the night.
Calypso Discotheque - we're talking iconic spots, so we had to drop a mention in for this club where you can enjoy drinks from multiple bars and different music depending on which dance floor you head to first
Cacao Bar - a cheap and lively pub open 24/7(!), with theme nights and live music.
Little Buddha Hurghada - sushi by day, big techno beats by night - an unusual combo that works wonders!
What’s the food like in Hurghada?
Meats, mezze, and seafood are on the menu in Hurghada, so you’ll get all of your favourites with some Egyptian twists. Keep your eyes peeled for these dishes:
Shawarma - Egypt’s answer to the sandwich, packed with meats and served warm
Kofta - a flavour-filled ground meat dish eaten fresh off the grill
Feteer - layers of crispy, buttery pastry, served with savoury dips or honey
Kunafeh - a sticky treat of spun pastry layered with sweet cheese and nuts
Hummus - your chance to try it fresh and creamy - it beats the supermarket stuff, hands down!
Your holiday to Hurghada will be full of top-class hotel food, but there are a bunch of lovely places by the marina to check out too:
Waves Restaurant & Lounge Bar - all the big holiday hits — fresh seafood, cold beers, and fab sea views.
Moby Dick - meat-lovers will be very happy with the huge portions at this friendly restaurant - a favourite for family holidays in Hurghada.
Hangover Bar & Grill - international dishes and cocktails with pretty benches where you can sit in the open air.
Starfish Restaurant - it's got its sights set on fresh, locally sourced products that combine to make up delish seafood dishes combined with stun views of the Red Sea, a must try spot!
Che Guevara - an Argentinian place may seem like an odd choice, but this steakhouse is so fun and friendly we had to include it!
Places to visit
Sand City
If you're up for a wander around the big city, then this might be the place for you to flex those calf muscles. When we say big city, it's mostly to do with the huge sand sculptures in this one-of-a-kind open air museum, the first and only of its kind in Africa that has a blend of historic figures and cartoon classics. If you're after a unique experience that ticks all the boxes then make sure you add this stop to your jolly bucket list.
Day Trip to Luxor
Strap in for a hefty journey - we're talking around 4 hours one way - with a rich, cultural landscape to explore at the end of it sure to have history buffs and eagle eyed little ones bouncing with excitement. Explore the Valley of the Kings, wander around Karnak Temple or get up close and personal with some ancient Pharos. The road is long, but the experience is so worth it, what's four hours in the grand scheme of things?
Orange Bay
Around a 40-minute boat ride from Hurghada Marina, this gorgeous blend of white sand and turquoise waters is the tip-top spot to escape to when you're on your jollies. Unspoiled coral reefs to dive to and explore... or snorkel above if you're not about to pop an oxygen tank on. You can make a day of it with delish dining spots, places to kick back with a fruity cocktail, a spa for ultimate relaxation vibes and even FREE Wi-Fi hotspots to make sure everyone back home is well jel of your jolly.
Key facts about Hurghada
Flight time
6 hrs
Time difference
+1 hr
Currency
Egyptian pound
Language
Arabic
Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to Hurghada?
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Egypt on the FCDO website.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Hurghada?
Take a trip to the docs before heading out to make sure you've received updated and relevant vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need a visa to travel to Hurghada?
British passport holders travelling to Egypt will usually need a visa. Please see the entry requirements for Egypt for more important info.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Hurghada?
In Egypt, a departure tax of £35 Egyptian Pounds (approximately £1.50) is payable by all visitors upon on departure. Make sure you check with your airline if this cost is included with your ticket.
