There wasn’t much to know about Hurghada before its late 20th-century establishment when Egypt knew its potential. The history of Hurghada dates to 1905 when this heavenly resort was nothing more than just a simple fishing village. Hurghada was chosen and developed in 1909 by British engineers who worked in oil exploration but in 1913 everything about this blissful place changed when the Egyptian government and various foreign international companies invested in Hurghada in the late 50s by building hotels and inner resorts transforming the entire city into a true international tropical attraction that showcases the most majestic underwater life of beautiful coral reefs, enchanting underwater sea gardens, and wonderful sea creatures.
Today, the resort of Hurghada has grown to become the most visited tourist destination in the whole of Egypt, with more than 100 different hotels, many of which line the shoreline. Famous for its superb diving opportunities, Hurghada is especially appealing to those with little experience in scuba diving, who come to marvel at the underwater reefs and awesome marine life. Tourism is now a huge part of Hurghada and each year, many tourists choose to combine their holiday here with visits to other prominent locations along the Nile Valley, including the relatively nearby city of Luxor
Hurghada Attractions
Giftun Islands
Boarding a cruise to Giftun Islands is one of the best things to do in Hurghada and a magical chance to soak up the sun and swim in the clear crystal waters of the Red Sea. Giftun Islands are two islands considered the first nature reserve in the Red Sea and one of the most enchanting and visited islands in Hurghada located 45 minutes away by boat ride from Hurghada. It is known for its rare coral reefs, colorful fish, and extraordinary birds. It includes more than 196 kinds of solid coral reefs which represent about 80% of the biodiversity of the coral reefs in the Red Sea. The Giftun Island is a great place for snorkeling and diving, as the island has 14 swimming spots, where everyone can discover various marine creatures and coral reefs in different colors and shapes.
Hurghada Marina
Hurghada Marina is a lovely and modern marina with a wonderful atmosphere. It’s one of the best things to do in Hurghada at night as it comes to life after dark. Along the marina promenade, there are countless great restaurants, bars, and shops just waiting to be explored.
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
If you want to explore the wonders of the Hurghada Red Sea without the trouble of getting into the water then you should head to the Hurghada Grand Aquarium. It is one of the most unique and attractive places in Hurghada, which holds various marvelous sea aquatic creatures. It was opened in 2015 to shed some light and be home to the magical rare sea creatures of the Red Sea in Hurghada. Hurghada Aquarium Museum has various types of marine creatures up to more than 1,200 marine sea creatures from more than 100 types of different marine animals. Visiting Hurghada Grand Aquarium is the best activity in Hurghada where you will get to take a closer look in a very comfortable environment.
El Gouna
El Gouna is located 30 km north of Hurghada, famous for being a Luxurious resort filled with all the means of entertainment. El Gouna is known to hold a beautiful strip of coastline, dome-roofed hotels, and villas that have a unique Nubian theme. It offers an unparalleled lifestyle that has attracted a growing multinational community. Year-round sunshine, shimmering lagoons, turquoise beaches, and its location a mere 4-hour flight from Europe make El Gouna the ultimate paradise escape. It boasts world-class infrastructure and premium services and is home to some of the world’s most reputable brands in the tourism and leisure industries.
Mahmya Island
Mahmya Island, a small island off the coast of Hurghada, offers access to some of the clearest, bluest waters of the Red Sea away from the busy nearby shores. Accessed by boat, the island has food and lounge facilities and places to get snorkel gear. Snorkeling in this area is a must, as the underwater life is bright, colorful, and active and it is less crowded than in other snorkel spots.
El Dahar (Hurghada Old Town)
In the Old Town of Hurghada, you’ll find the El Dahar Bazaar, an authentic bazaar with real Egyptian touch. This old area is filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and colorful shops. The bazaar is brought to life every day from around noon to late evening. Inside the bazaar, you’ll find a myriad of small stalls selling all sorts of traditional Egyptian goods. You can simply buy everything from rugs, clothes, and spices to hookahs, brass, and more. When visiting the El-Dahar Bazaar, be sure to negotiate the price. It isn’t uncommon to reduce the price to half the starting price. The authentic atmosphere in the bazaar makes it one of the best things to do in Hurghada.
Hurghada Museum
The Hurghada Museum is the first to be inaugurated in partnership with the private sector in Egypt. It houses 1,000 artifacts including royal pieces that date back to the royal epoch in Egypt at the beginning of the 20th century. The museum is expected to contribute to boosting tourism in the Red Sea governorate east of Cairo. The museum, which covers 10,000 square meters, displays artifacts and has an entertainment area, shopping complex, and parking lots.
Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque
One of the Islamic things to do in Hurghada is visit the beautiful mosque of Abdel Moneim Riad. This big mosque is an architectural wonder standing tall on its own offering everyone the chance to experience the magical connection between the ancient Islamic culture and the daily life of the beach town. The mosque is perfectly located between the main street and the sea; and contains majestic Islamic architecture and intricate designs such as the great domes, minarets, arches, and carved hallways.
Monasteries of St Anthony and St Paul
Egypt was the home to one of the most beautiful Coptic churches in the world some of which Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul were just 45 km from Hurghada dating to the 4th century AD. It is considered by all to be one of the holiest locations of the Coptic culture in Egypt. The Monastery of St. Anthony is a huge complex that is encircled by high walls, including a bakery, chapels a garden, and churches, all celebrating the father of monasticism Saint Anthony. After a hike through the cliffs of the Galala Al-Qibliya Mountain, you will reach St. Paul’s monastery, constructed by hermits who isolated themselves in the desert from the material world.
Sand City Hurghada
In a hotel area just outside the city, you’ll find Sand City Hurghada. Sand City Hurghada is the first museum of its kind in northern Africa and the Middle East region. It holds many statues that were carved with two types of sand, yellow and white. The Sand City Hurghada holds many different sculptures up to 42 statues, and all of them were made by 42 international sculptors from all over the world. You can find mythological sculptures; Disney animated sculptures, superheroes, and much more. Sand City Hurghada is a fun attraction in Hurghada and well worth a visit.
Sharm El-Naga
Sharm El Naga is an incredible resort that is best known for its beautiful coral reefs and crystal-clear water. This peaceful bay lies 40 km from Hurghada. It is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. It is designed and constructed on a very high standard level of accommodation, amenities, swimming pools, cafes, entertainment, and fun.
Soma Bay
Soma Bay is a coastal resort on the Red Sea 45 km south of Hurghada, about 2 km wide and 5 km in length, a majestic peninsula surrounded by sparkling waters, enchanting view of huge desert mountains, and crystal sandy beaches under a delightful climate of mild temperature and sunny skies. The resort is filled with luxury hotels, a grand thalassotherapy spa, diving and kitesurfing centers, and a championship golf course.
Makadi Bay
Makadi Bay is an awesome resort Located 30 km south of Hurghada. It contains the most interesting all-inclusive luxury hotels and this area should be the first choice for travelers who are looking to have the ultimate luxurious vacation. You will find there the Fort Arabesque Hotel which contains incredible gardens and the best possible amenities on the beach. There are many bars and activities that can be done until the evening and also late at night. While being in that area, you will get fascinated with the inshore reefs and home to the most impressive marine life and that is how you are going to have the best diving & snorkeling tours.
Coral Reef Caves
Coral Reef caves are known to be one of the most famous diving sites in Hurghada, as the caves possess many coral forests, underwater gardens, and a large number of marine creatures such as hammerhead sharks, tuna, and more. The caves are very famous among divers who see the place that has a depth of 16 meters as a true haven for their incredible water adventure.
Umm Qamar Island
Umm Qamar Island is found 9 kilometers north of Giftun Islands, which is famous for three coral towers full of distinctive coral reefs, surrounded by a large group of fish. The island is the perfect place to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling which would explain why it is very popular among divers.
El Quseir
El Quseir is one of the oldest cities on the western coast of the Red Sea, located between Hurghada and Marsa Alam. It holds several 300-year-old buildings such as an Ottoman fort and many historic mosques Like El Farrah, El Qenawi, and El Senoust. The city holds many bazaars, cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants plus the chance to explore the historical beauty and greatness of the Red Sea.