What makes it great
Great dives: Hurghada’s main attraction is the incredible variety of dives, all within close proximity to the centre of the resort. The dive site of Fanus has a very diverse array of aquatic life, and the area around the Giftun islands just out to sea is teaming with exotic marine creatures like manta rays, reef sharks and turtles.
Wild Watersports: Much like the rest of the Egyptian coastline, Hurghada has the perfect conditions for many watersports. It’s the combination of warm water all year round, plus strong winds and waves which attract windsurfers, kitesurfers and sailors in their droves.
Exciting nightlife: Hurghada is certainly one of the best resorts in the whole of Egypt when it comes to nightlife. The resort seems to attract all the big names in the clubbing world, so much so to the point that there is now a Hard Rock Cafe, a Ministry of Sound nightclub and a Hed Kandi beach bar.
Sights worth seeing
Mons Porphyrites: Around 20km north of Hurghada, you’ll reach this ancient Roman quarry. The Romans mined the area for porphyry, which is a very valuable rock that can be polished and used for decorative effect in grand buildings. The quarry was in operation for over 200 years from around 29AD, and you can still see evidence of the Romans’ activities today, most impressively in the fallen columns of the Serapis Temple. There are also sharpening rocks, wells and gates which are still there today.
Things to do
Top dive sites: Did we mention the diving in Hurghada? Seriously though, the dive sites here are very highly regarded, with colourful gardens of the sea dotted all the way around Hurghada and the Giftun islands directly to the east of the resort. We’d recommend Umm Gamar for beginners, as the entire area has a number of good dive spots. Plus the current is soft and you’ve got a great chance of catching a glimpse of angel fish, moray eels and Napoleon fish. The unusually named Careless Reef is also fantastic for its diversity, as lots of different schools of fish all seem to group here, as well as the larger creatures too. As you can imagine, reef sharks, hammerheads and giant morays make for very exciting dives!
Windy Watersports: As well as teaming with colourful corals and marine life beneath the surface, the Red Sea also seems to be a haven for strong winds. This, coupled with the fact that the mirror-like water keeps completely flat, makes perfect conditions for windsurfers and kite surfers.
Quad biking: Beyond the mountain range, the Sahara Desert is just to the west of Hurghada. It’s easily accessible and as such there are many companies offering excursions into the desert for a variety of activities. Most popular are the quad biking and 4x4 driving. The hilly sand dunes seem just made for thrashing around in these powerful machines! It’s certainly a completely different driving experience, and you could even take a trip to visit the Bedouin camps in the desert.
Hurghada Marine Biology Museum: With all the colourful aquatic life waiting to be discovered in the Red Sea, it may seem a little unnecessary to have an aquarium in this marine biology museum. However, there are several advantages to viewing the fish here: firstly, it’s an easier, safer way for non-swimmers and young children to view the exotic species of the area. And secondly, and more importantly, you don’t have to get wet! Expect to see clown fish, reef sharks, manta rays and more here, all within the safe confines of a glass wall. There’s a heavy emphasis on conservation too, with education on how best to ensure you don’t damage the beautiful coral reefs when you see them in the sea.
Hurghada National Museum: Egypt has one of the most impressive histories in the whole of the world, so it’s fitting that the Hurghada National Museum makes full recognition of this. Located on the edge of the Red Sea, the museum has four huge exhibition halls featuring artefacts that are over 4,000 years old.
Beaches
Old Vic Village: Many of the beaches along Hurghada’s golden coast are privately owned by the luxury hotels found in the area. However, there are still a good few beaches which are open to everyone. The Old Vic Village beach is in a sheltered bay, protected from strong winds by its headlands. The gentler waves here make it an ideal choice for children too.
Hed Kandi Beach Bar: The newest beach on the block, this one is owned exclusively by the trendy Hed Kandi brand. Expect the young, glamorous and beautiful to sunbathe here, and the entrance fee is worth it considering you get access to a heated swimming pool and a hot tub. That’s not forgetting the fact you get to listen to the funky house tunes that Hed Kandi is famous for!
Elysees Dream Beach: Although it’s part of the Elysees hotel, this beach is actually open to everyone. It’s a really pleasant place to choose, as it’s rather secluded and quiet. Plus you can enjoy the beachfront restaurant nearby, which plays relaxing chill-out music all day.
Tasty places
Tokyo Joe’s Bar and Grill: The clue’s in the name, that this restaurant serves freshly prepared Japanese cuisine such as sushi and even tepanyaki, where the food is cooked in front of you. However, you’ll be surprised to know they also offer a good selection of British home comfort food like roast with all the trimmings or just good old burger and chips!
Cafe del Mar: A delightful dining experience, partly for the fantastic food and partly for the inspirational art gallery which forms part of the restaurant. The menu includes light snacks as well as Scandinavian dishes as the owners are from Sweden. Try the meatballs – they’re a real taste sensation and rather different to many other dishes you’ll come across whilst in Hurghada.
Divino Restaurant: As you may have guessed, there’s a clear Italian influence in this highly regarded restaurant. On the menu, you’ll enjoy classic dishes such as beef Carpaccio and cheese-filled Ravioli.
Nightlife
Stylish bars and clubs: Hurghada is one of the liveliest places to party in Egypt, and it’s certainly the most glamorous. The resort seems to have the ability to attract the biggest names in nightlife, maybe it’s the draw of the warm weather and golden beaches! Anyhow, there are some top brands here, including a Ministry of Sound beach club which draws in famous international DJs. There’s also the Hed Kandi beach bar, where the glitterati of Egypt come to dance to cool funky house tunes. There’s also a branch of the famous Little Budha bar brand from Paris here, and the classy oriental-inspired decor adds to the relaxed ambience of the place. It’s not all about sophistication in Hurghada though, there are some clubs which operate a more easy-going policy like Havana, Rancho and Calypso.
Shopping
Big name brands: Hurghada seems to be quite a magnet for international brands, and this is no different in the variety of shops offered here. The Hurghada Marina Boulevard is the main place to head, with over 100 shops including Levi’s, Adidas and Timberland, as well as designer boutiques such as Gucci and Armani. With the favourable exchange rate on the Egyptian Pound, you may just be able to find yourself a great bargain!
Bustling markets: Egyptians are big on their markets, where bartering is actually a necessity rather than a bonus. So it’s no surprise to find two huge markets in Hurghada – there’s the old bazaar where you can stock up on exotic spices, including (the normally very expensive) saffron and vanilla for very low prices. Plus, there’s the national Abu Ashara branded shop which sells a variety of different items.
Unique shops: Egyptian shops pile their stock high will all sorts of oddities, local items and bric-a-brac. A great example of this trend is the Hurghada Star, which sells an unusual assortment of leather goods, t-shirts and fridge magnets! It’s a slightly more easy-going atmosphere for shopping too, as you don’t need to barter.
