Hurghada: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide

Hurghada is a stunning coastal city situated along the sparkling Red Sea. I’ve been fortunate to visit Hurghada many times, as my parents fell in love with the place nearly two decades ago. Their affection for this beautiful destination led them to purchase an apartment here. Through this guide, I hope to help potential first-time visitors discover the charm of Hurghada and develop the same love for it that my family has found.

Getting There

By Flying:

Many readers are likely planning to fly into Hurghada from abroad. The city boasts a relatively new international airport with flights from numerous cities across Europe and even as far as Canada.

Holiday booking providers often give detailed information about specific airlines, but I can vouch for Easyjet flights from London to Egypt, which take around 4-5 hours. Websites like Skyscanner are excellent for comparing prices and flight times between airports.

You’ll need a visa to visit Hurghada and Egypt. I highly recommend purchasing this at Hurghada Airport unless you’ve booked through a travel company. Avoid buying visas in advance independently, as there are many disorganized and scam-like e-visa services. My family once fell victim to one that took our money and then claimed our application was invalid.

Upon arrival at Hurghada International Airport, head to the bank kiosks on the right-hand side of the arrivals section. Here, you can buy visas for $25 per person, avoiding the hassle of dealing with local hagglers.

When leaving the airport, be cautious of taxi drivers who often charge exorbitant prices for short trips. If you haven’t pre-booked transportation, I recommend using Uber. You’ll need airport wifi or a portable hotspot to order one from the arrivals bay.

Within Egypt:

Suppose you’re the adventurous type following an itinerary similar to my Egypt Travel Itinerary, you may already be within the borders of Egypt and need a way to get to Hurghada.

Domestic Flights:

Domestic air travel in Egypt is relatively affordable. Airlines like Nile Air offer good rates on internal flights from cities like Cairo or Aswan to Hurghada. These flights are often cheaper and more convenient than international ones since you can walk straight off the plane without additional customs processes.

Bus Travel:

Travelling by bus is another economical option. For instance, when I travelled from Luxor to Hurghada, I used Go Bus. It costs around £5 for a four-hour trip. While the journey was a bit long, it was excellent value for money. I highly recommend Go Bus or similar services for travelling from various parts of Egypt.

From Sharm El Sheik:

Though not a common route, if you need to travel from Sharm El Sheik to Hurghada, there used to be a ferry service. This service has been discontinued for a while, but it’s worth checking online for any updates if you find yourself in this situation.

Where to Stay

Beachside resorts are unsurprisingly the most common type of accommodation in Hurghada, attracting tourists from across Europe. In my experience, most visitors are from Eastern Europe and Germany.

When booking a hotel in Hurghada, I recommend two main options:

Booking via Holiday Package:

Holiday packages offer great value for money and simplify the booking process. For flights from the UK, consider these reputable brands:

• Thomas Cook
• TUI
• loveholidays
• EasyJet
• First Choice
• lastminute.com

These companies provide comprehensive details about each package and usually allow you to place a deposit before paying the full amount. With numerous resorts along the Hurghada coast, these providers can offer personalised recommendations based on your family size, budget, or specific preferences.

Booking Independently:

My personal favourite way to book trips is independently. While it can be time-consuming, it allows full control and flexibility over prices, flight times, location specifics, and amenities.

Use websites like Skyscanner to find flights and Booking.com to find hotels. Booking.com offers extensive filtering options, allowing you to refine your search based on facilities, property type, and review scores. A Hurghada-specific search on the platform yields 2,371 results!

Remember, booking independently means you’ll need to arrange transport and insurance separately, which might be included in package deals. Ensure all aspects of your trip are sorted before you relax and await your holiday.

Top Attractions

Hurghada offers plenty of activities for all types of travellers, whether you’re looking to relax by the beach or engage in adventurous pursuits.

Beaches

Most visitors stay in beachside resorts, making it easy to find a spot to relax. If you want a beach to spend the day, I recommend Orange Beach on mainland Hurghada (not to be confused with Orange Bay). It’s affordable and offers great off-the-beach snorkelling. The Google Maps link is here.

Diving and Snorkelling

The Red Sea is renowned for its world-class diving and snorkelling. With expansive coral reefs and diverse marine life, it rivals any location on the planet. Numerous options for snorkelling and diving are available, from resort packages to Tripadvisor deals. I recommend at least one boat trip if you spend a week in Hurghada – it’s an unforgettable experience.

Quad Biking

For an adrenaline rush, try quad biking in the inland areas towards the mountains. My trip included a visit to a remote village with local food and camel rides. The lack of protective gear added to the thrill for me. You can see highlights of my quad-biking adventure in my YouTube video.

Watersports

Hurghada offers a variety of watersports:

Banana Boat Rides: A fun group activity with an inflatable banana boat dragged by a speedboat.

Parasailing: Get a bird’s-eye view of Hurghada and the Red Sea from a high-speed boat.

Windsurfing: Ideal for beginners and pros alike with consistent winds and calm waters.

Kiteboarding: Combine surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding in one thrilling sport.

Cultural Trips

Hurghada’s location allows for day trips to Luxor and possibly Cairo. A typical route includes a bus from Hurghada to Karnak Temple in Luxor, followed by visits to the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings. It’s a long day but offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. You can find these trips through Google or local resort salesmen.

Dolphin Trips

For a unique experience, take a boat trip to swim with dolphins in the Red Sea. These friendly creatures are a joy to encounter, though sightings aren’t guaranteed. Regardless, it’s a delightful way to spend a day on the water.

Dining and Cuisine

Local cuisine in Hurghada is exquisite, with many fantastic restaurants outside of the resorts offering amazing service at reasonable prices.

Granada Restaurant

Located on Sheraton Road, Granada Restaurant & Pub is a great starting point. It offers a wide variety of dishes and has a welcoming atmosphere.

Mafia Pizza

Despite its name, Mafia Pizza serves the best pizza in Hurghada! With a relaxed café feel, it’s a roadside gem near many resorts. The lead waiter always greets us with a “Welcome back” every time my family visits.

Hurghada Marina

Hurghada Marina isn’t just a dining spot but a hub where the world’s wealthy park their yachts to enjoy the local cuisine. While prices are a bit higher here, the variety of restaurants makes it worth a visit. I recommend the one with the mushroom coverings!

Special Mention: Retro Pub

Retro Pub has had a few incarnations over the years but is now trying something different. With a sports bar feel, multiple TVs showing various sports, and the availability of alcohol, it’s a unique spot to check out if you want to try something new.

Practical Tips

Best Times to Visit Hurghada

Hurghada is a year-round destination. Egypt remains warm at around 20°C in December and hot at 35°C in July, so there’s no bad time to visit. However, I recommend avoiding school holidays when airlines and hotels charge higher prices. No matter when you go, always bring good sun cream!

Health and Safety

Water: Never drink tap water in Hurghada; it’s not adequately purified. Even ice cubes can be risky, as they’re often made from tap water.

Transport: Use marked orange taxis or Uber to avoid being overcharged.

Activities: Health and safety standards may be different from what you’re used to. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to back out.

Security: Egypt is generally safe for tourists. The visible military presence is for your protection, so don’t be alarmed.

Local Customs and Etiquette

Tipping is customary in Hurghada. Tip waiters, cleaners, and luggage handlers, but only as much as you feel comfortable with. In hotels, this is less common as staff are better compensated, but you might still encounter locals asking for tips for small tasks. Don’t be afraid to say no if you feel they’re overstepping.

Currency and Budgeting

The Egyptian Pound is currently valued low, so locals often prefer stronger currencies like the dollar. Exchange your money into Egyptian Pounds but also carry some US Dollars for convenience. When shopping, locals will start with high prices. Show a lack of interest and walk away; they’ll likely lower the price to something reasonable. Be confident in your bargaining.

Conclusion

Hurghada is an absolutely fantastic destination to visit, whether you’re travelling alone, with friends, or with family. The city offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it suitable for all types of travellers. From its stunning beaches and world-class diving spots to the thrilling desert safaris and vibrant cultural excursions, Hurghada has something for everyone.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with the exceptional service in restaurants and hotels, makes exploring Hurghada a delight. Indulge in local cuisine, enjoy the vibrant marina, and soak up the luxurious ambiance.

For adventurers, Hurghada’s watersports and desert activities provide endless excitement. Parasailing, windsurfing, and quad biking are just a few of the thrilling options available.

By following practical tips on the best times to visit, health and safety advice, and insights into local customs, you’ll be well-prepared for a memorable trip.

In summary, Hurghada’s unique blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and rich cultural heritage makes it a must-visit destination. Enjoy your time in this remarkable city.

Safe travels!