Hurghada: A sun drenched Red Sea escape!
Once a simple fishing village on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Hurghada has grown into a vibrant seaside city that blends year round sunshine, warm hospitality and incredible underwater life. With long sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a wide choice of hotels, it is a fantastic option for couples, families and friends looking for an easy sunshine break with plenty to see and do.
I stayed at the Siva Grand Beach Hotel, right on Hurghada’s famous Corniche, on all inclusive basis. With a short transfer, a long private beach, lovely pool with swim-up bar, a choice of restaurants and bars, good evening entertainment including an Egyptian night it made a perfect relaxing escape. Spacious rooms and suites are either in the main building or in little bungalows scattered around the resort. Outside the hotel is the Siva Mall with an internet café, a few bars and cafes, lots of gift shops and the ‘Little Buddha’ nightclub.
Life on (and under) the Red Sea: Hurghada is all about the water. The Red Sea’s reefs are home to an astonishing array of colourful fish and corals. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a complete beginner, local centres offer everything from try‑dives to full PADI courses, plus daily boat trips to famous sites and shipwrecks. If you prefer to stay on the surface, snorkelling trips are ideal. We did a full day snorkelling boat trip during our stay which was amazing!
Beaches, bays and laid‑back days: Along the coastline you will find a string of beach resorts, each with its own character. Central Hurghada offers a lively atmosphere and easy access to the marina, while nearby bays like Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are known for calmer waters and a slightly more tranquil feel. Families are well catered for with shallow entry beaches, children’s pools, kids’ clubs and plenty of gentle water sports. Many resorts are all‑inclusive, which keeps things simple and great value.
Old‑world charm and modern marina nights: Away from the beach, Hurghada has two very different faces to explore. Wander the narrow streets, of El Dahar (Old Hurghada), filled with the scent of spices, browse traditional souks for handicrafts and textiles. It is the place to haggle a little, sip mint tea and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere. Or visit the sleek and modern Hurghada Marina, lined with cafés, bars and restaurants looking out over bobbing yachts. It is lovely in the evening for dinner, shisha or a relaxed stroll with an ice cream.
Desert adventures and Bedouin evenings: Beyond the coast lies the Eastern Desert, offering quad bike or 4x4 safaris across the sand and low mountains, often timed for sunset, Bedouin experiences where you visit a desert camp, learn about traditional life and share a simple meal under a vast, star‑filled sky and camel rides for a slower, more atmospheric way to take in the desert scenery.
Why Hurghada is such a popular holiday destination? …. It has reliable sunshine for most of the year, excellent snorkelling and diving with easy access for all levels, a wide choice of resorts to suit couples, families and groups,a balance of beach relaxation, water‑based fun, shopping, dining and desert adventure and it has the possibility to combine with cultural highlights elsewhere in Egypt.
If you would like any more information on my holiday or any other Egypt holidays please just let me know at any time.
