Hurghada is a popular tourist destination on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. It offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous diving trip, or a cultural exploration, Hurghada has something for you.
Here are 13 of the best things to do in Hurghada when you visit Egypt.
1. Enjoy the sun and sand at Hurghada beaches
Hurghada has some of the most beautiful beaches in Egypt, with clear blue water and soft white sand. You can choose from many different beaches, depending on your preference and budget. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Mahmya Beach: This private island beach can be reached by boat from Hurghada Marina. It has a coral reef, a restaurant, and a bar. It is ideal for snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing.
- Sahl Hasheesh Beach: This is a long and wide beach that stretches for 12 km along the coast. It has many resorts, restaurants, and shops along the way. It is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and horse riding.
- Makadi Bay Beach: This is a calm and secluded beach that is part of a resort complex. It has a golf course, a spa, and a water park nearby. It is great for relaxing, playing, and enjoying the facilities.
2. Explore the underwater world at Hurghada diving sites
Hurghada is one of the best diving destinations in the world, with over 100 diving sites to choose from. You can see various marine life, such as dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays, and colourful fish. You can also discover the wrecks of ships, planes, and submarines that lie on the seabed. Some of the most famous diving sites are:
- The Thistlegorm: This is a British cargo ship that sank in 1941 after being bombed by German planes. It is now a museum of World War II artefacts, such as motorcycles, trucks, rifles, and ammunition.
- The Giftun Islands: These are two islands that are part of a marine protected area. They have coral gardens, caves, and walls home to many species of fish and coral. They are also a breeding ground for turtles and dolphins.
- The Abu Nuhas Reef: This is a reef that is also known as the “ship graveyard” because of the four wrecks that lie on it. They are the Carnatic, the Giannis D, the Chrisoula K, and the Kimon M. They are all accessible to divers of different levels and offer a unique experience.
3. Experience the thrill of a Hurghada safari
Hurghada is not only about the sea but also about the desert. You can enjoy a Hurghada safari that will take you to the vast and rugged landscape of the Eastern Desert. You can choose from different modes of transportation, such as:
- Quad bike: This is a four-wheeled motorbike that can go fast and furious on the sand dunes. You can drive it yourself or with a guide and have a lot of fun.
- Jeep: This is a four-wheel drive vehicle that can take you to remote and scenic places, such as Bedouin villages, oases, and mountains. You can learn about the culture and history of the desert people and see their way of life.
- Camel: This is the traditional and eco-friendly way of travelling in the desert. You can ride a camel and feel the rhythm of its steps. You can also admire the sunset and the stars from its back.
4. Learn about the ancient history at Hurghada museums
Hurghada is not only about the modern and the natural but also about the ancient and the cultural. You can learn about the rich and fascinating history of Egypt at Hurghada museums, such as:
- Hurghada Museum: This is a new and interactive museum that showcases the different aspects of Egyptian civilization, from the Pharaonic to the Islamic era. It has more than 1,500 artefacts, such as statues, mummies, jewellery, and coins. It also has a virtual reality zone, a cinema, and a cafe.
- Mini Egypt Park: This is a miniature park that displays the most famous landmarks and monuments of Egypt, such as the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Temple of Karnak, and the Abu Simbel Temple. It is a fun and educational way to see the whole country in one place.
- Sand City: This is an open-air museum that features the largest collection of sand sculptures in the world. It has more than 40 sculptures, made by international artists, that depict the legends and myths of Egypt and other countries. It is a stunning and artistic sight to behold.
5. Have fun with the whole family at Hurghada aquariums and water parks
Hurghada is not only about the adults but also about the kids. You can have fun with the whole family at Hurghada aquariums and water parks, such as:
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium: This is a large and modern aquarium that houses more than 1,200 marine animals, such as sharks, rays, crocodiles, penguins, and sea lions. You can watch them in their habitats, feed them, or even swim with them. You can also visit the rainforest, the zoo, and the museum inside the aquarium.
- Makadi Water World: This is a huge and exciting water park that has more than 50 slides and attractions, such as the Kamikaze, the Twister, the Lazy River, and the Wave Pool. You can enjoy the adrenaline rush, the splash, and the laughter. You can also relax at the spa, the restaurant, or the lounge.
- Jungle Aqua Park: This is another amazing water park that has more than 35 slides and pools, such as the Boomerang, the Black Hole, the Rafting River, and the Family Pool. You can have a blast, a chill, and a thrill. You can also stay at the resort, the bungalow, or the tent.
6. Indulge in the nightlife and shopping at Hurghada Marina and downtown
Hurghada is not only about the day but also about the night. You can indulge in the nightlife and shopping at Hurghada marina and downtown, such as:
- Hurghada Marina: This is a stylish and lively marina that has a lot of restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs. You can enjoy the international cuisine, the live music, the cocktails, and the dance. You can also watch the yachts, the fireworks, and the stars.
- Hurghada Downtown: This is a bustling and colourful downtown that has a lot of shops, markets, mosques, and churches. You can buy local products, such as spices, perfumes, carpets, and souvenirs. You can also see the architecture, the culture, and the people.
7. Visit the nearby islands and towns from Hurghada
Hurghada is not only about itself but also about its surroundings. You can visit the nearby islands and towns from Hurghada, such as:
- Sharm El Naga: This is a small and peaceful town that is about 40 km south of Hurghada. It has a beautiful beach, a coral reef, and a lagoon. It is ideal for snorkelling, diving, and camping.
- El Gouna: This is a luxurious and elegant town that is about 25 km north of Hurghada. It has a network of canals, lagoons, islands, and bridges. It is perfect for golfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
- Giftun Island: This is a large and stunning island that is about 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada. It has a national park, a sandy beach, and a coral reef. It is wonderful for hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
8. Take a day trip to Luxor from Hurghada
Hurghada is not only about the Red Sea but also about the Nile. You can take a day trip to Luxor from Hurghada, which is about 4 hours by road or 1 hour by flight. Luxor is one of the most ancient and impressive cities in Egypt, with many temples, tombs, and museums. You can visit some of the most remarkable ones, such as:
- The Valley of the Kings: This is a valley that contains more than 60 tombs of the pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom. You can see the elaborate paintings, carvings, and treasures that decorate the walls and chambers. You can also enter the tomb of Tutankhamun, the boy king who was buried with his golden mask and coffin.
- The Temple of Karnak: This is a complex of temples that was dedicated to the god Amun and his consort Mut and son Khonsu. You can admire the colossal columns, statues, obelisks, and pylons that make up the largest religious site in the world. You can also witness the sound and light show that narrates the history and glory of the temple.
- The Temple of Hatshepsut: This is a temple that was built by the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt for 22 years. You can marvel at the unique design, the elegant statues, and the colourful paintings that depict her achievements and expeditions. You can also learn about her life and legacy as one of the most powerful and successful women in history.
- The Colossi of Memnon: These are two giant statues that represent the pharaoh Amenhotep III, who was the father of Akhenaten and grandfather of Tutankhamun. You can see the impressive size, the damaged features, and the mysterious sound that they make at sunrise. You can also hear the legend behind their name and origin.
9. Experience the local culture and cuisine at Hurghada
Hurghada is not only about the foreign and the exotic but also about the local and the authentic. You can experience the local culture and cuisine at Hurghada, such as:
- The Bedouin Dinner: This is a traditional and romantic dinner that you can have in the desert, under the stars. You can taste the delicious and spicy dishes, such as lamb, rice, bread, and salad. You can also drink the aromatic and sweet tea, smoke the shisha, and watch the folkloric show.
- The Egyptian Night: This is a cultural and entertaining night that you can have in a hotel, a restaurant, or a club. You can enjoy the various and lively performances, such as belly dancing, tanoura dancing, fire show, and comedy show. You can also join the fun and dance with the music.
10. Go on a cruise to the Nile from Hurghada
Hurghada is not only about the land but also about the water. You can go on a cruise to the Nile from Hurghada, which is about 5 hours by road or 1.5 hours by flight. The Nile is the longest and most famous river in the world, with many historical and natural sights along its banks. You can visit some of the most splendid ones, such as:
- The Temple of Edfu: This is a temple that was dedicated to the god Horus, who was the son of Isis and Osiris. You can see the magnificent facade, the huge pylon, and the sacred boat. You can also read the inscriptions, the myths, and the rituals that are carved on the walls.
- The Temple of Kom Ombo: This is a temple that was dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Haroeris, who were the crocodile and the falcon. You can see the symmetrical design, the double sanctuaries, and the mummified crocodiles. You can also learn about astronomy, medicine, and the calendar that is depicted on the ceiling and columns.
- The Temple of Philae: This is a temple that was dedicated to the goddess Isis, who was the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus. You can see the beautiful location, the graceful architecture, and the romantic atmosphere. You can also watch the sound and light show that tells the story and the magic of the temple.
11. Try some adventure sports and activities at Hurghada
Hurghada is not only about leisure and relaxation but also about adventure and action. You can try some adventure sports and activities at Hurghada, such as:
- Kitesurfing: This is a sport that combines surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding. You can use a kite and a board to glide on the water and jump in the air. You can feel the wind, the speed, and the freedom. You can also learn from the instructors, rent the equipment, or join the competitions.
- Parasailing: This is an activity that involves flying in the sky with a parachute and a boat. You can soar above the sea and enjoy the panoramic view of the coast and the horizon. You can experience the thrill, the calm, and the beauty. You can also share the ride with your friends or family.
- Submarine: This is an attraction that allows you to explore the underwater world without getting wet. You can board a submarine and descend to the depths of the sea. You can observe the coral reefs, the fish, and the shipwrecks. You can also take pictures and videos of the amazing scenery.
12. Relax and rejuvenate at Hurghada spas and wellness centres
Hurghada is not only about the physical and the mental but also about the spiritual and the emotional. You can relax and rejuvenate at Hurghada spas and wellness centres, such as:
- Planet Spa: This is a spa that offers a range of services and treatments, such as massages, facials, body scrubs, and wraps. You can choose from different styles and techniques, such as Thai, Swedish, Balinese, and hot stone. You can also enjoy the sauna, the steam room, and the jacuzzi.
- Sindbad Aqua Spa: This is a spa that is part of a water park and a resort. It has a unique and innovative concept, such as the aqua massage, the aqua yoga, and the aqua meditation. You can also benefit from the hydrotherapy, the aromatherapy, and the chromotherapy.
- Mividaspa: This is a spa that is part of a hotel and a golf course. It has a luxurious and elegant ambience, such as the Turkish bath, the Moroccan bath, and the Cleopatra bath. You can also indulge in the signature treatments, the beauty salon, and the fitness centre.
How to visit Hurghada
Hurghada is easy to reach and visit from many countries and cities around the world. You can fly directly to Hurghada International Airport, which is about 15 km from the city centre. You can also fly to Cairo International Airport, which is about 500 km from Hurghada, and then take a bus, a train, or a domestic flight to Hurghada.
You can plan your trip to Hurghada by yourself or with the help of a professional travel and tourism company. If you prefer to do it by yourself, you can book your flights, hotels, tours, and activities online or through local agencies. You can also use online platforms and apps, such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb, to find the best deals and reviews.
If you prefer to use a professional travel and tourism company, you can choose from many options and packages that suit your budget and preferences. One of the best companies that you can trust is Afari Travels and Tours, which is a leading and reputable travel agency.
Conclusion:
Hurghada is a wonderful and diverse destination that has something for everyone. You can enjoy the beauty and the fun of the Red Sea, the desert, and the Nile. You can also learn about the ancient and modern history and culture of Egypt. You can also have a lot of fun and excitement with the various sports and activities that Hurghada offers. You can also relax and rejuvenate with the spas and wellness centres that Hurghada has. You can also celebrate the festivals and events that Hurghada hosts.
Hurghada is a place that you will never forget and always want to come back to. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Egypt and you should visit at least once in your life.