About
Hurghada lies on the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea, at a point where the desert meets the sea. Once a small fishing village in the 1980s, discovered by diving tourism in the 1990s, this city is now Egypt's largest holiday destination — with a population of approximately 250,000, hundreds of hotels lined along its 50 km coastline. If you compare it with Sharm El-Sheikh: Sharm is smaller, more boutique, more compact. Hurghada is larger, more crowded, cheaper and closer to Luxor. If you are looking for a package tour, this is the main address for Turkish tourists.
The real attraction of the city is underwater. The Red Sea hosts one of the richest coral reefs in the world — more than 200 species of coral, more than 1,000 species of fish. Even with a snorkel mask, you fall into a colorful aquarium. Giftun Islands standard package — boat tour that every holidaymaker does at least once. The region is a paradise for those with a diving certificate; It is possible to take SSI and PADI courses here at the most affordable prices.
Apart from the coast, Hurghada has two weapons: desert and Luxor. 4x4 safari and Bedouin village experience in the Arabian Desert in the east, Luxor, the ancient heart of Egypt, 4-5 hours away in the west. The pyramids (Giza) that come to mind when Egypt is mentioned are far from Hurghada (6 hours from Cairo), but in Luxor, the King's Valley, Karnak and Luxor Temples will transport you to the age of the pharaohs — UNESCO World Heritage trilogy.
Pay attention to the region when choosing a Hurghada package. Hurghada center (Sekalla, El Mamsha area) is the cheapest but noisy and complicated. Sahl Hasheesh is in the south, calm and luxurious; The reef is close to the beach. El Gouna is a planned town in the north — the most stylish and social. Makadi Bay is ideal for families (close to the water park). Soma Bay is for young holidaymakers. Each region has a different character, think carefully about the distance from your hotel and what type of holiday you want.
When to Go
Hurghada is open all year round, but the weather difference is serious. Summers can be unbearably hot and winters can be surprisingly cold.
| Period | Weather (daytime) | Water Temperature | Density | Otel Fiyatı | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January-February | 18 / 22° | 21° | Medium | Low-Medium | The evenings are cool (15°), the water is a bit cold, a heater is a must for diving. |
| March | 20 / 25° | 22° | Medium-High | Medium | Ideal start; blooming desert |
| April | 22 / 28° | 24° | High | High | Pink; European holidaymakers are flocking |
| May | 25 / 32° | 26° | High | High | The temperature is rising, the water is completely ideal |
| June | 27 / 35° | 27° | Medium-High | Medium | Hot but tolerable |
| July-August | 28 / 40° | 28° | Low (from heat) | Low | Extremely hot; only pool/waterpark/diving makes sense |
| September | 26 / 35° | 28° | Medium | Medium | The temperature is starting to drop, the water is still warm |
| October | 23 / 30° | 27° | High | High | Best month of the year — balance of air, water, density |
| November | 21 / 26° | 25° | High | High | The second ideal period; Winter escape for European tourists |
| December | 19 / 23° | 23° | High (new year) | High | Hotel prices skyrocket during New Year's Eve |
Our general recommendation is March-April and October-November. May is hot but still manageable, the water is amazing. July-August only for pool/water park holidaymakers; Desert safari or Luxor tour cannot be done in this heat. There are special events during New Year's week, but hotel prices increase by 50-100%.
How to get there
Hurghada's airport, Hurghada International Airport (HRG), is 5 km southwest of the city center. Egypt's second largest tourist airport.
Flights from Türkiye:
| Exit | Duration | Airline |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul (IST) - HRG | 3 hours 15 min | THY, EgyptAir, Pegasus (2-3 flights per day) |
| Istanbul (SAW) - HRG | 3 hours 20 min | Pegasus, AnadoluJet (seasonal) |
| Ankara (ESB) - HRG | 3 hours 40 min | THY (2-3 times a week) |
| Antalya (AYT) - HRG | 2 hours 30 min | Seasonal charter (package tour) |
| Izmir (ADB) - HRG | 3 hours 20 min | Seasonal charter |
Charter flights are very common in package tours. If you are buying an individual ticket, THY and Pegasus are standard, EgyptAir can sometimes be cheaper. Package tour prices (round trip + 7 days all-inclusive 5 stars) are between 500-900 EUR, depending on the season and hotel.
From airport to city:
- Hotel transfer: Included if you bought a package tour. If you are an individual, the hotel can arrange a shuttle for you, 10-20 USD.
- Taxi: 15-25 min, 150-300 EGP (~5-10 EUR) to the center. There is a fixed price tariff posted at the exit from the airport.
- Uber/Careem: Limited operation in Hurghada — Careem is more common. 100-200 EGP central.
- Public transportation: There is a microbus system, but it is not suitable for tourist use.
Our recommendation is package tour transfer or Careem. Do not get into a taxi without bargaining, so that the price is clear from the beginning.
Urban Transportation
Hurghada is a sprawling city — it stretches along 40 km of coastline. It is not possible to go everywhere by walking, some kind of transportation plan is required.
Taxi: 50-200 EGP (~2-7 EUR) within the city, 300-500 EGP to the suburbs like Sahl Hasheesh or El Gouna. Instead of calling on the street, call from the hotel or use Careem and see a fixed price.
Careem (Uber-like): Egypt's native app, more widespread than Uber. Payment by credit card or cash. Works around Hurghada center and Al Mamsha; Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna are restricted.
Hotel shuttles: Most hotels offer free or nominal fee shuttles to the Marina and Al Mamsha. Get the hours from the hotel reception.
Microbus (sherut): Local transportation, very cheap (5-15 EGP) but the route is complicated, speaking Arabic is a must. Not practical for tourists.
Bike or scooter rental: Makes sense in El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh. It is not recommended in Hurghada center due to traffic.
Car rental: It makes sense if you want to travel independently in the Sahl Hasheesh - Hurghada - El Gouna triangle (35-50 EUR per day). Traffic in Egypt is aggressive, be careful. Fuel is cheap (~12 EGP per liter, ~0.4 EUR).
Accommodation Regions
Hurghada region selection is very critical — each region has a different character.
Sahl Hasheesh: South, 30 minutes from the center. A quiet peninsula lined with luxury 5-star hotels. The reef is close to the beach. For couples and those who want to relax. Social life is limited, evenings can be spent without leaving the hotel.
Makadi Bay: South of Sahl Hasheesh, ideal for families — Makadi Water Park is close, child-friendly hotels are abundant. 35 minutes away from Hurghada center, far from nightlife.
Soma Bay: Further south, quiet and boutique hotels. Diving and surfing centers are concentrated here. For young couples and active holidaymakers.
El Mamsha (Hurghada center): Dozens of 3-4 star hotels along the walking path. Marina, restaurants, shopping within walking distance. Budget friendly but noisy. For young travelers and lovers of social life.
Sekalla (old town): The original center of Hurghada, the most authentic part. The hotel quality is low, but if you want to see local life, you can stay for a short time.
El Gouna: 25 minutes to the north, like a separate town. Boutique hotels, villas between lagoons, marina. The most stylish and social option. Prices are high but the experience is valuable.
Our recommendation: Sahl Hasheesh or Makadi Bay for the first trip to Egypt, El Gouna for the second trip. Hurghada center (El Mamsha) only makes sense if your budget is tight or nightlife is your priority.
Budget Plan
Hurghada is one of the most affordable options among the Mediterranean holiday regions. Slightly cheaper than Antalya, noticeably more affordable than Bodrum.
| Budget Style | Accommodation | Food | Activity | Total (2 people/7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic (3* hotel HB, restaurant + boat tour) | 400 EUR | 200 EUR | 200 EUR | ~800 EUR |
| Moderate (4-5* all-inclusive Hurghada center) | 700 EUR | Included | 400 EUR | ~1.100 EUR |
| Comfort (5* AI Sahl Hasheesh, Luxor + safari) | 1.200 EUR | Included | 600 EUR | ~1,800 EUR |
| Luxury (Steigenberger, Movenpick, El Gouna villa) | 2,500 EUR+ | 500 EUR | 800 EUR | ~3,800 EUR+ |
Practical items: Beer 60-100 EGP (~2-3 EUR), bottled water 5-10 EGP (~0.2 EUR), Marina coffee 80-150 EGP, restaurant main course 150-400 EGP, Giftun boat tour 30-40 EUR, Luxor tour 80-120 EUR, desert safari 35-55 EUR, diving (single dive certified) 35-50 EUR, diving course (PADI Open Water) 280-380 EUR.
Package tour vs individual: Hurghada package from Türkiye (flight + 7 nights 5* AI) costs around 500-700 EUR in May/October, very cheap. With an individual account, the same level comes out to 900-1,200 EUR. The package generally makes more sense.
Practical Tips
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) standard. The dollar is used everywhere, but the exchange rate is at a disadvantage; Use EGP. Cards are accepted in marinas and large hotels, cash is accepted in markets and small shops. When withdrawing from ATMs, choose "Egyptian Pounds", not "USD conversion".
Tipping culture (baksheesh): Tipping is a part of life in Egypt. Hotel staff (room service, valeparking), 10% at the restaurant, 10-20 USD for the tour guide, 50-100 EGP for the boat captain. Tipping is expected even in small amounts. Always keep small bills in your pocket.
Water: DO NOT drink tap water. Just bottled water. If the water provided by the hotel is not enough, buy it yourself; 1.5 liters in the market costs 8-12 EGP.
Sun and warmth: The Red Sea sun is merciless. 50+ SPF sunscreen is a must, a hat is a must. Be at the pool or in the shade between 11:00-15:00. If you go to the water park, wear a t-shirt, back burns happen very quickly.
Snorkel mask: You can rent it from the hotel or on the boat, but for hygiene reasons it is better to bring your own mask. A good set can be purchased from Decathlon or Turkish brands for 200-400 TL.
Scam warning: Those who approach you on the street saying "free tour" or "magic show" usually take you to perfume/papyrus sales points. Get tour officially from hotel or reputed agencies. Be sure to bargain at the market — you can get as much as 40-50% off the original price.
Ramadan period: Ramadan is experienced effectively in Egypt. During the day, local restaurants are closed, but hotels and tourist attractions operate normally. In the evening, after iftar, the city comes alive and the nights get longer. Hurghada is not particularly affected because it is a tourist area.
Drone: It is FORBIDDEN to bring drones to Egypt. It is confiscated at the airport. It is very difficult to get official permission, it is impossible individually.
Wine/alcohol: Egypt is a Muslim country, but alcohol is available everywhere in the tourist areas. Hotel bars, restaurants and clubs serve it normally. Alcohol is restricted in some places only during Ramadan and religious holidays. Local brand Stella beer is satisfactory.
Travel Guide with Children
Hurghada is like a holiday destination designed for families with children — water parks, aquarium, sand sculpture museum, shallow beaches, child-friendly all-inclusive hotels.
Recommendations by Age Group
0-3 years: Spend time at the hotel pool, the beach is shallow and clear. Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh hotels offer baby pools, mini clubs and children's meals. Out-of-city tours (Luxor, desert) are challenging at this age; Plan your holiday without leaving the hotel.
4-7 years old: Hurghada Sand City (sand sculptures) and Grand Aquarium are the favorites of this age. Makadi Water Park is full of children's slides. Shallow Mahmya beach is ideal for a boat tour. The first snorkeling experience can start at this age, a life jacket is mandatory.
8-12 years: Giftun Islands boat tour standard experience. Desert safari (evening tour) with camel riding and star gazing — fascinating. The chance to swim with dolphins at Dolphin House Reef. Snorkeling can now be done freely.
Ages 13+: Luxor day tour is suitable for this age (it may be tiring beforehand). Diving certification beginner course (PADI Open Water) is possible for ages 10-15. Quad bike safari and surfing lessons are available.
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities
Makadi Water Park — 50+ slides, wavy pool, lazy river. You can spend the whole day, there are transfer services from the hotel.
Hurghada Grand Aquarium — Creatures that fascinate older children, such as sharks, seahorses and stingrays. A quiet two-hour tour.
Hurghada Sand City — Open-air sand museum with Disney characters and pharaoh statues. Photo heaven.
Giftun Islands + Mahmya beach — Shallow and clear water, white sand, colorful fish with snorkeling. Boat travel is already a separate adventure for children.
Desert safari + Bedouin village (evening tour) — Camel riding, star gazing, traditional food, folklore show. Even though the kids can't ride the ATV, the whole family spends time at the Bedouin camp.
Practical Information
Baby stroller: El Mamsha promenade is flat, problem-free. The sidewalks are narrow in the Marina. You can usually rent a car at the hotel.
Children's menu: Most all-inclusive hotels have children's buffets (pasta, nuggets, pizza, dessert). Children's menus are not common in marina restaurants, but the portions are large and can be shared.
Child ticket discounts: Aquarium, Sand City, water park: Under 4 is generally free, 4-12 is half price. Children under the age of 6 are free on Luxor tours.
Diapers/food: International brands are available at Senzo Mall Carrefour. It is still safer to bring it from Türkiye.
Warnings
- The sun is very strong — babies and children must wear protective clothing, a hat, and 50+ SPF sunscreen. Shade is a must at the beach.
- The reef is sharp — make sure children do not touch the coral while snorkeling, as it will damage the coral and be prone to skin scratches.
- Desert safari is very tiring in the heat — only the evening tour makes sense, do not take small children on the day tour.
- Luxor daily 18-hour tour — Difficult for children under 8 years old.
- Waterborne diseases are rare but possible, do not let children drink tap water, eat salad in clean restaurants.
Local Label and Culture Notes
Egyptians are a hospitable, friendly people. They are particularly friendly towards the Turks — the Ottoman period, the cultural affinity with the Middle East, and Turkish TV series reinforce this. Many Hurghada tradesmen know the Turkish language of greetings, counting and bargaining. You can use this closeness as an advantage, but be careful of overly friendly approaches (especially women traveling alone).
Greeting: Handshake is standard between men, kiss on the cheek (both cheeks) if they are close. Handshakes between men and women are culturally recessive — if the woman extends her hand, respond, if not, a nod is sufficient. "Salam alaykum" (salam aleykum) is always the correct greeting.
Clothing: Everything is allowed at the hotel and the beach — bikinis, swimsuits are normal. When going to the city center or the market, it is more comfortable for women to wear clothes that cover their shoulders/knees. If you are entering the mosque, you must have a head covering and covering your shoulders and legs.
Ramadan: Do not eat or drink outdoors during the day during Ramadan. It's okay in your hotel, but show respect on the street. Restaurants are packed at iftar time — make a reservation.
Tip (baksheesh): The pillar of Egyptian culture. A small tip is expected for each service. The hotel valet, the towel dispenser in the restroom, the restaurant waiter, the tour guide — all of them. See it as part of the culture, not as an inconvenience. Always keep 10, 20, 50 EGP banknotes in your pocket.
Bargaining: Bargaining is a game. The initial price is never the real price. Reduce it to 30-50%, if it is not accepted, say "thank goodness" and walk away, most of the time you will be called after you. Quick bargaining is not rude, on the contrary, it is respect.
Simple words in Arabic: "Shukran" (thanks), "Aiwa" (yes), "La" (no), "Habibi/Habibti" (lover - shopkeepers use it a lot, expression of sincerity), "Inshallah" (we hope), "Bissh" (how much money - when asking the shopkeeper). English is spoken everywhere, Russian and Turkish are also common in the tourist area.
Photo: Do not take photos of police, soldiers or government buildings. Ask permission before taking photos of people — especially women. Photography is allowed in the village during the Bedouin safari, but again, ask.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to Hurghada with a Turkish passport? Yes, but it is picked up at the door. When you land at Hurghada Airport, go to the visa counter before passport control, pay 25 USD in cash or by card, the label will be pasted on your passport, valid for 30 days. You can also get an e-Visa in advance (visa2egypt.gov.eg) but a door visa is practically sufficient. A passport must have at least 6 months validity.
Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada? Both are Red Sea resorts, both beautiful but different. Sharm is smaller, more boutique, more compact, Naama Bay center is energetic. The course slopes down to the sea — the view is even more striking. In the Sinai Peninsula, you can tour St. Katarina and Mount Moses. Hurghada is bigger, more crowded, cheaper. 4 hours to Luxor, 12 hours from Sharm to Luxor — so Hurghada is superior for Egyptian ancient tourism. The variety of package tours is wider in Hurghada. Hurghada for the first trip to Egypt (Luxor advantage), Sharm for a relaxation-oriented boutique holiday.
Does a Luxor day tour make sense? You wake up at 04:00 in the morning and return at 22:00 at night — it's tiring, yes, but you can't be in Egypt and return without a pyramid/temple. Cairo is very far (6 hours), Luxor (4-5 hours) is the closest ancient UNESCO stop. It goes in convoy, including a professional guide. Take a tour instead of going alone. If you are going with a child, they must be over 8 years old, little ones cannot stand the tiredness. If you can, choose the 2-day tour with 1 night in Luxor — a hot balloon tour can be added, it's less tiring.
Which all-inclusive hotels in Hurghada are popular with Turkish tourists? Steigenberger Al Dau Beach, Movenpick Soma Bay, Pickalbatros Resort Sahl Hasheesh, Stella Di Mare, Hawaii Riviera Aqua Park (families), Albatros Palace, Sunrise Garden Beach, Jaz Aquamarine — these are all hotels with Turkish staff and Turkish menus that Turkish agencies have been selling for years. Compare packages from agencies such as Etstur, Coral, Jolly Tur, Tatil Sepeti.
Is a giftun boat necessary? Yes, the foundation of the Hurghada experience. You can't say "I went to Hurghada" unless you go down to the reef and see the corals. Standard package: boat + 2 snorkel stops + Mahmya beach + lunch, 30-40 EUR per person. Pick up from hotel reception or tour offices in the Marina. Buying directly from boat vendors on the docks — safety standards can be uncertain.
Can I get a diving certificate here? Hurghada is one of the most affordable PADI/SSI certification centers in the world. Open Water (beginner) course takes 4 days, costs 280-380 EUR. Advanced senior course additional 200-300 EUR. Diving schools in Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna are professional; Be skeptical of cheap schools in Sekalla.
What to do for sunburn? The Red Sea sun is merciless. 50+ SPF sunscreen is a must, renew it every 2 hours. Hat and glasses are mandatory. Wear a t-shirt (rashguard is ideal) at the water park or when snorkeling. If you burn: aloe vera gel, plenty of water, non-alcoholic lotion. For severe burning, buy afterburn lotion from the pharmacy. Stay away from the sun until the burn heals, even under a tent is not enough.
Is 7 days in Hurghada enough with a child? Yes, even ideal. 2 days hotel pool/beach, 1 day Giftun boat, 1 day water park/aquarium/Sand City, 1 day Sahl Hasheesh or El Gouna, 1 day desert safari (evening tour), 1 day farewell and recovery. You can add the Luxor tour for ages 8+, skip it for the little ones. 3 days with the child is too short, we recommend at least 5 days.