Once Hurghada became one of the first resorts in Egypt. However, this wonderful city on the shores of the Red Sea has not lost its popularity among tourists to this day. Hurghada attracts primarily with its democratic prices for any type of recreation – beach, family, extreme, entertainment, educational, etc.
In addition, you can relax here all year round – the sea is always warm (in winter the water temperature does not drop below + 20 ° C) and calm (even with strong winds there are no big waves). The main attractions of Hurghada are located in the city itself and its environs – these are monuments of architecture and history, water parks and amusement parks, museums and much more.
Aquarium
The unique Grand Aquarium is the real pride of Hurghada. This is the third largest marine simulator in the world and the first project of its kind not only in Egypt, but throughout the entire Middle East and North Africa.
Behind the transparent walls of a huge room with an area of about 22,000 m², there are reservoirs with the inhabitants of the underwater world. The Grand Aquarium has 2 zones: one contains the marine life of the Red Sea, and the other contains representatives of the fauna of African rivers. The entire exhibition is divided into 24 galleries, where you can see about 1200 fish, shellfish and other marine life.
Why visit:
At the Grand Aquarium, you can spend a whole day observing the underwater life of marine life. The richest collection of representatives of the fauna and flora of the Red Sea is presented here, including one of the best collections of fish in the world.
The 24 m long glass underwater tunnel, around which stingrays, sharks and other large marine predators swim, arouses the constant interest of visitors. On the territory of the complex you can also walk through the tropical “rain” forest and visit the interesting exhibition “Whale Valley”.
Address: Hurghada Grand Aquarium, Grand Aquarium ، Hurghada, Egypt.
El Mina Mosque
One of the most beautiful sights of Hurghada is the El-Mina Mosque (the second, earlier name is the Abdulhasan Elshazi Mosque). It is located in the northern part of the city, near the sea coast, therefore it is often called the port. The temple complex covers a huge area of 4000 m² and is considered one of the largest religious buildings in the entire province.
Despite its large size, the mosque cannot always accommodate everyone, so additional gazebos were built in the courtyard. The construction of the magnificent mosque was completed in 1968, and the President of Egypt was present at its grand opening.
Why visit:
A beautiful structure of light stone is decorated with 25 domes and 2 minarets about 40 m high, which are visible from afar. The facades are decorated with traditional oriental ornaments and intricate Arabic-style carvings. The El-Mina Mosque is the main operating temple not only in Hurghada, but also in all adjacent settlements, therefore there are always many Muslims praying here.
In most cases, tourists have to be content with only an external examination of the mosque. To admire the luxurious interiors, you need to be Muslim and comply with the strictest dress code. All others can only look inside through the wide doors.
Address: Al Mina Mosque, Hurghada, Egypt.
Embankment of Hurghada
Hurghada’s beautiful waterfront, known as the Marina, complements the modern central Sigal area. Beautiful and well-groomed, it bears little resemblance to the rest of the city.
Marina Hurghada is rightfully considered one of the city’s best places for recreation, walking and entertainment at any time of the day. The picturesque boulevard, about 1 km long, resembles a large pier or a small port, where ships of different sizes and types are moored – from ultramodern to antique or antique stylized ones.
Why visit:
Marina Boulevard has long been synonymous with shopping, delicious food, live music. And this is not surprising – on the waterfront of Hurghada, there are numerous shops, as well as a number of cafes and restaurants, where everyone will find food to their liking – dishes of traditional European, Asian or local cuisine. All establishments with stunning views of the azure sea, sun and white yachts.
In the evening, the Marina of Hurghada is beautifully illuminated, and live music is heard from the restaurants. With the onset of dusk from the embankment, you can admire an unforgettable sunset in the soft tones of evening light. Fans of active nightlife will find discos and nightclubs.
Address: Hurghada Marina, First Hurghada, Egypt.
Giftun Islands
A trip to the Giftun Islands is considered one of the most popular boat excursions for vacationers in Hurghada. The islands are located about 11 km from the city beaches. Big Giftun is perfectly visible from the city, and behind it is Small Giftun.
The boat trip from Hurghada to the islands takes about 45 minutes, and the whole excursion, including the road and stay on the islands, lasts about 7 hours.
Why visit:
The Giftun Islands are not called Paradise for nothing – they are famous for their soft sandy beaches and beautiful diving sites. Those who prefer a relaxing beach holiday can swim in the Red Sea, bask on the sandy beaches or just sit under the palm trees and enjoy the sun and seascapes.
Fans of scuba diving – scuba diving, snorkelling, one mask – await the underwater beauty of the Red Sea: near the islands you can see beautiful coral reefs and many fish of different sizes and colors.
Address: Giftun, Egypt.
Palace “Thousand and One Nights”
The Thousand and One Nights Palace, located on the outskirts of Hurghada (17 km from the city center), is often called the Egyptian Disneyland. The fabulous complex is a large entertainment center, decorated in oriental style.
In addition to exciting entertainment, a large number of cafes and restaurants are open for visitors on its territory, serving oriental cuisine, preparing a variety of drinks and offering fragrant hookah.
Why visit:
A visit to the wonderful palace will allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of a real oriental fairy tale. It will be interesting for both children and adults. The complex was built in the national style – wide gates, bridges, huge domes, miniature turrets, pointed windows, colorful mosaics and paintings.
Inside the palace, you will find a grand entertainment program, including a theatrical show that tells about iconic moments in the history of Egypt; a circus show with camels and Arabian horses, as well as the final colorful show – a show of singing fountains.
Address: Alf Leila Wa Leila, Safaga Road, Hurghada, Egypt.
Coptic Church
Among the most significant religious sites in Hurghada is the operating Coptic Church located in the Old City of El Dahar. It was built in 1922 for the British employees of the oil companies then working in Egypt.
The church was consecrated in honor of Senufri, an early Christian saint. After the oil business became economically unprofitable, the British left Hurghada, leaving the temple to the Orthodox Egyptians – Copts. Today the Coptic Church is recognized as an architectural and historical monument of the city.
Why visit:
Elements of Christian and Islamic architecture are fancifully combined in the architecture of the church. A beautiful light building, topped with a dome with a cross, is complemented by numerous annexes. Outside, the Coptic Church is decorated with frescoes above the entrance and openwork carvings on the windows.
The main pride and value of the interior decoration of the temple is the three-tiered iconostasis, on which icons with images of biblical scenes and images of saints are installed. For tourists, the entrance to the temple is free and is allowed even during services; a strict dress code is not required.
Address: Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church, El-Lewaa Salman Mazhar, Second Hurghada, Egypt.
Museum of Marine Biology
The Marine Biology Museum is located on the outskirts of Hurghada. It is a large research station created to study and popularize the rich flora and fauna of the Red Sea. A visit to this museum is included in almost all sightseeing tours in Hurghada.
Here you can admire the beauty of the underwater world and its inhabitants without diving under the water. The museum has a library with the world’s largest collection of publications about the fauna of the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific region.
Why visit:
During a tour of the museum, you will learn a lot of interesting things about the Red Sea and its inhabitants. Through the glass walls of the corridor, visitors can observe vibrant tropical fish and crustaceans, amazing coral reefs, bizarre algae, and more.
Most of the exhibits are displayed in aquariums, the rest are preserved. For the convenience of guests, explanatory stands are installed on the walls with answers to most of the possible questions that may arise during a visit to the museum.
Address: Hurghada Marine Museum & Aquarium, Hurgada – Al Ismaileya, Hurghada, Egypt.
Sheraton street
The main artery of Hurghada is the busy and bustling Sheraton Street. It connects the historic center – the Old City of El Dahar – with the seaside Marina promenade. The length of the street is 3 km, and its width is 15 m. The traffic here does not stop either day or night.
The city authorities closely monitor the order of the main city street – it is always perfectly clean here, and the sidewalks are washed to shine. The unique oriental flavor of Sheraton Street is given by the palm trees growing along the pedestrian walkways.
Why visit:
Along the main artery of Hurghada, there are numerous hotels and all kinds of establishments – restaurants, bars, cafes, snack bars, as well as hookah bars with comfortable terraces. There are many shops and souvenir shops where sellers lure potential buyers using various tricks.
During the daytime, Sheraton Street is always full of tourists walking through the pedestrian zones. With the onset of evening, the local establishments fill up. What could be more pleasant than dinner, a glass of wine and a fragrant hookah on a cozy terrace overlooking the lively evening Sheraton Street?
Address: Sheraton Street, Hurghada, Egypt.
Aquapark “Titanic”
Aquapark “Titanic”, opened in 2004, is located 17 km from the center of Hurghada, not far from the road leading to the city from the airport. It is considered one of the largest water parks and water entertainment centers in Egypt. Although the Titanic is located on the territory of the Prima Sol Titanic Resort & Aquapark Hotel, everyone can visit it.
Entrance for hotel guests and children under 6 years old is free. The water park is open to visitors all year round, as the water in the pools is heated during the winter season.
Why visit:
In the Titanic water park you will find a complex of fresh water pools with a total area of 6,000 m², a pool with artificial waves, about 20 different attractions – water slides and towers, a river for rafting and much more.
The youngest guests will love the shallow children’s pools – “paddling pools” and play areas. There are cafes, pizzerias, bars and restaurants on site, as well as shops where you can buy food and drinks. In addition to water attractions and entertainment, the water park offers a sauna, steam bath, massage room and a beauty salon.
Address: Titanic akaapark, El Geesh – Hurghada Rd, Hurghada, Egypt.
Jungle Water Park
Jungle Water Park, built at the hotel of the same name, is the most popular of all water parks in Hurghada. It consists of large swimming pools, connected to each other by bridges and exotic islets, which are planted with palm trees and sun loungers for vacationers. The water park is open to visitors daily until 17:00. The cost of the entrance ticket for each guest includes payment for lunch.
Why visit:
On the large territory of the water park, both children and adults will find entertainment to their liking. Fans of extreme sports will love such attractions as downhill to the Free Fall, Tsunami, Black Hole and many others. Children from 5 to 15 years old love to have fun with fun slides.
For kids, there are slides for children in the shape of a snake and an octopus, as well as shallow “paddling pools” with mushrooms and fountains. Family entertainment is also provided – descent from the toboggan, riding on a quiet river in circles, swimming in a pool with an artificial wave.
Address: Jungle Aqua Park, Villages Road, Hurghada, Egypt.
Umm Huweitat
This abandoned city appeared at the very beginning of the 20th century and was named Umm Huwaitat, which means “surrounded by mountains”. Now it is often called the Ghost Town, as it has long been deserted. The best way to explore Umm Khuwaitat is on a road trip.
The most popular safaris are quad bikes and jeep safaris, which depart from Hurghada or Safaga. It should be borne in mind that in the desert there is practically no place to hide from the heat, so you need to take with you a supply of drinking water, a hat and clothing that covers the body from the sun.
Why visit:
In those days, when the local phosphate deposit was considered rich and promising, Umm Khuwaitat was a working town at the mine. Today it is the well-preserved ruins of a deserted settlement surrounded by yellow mountains.
The main attraction of the Ghost Town is the abandoned snow-white mosque, from the minaret of which you can see the panorama of the old Egyptian village. Those who wish can visit other surviving buildings of Umm Huwaitat – the houses of the British lord and the Egyptian sheikh, a school, a hospital, and workers’ houses.
Address: 20 kilometers from Safaga.
Sand sculpture museum
It is the first and largest outdoor sand sculpture museum in the Middle East and Africa. It is close to the Sunrise Grand Select Crystal Bay Hotel. About 4 tons of sand and a huge volume of water were spent on the manufacture of unusual exhibits of the museum.
First, workpieces were made from densely packed sand moistened with water. Then the sculptors, using special tools, carved the statues, carefully working out small details. To prevent the finished figures from scattering, they were covered with a thin layer of glue.
Why visit:
Huge sand sculptures four times taller than human height were created by sculptors from 17 countries over the course of 7 months. The sculpture exhibition is divided into two parts. In the first one you will see statues of historical figures, as well as famous gods, goddesses and heroes of legends.
The second part presents the heroes of cult Hollywood films, as well as characters from popular cartoons, including the heroes of Soviet cartoons – “Well, wait a minute!”
Address: Sand City Hurghada ، Hurghada, Egypt.
Egypt in miniature
Mini Egypt Park is a wonderful place for a pleasant pastime with the whole family. It is located in the resort area of Makadi Bay, 25 km from Hurghada. This 3 km² park is unique in that you can see miniature copies of all the famous sights of Egypt there. Exact copies are made on a scale of 1:25. Each exhibit has a special plate with brief information about the object in different languages.
Why visit:
Almost the entire history of Egypt is represented in this amazing park! You will see about 60 copies of objects, the originals of which are located in different Egyptian cities – Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan.
Here you can take a photo next to a copy of the Sphinx or a model of the Cheops pyramid as high as a two-story building; and also see replicas of structures such as the Great Cairo Museum, the Library of Alexandria and more. During the excursion, you will have the opportunity to choose those sights that you would like to see in the original. For children, a walk in the park will be not only interesting, but also educational.
Address: Mini Egypt, Mini Egypt, Hurghada, Egypt.
Desert and Safari
The wonderful wild desert is one of the most popular attractions in Hurghada. Tourism statistics in the Red Sea resorts show that every day about a third of all holidaymakers go on desert safaris.
A few tens of kilometers from Hurghada, a completely different civilization opens up to the eye, as well as landscapes typical of the Eastern Desert – valleys (wadis) sandwiched between red rocks, dotted with acacias. The desert is an ideal place for extreme and adventure lovers.
Why visit:
During the safari, you will get acquainted with the wild nature of the Egyptian desert – its mountains, plateaus, sands and valleys, and you can also visit the Bedouin village. The most popular types of desert safaris are jeeps, quad bikes and buggy trips on the desert off-road. In the Bedouin village, you will learn about the lifestyle and customs of the local nomads.
There you will be offered a camel ride among the sands, tea and freshly baked bread, and in the local shop you can buy original home-made souvenirs. At the end of the day, travelers will find an unforgettable sunset and an amazing starry sky.
Abu Nahas dive site
Dive Site Abu Nahas is a unique diving area located north of Shadwan Island, 65 km southeast of Hurghada. This place is very popular with diving enthusiasts who come to rest in the Red Sea resorts, because during diving, divers have the opportunity to see here the wrecks of ships that sank at different times.
Why visit:
In the Abu Nahas area, the dive site is home to 5 ships wrecked by coral reefs. The main attraction of this place is the remains of the ship Karnatec, which sank in 1869. The British ship is fairly well preserved, and its hull is home to many fish and coral colonies.
Among other wrecks, the Greek ship Chrysoula Kiya (sank in 1981), the German ship Kimon (wrecked in 1978), etc. In addition to the sunken ships, you can see many unusual beautiful fish here during diving.
Address: Shoa`b Abu Nuhas, Egypt.
Gotha Abu Ramada reef
Abu Ramada is an island of coral deposits. It is located 16 km from Hurghada and is very popular with diving enthusiasts. This is a wonderful dive site. Both experienced divers and beginners come here to admire the beauty of the reef and the diversity of flora and fauna of the underwater world of the Red Sea. The Gotha Abu Ramada reef is often used as a testing area for first-time dives for beginner divers.
Why visit:
Gotha is part of Abu Ramada, consisting of a huge coral block. This special place invariably attracts divers with an incredible collection of corals and marine life – from crustaceans and molluscs to imperial angels and pseudathias. Due to the sheer number and variety of reef fish, Gotha Abu Ramada is often referred to as an aquarium.
During the dive, the most common places to see are yellowfin barbules, sweet lips, perches, butterfly fish and glass fish. Sometimes there are moray eels, barracudas, flute fish, as well as huge sea turtles, which sometimes swim to the surface of the sea.
Address: Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, Egypt.
Strait of Gubal
The Gubal Strait is the name of the narrow water strip between the western coast of the Sinai Peninsula and the coast of the Red Sea. This place is considered one of the most popular areas in Hurghada for experienced diving enthusiasts.
The main attraction of the strait is the remains of sunken ships. For many centuries, local coral formations have been a great danger to seafarers. This is why the Strait of Gubal bears the sad nickname “the graveyard of ships.”
Why visit:
While diving, divers have the opportunity to view ships that have found their final resting place in the Gubal Strait. The most famous of these is the British freighter Thistlegorm, sunk in the Red Sea by German aircraft in the fall of 1941. This ship was first discovered by the team of the renowned explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau in the spring of 1955.
Although many of the sunken ships have long been overgrown with coral, divers manage to get into their holds. Due to the frequent change in direction of underwater currents, it is recommended to dive here only for experienced divers and divers.
Address: Maḑīq Jūbāl, Egypt.
Submarine Sinbad
Sindbad submarine excursion is incredibly popular with tourists vacationing in Hurghada. This is the only vessel of its kind in the entire Red Sea. Together with the passengers, the boat descends to a depth of 22 m. As a rule, the duration of the entire excursion is about 2 hours: diving – 30 minutes, inspection of the sea depths – 1 hour, surfacing – 30 minutes.
Why visit:
Sindbad boat trip provides an excellent opportunity to explore the amazing underwater world of the Red Sea for those who are not fond of diving and snorkelling or vacationing at the resort with children who cannot swim well.
Being in conditions of comfort and safety, tourists can enjoy the beauty and diversity of marine life – beautiful corals, various types of fish and other inhabitants of the underwater kingdom. Passengers are allowed to take cameras and cameras with them. The excursion is free for children under 5 years old.
Address: Sindbad Submarines, Touristic Villages, First Hurghada, Egypt.
Hurghada beaches
Hurghada is known for its wonderful beaches – wide, covered with fine light sand, with clear water and a gentle entrance to the sea. They stretch along the coastline on both sides of the city. Hurghada has the most private beaches – they occupy the best sandy stretches of the coastline and belong to luxury resorts and hotels.
Why visit:
Private beaches are the most comfortable and well-groomed, with a lot of entertainment for every taste. Their equipment and infrastructure directly depends on the star rating of the hotel. The most prestigious are the beach areas of premium hotels: Sheraton, Hilton, Marriot, etc. This, for example, Dream Beach – the most expensive of the local beaches, calm Maccabi Bay, Mojito beach with playgrounds and beach discos …
Recently, public beaches in Hurghada are slightly inferior to private ones in terms of equipment, comfort and aesthetic appeal. The most popular of them are El Sakia and Paradise Beach.
El Dahar old town
El Dahar is an area of the Old City – the picturesque and most ancient part of Hurghada, located on the Red Sea coast. Surprisingly, the unique Arabic flavor has been preserved here. El Dahar lacks traditional European entertainment, modern shops and fashion boutiques. The area is more interesting for its special atmosphere and old historical quarters.
Why visit:
El Dahar is made up of intertwining narrow streets and alleys filled with shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and cozy cafes. The main local attractions are the city’s largest mosque El-Mina, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the legendary traffic light of Hurghada.
El Dahar is also known for its large agricultural market. In this colorful Arab bazaar with its special atmosphere, you can always buy fresh fish, meat, fruits and vegetables at the lowest prices in the city.
Address: El-Dahar Square, Second Hurghada, Egypt.
Bedouin village
The Bedouin village is located 30 km southeast of Hurghada. This is a traditional settlement of Egyptians – local nomads. It has become a popular tourist attraction these days. The easiest way to get here is through the desert off-road by ATVs – such a trip will appeal to fans of extreme and exotic.
Why visit:
The Bedouin settlement is a very interesting place with its own special atmosphere. Here you can observe the life of local residents, learn a lot of interesting things about the life of the ancient Bedouins, try traditional food – real Egyptian dishes that you will not find on the menu of restaurants.
Other activities include camel riding in the desert, as well as a visit to the small local zoo and terrarium. In the village you can buy handmade souvenirs. After a beautiful sunset, a small entertainment show awaits tourists.
Address: Bedouin Village: Terrarium, Hurghada, Egypt.
