Hurghada Holidays

Hurghada will have you spoilt for choice - overspilling with sun-drenched days, stylish evenings out, and some seriously jaw-dropping scenes waiting to be captured. Consider your paradise found.

Destination highlights

• Sizzlin' sunshine all year

• Budget-friendly luxury

• Packed with fun family resorts

• Great swim spots

🌴 Hurghada Fun Facts You Didn’t Know (But Totally Should)

• Dive Deep – Hurghada’s waters are famous worldwide, bursting with marine life. Think Finding Nemo meets real life. Time to get your snorkel on!

• Desert Dunes – Fancy a bit of Lawrence of Arabia action? Hurghada’s desert safaris are legendary - camels, quad bikes, and sunsets that even Instagram filters envy.

• Shop Like a Pharaoh – From bustling bazaars to swanky boutiques, shopping here means finding treasures worthy of royalty. Perfume oils, spices, and jewellery that scream "boujee".

🗣️ Master the Lingo, Egyptian Style

Throw in some Arabic phrases to impress the locals and your travel buddies:

• "Sabah el-kheir!" – Good morning!

• "Ma'a salama" – Goodbye!

• "Shukran" – Thanks!

• "Fanta Lemon fein?" – Because your holibobs deserve the ultimate beach bevvy.

• "El-hesab law samaht" – The bill, please—'cause sharing hummus is not an option.

🏖️ Best Beaches for your Hurghada holidays 2026

Hurghada is mega for beach lovers - from buzzing hotspots to chill-out havens, here’s the lowdown on where to sink your toes into the sand:

• Mahmya Island – A slice of paradise, crystal-clear waters and white sands. This spot's all about that swanky tropical vibe, perfect for a boujee beach day.

• Giftun Island – A marine sanctuary offering turquoise waters and dazzling coral reefs. Snorkel gear is a must for underwater exploring that’s straight-up 10/10.

• Old Vic Beach – Ideal for families and sunseekers alike, with calm waters and plenty of space. Chill vibes only.

• Sahl Hasheesh Beach – Think golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that’s absolutely delish for relaxing.

• El Gouna – A boujee lagoon beach town with watersports galore. Kitesurfing, diving, paddleboarding—it’s adventure central.

• Soma Bay – Luxe vibes with pristine beaches, coral-rich waters, and swanky resorts. The place to soak up the sun like royalty.

🗺️ Where to Stay in Hurghada

Hurghada stretches along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, and where you stay can completely shape your trip. From lively resort hubs to peaceful, upscale enclaves, here’s how to pick your perfect base.

❤️ Best for Couples

El Gouna is the standout for couples. Often called the “Venice of the Red Sea,” it’s all lagoons, boutique hotels and sunset cocktails. It’s clean, stylish and far more relaxed than central Hurghada, with plenty of romantic restaurants and marina-side walks. Sahl Hasheesh is another great shout, quieter, more polished and perfect for beach days and long, peaceful evenings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families
Makadi Bay is ideal for families. It’s packed with all-inclusive resorts, water parks and wide sandy beaches, meaning everything is easy and stress-free. Soma Bay is another top pick, safe, clean and a bit more upmarket, with loads of space for kids to run around and plenty of activities like snorkelling and paddleboarding.

🌟 Best for Luxury
Sahl Hasheesh is where Hurghada does luxury best. Think five-star beachfront resorts, private beaches and beautifully designed promenades. Soma Bay also delivers at the high end, with exclusive resorts, golf courses and spa experiences, perfect if you want a more refined, laid-back kind of luxury.

🌊 Best for Sea Views & Snorkelling
If the Red Sea is the main event, you can’t go wrong with Makadi Bay or Soma Bay, both offer crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs and excellent snorkelling straight off the beach. El Gouna also has stunning lagoon and sea views, especially around the marina at sunset.

🏨 What are the top hotels in Hurghada?

You get a lot of bang for your buck in this resort town. Even five-star, All Inclusive holidays to Hurghada come with a reasonable price tag, and don't worry - we've got some great deals for all you last-minute Larries out there too. Get inspired by these hotels:

• Serenity Fun City - a dream come true for kids (and adults!), thanks to its 6D cinema and the whopping waterpark.

• Palm Royale Soma Bay - a romantic hotel with its own private beach, plush suites and lively evening entertainment.

• Serenity Makadi Beach - we aren't Ma-kidding when we say this is the perfect place for couples and families alike along the beach, with special areas for the kids and a deluxe spa.

• Jasmine Palace - feel like royalty at this lush hotel with fun for the kids and relaxation for you.

• Sea Star Beau Rivage Hotel - a hotel with colourful rooms with a bit of zest and a range of waterside activities at the private beach.

• Titanic Palace and Aquapark Resort - a swimaholic’s paradise with easy access to the sea, 19(!) pools and an impressive waterpark.

• Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna - a deluxe seaside retreat where you can choose from a range of swanky suites, including wheelchair-accessible rooms.

Hurghada Holidays 2026 Travel Guide

🥳 Things to do in Hurghada for groups

Hurghada is popping off for group holidays - here's why:

• Quad Biking - Zoom across the desert dunes on a high-speed ATV for some serious adrenaline pumping.

• Yacht Parties - Rent a private boat for the day and enjoy a boujee afternoon of music, snorkelling, and sunbathing.

• Hurghada Marina - Head to the marina for trendy bars and restaurants that are a guaranteed hit for your Insta-stories.

• Snorkelling Excursions - Grab the gang and head out to the Giftun Islands to explore the coral reefs together, ultimate friend-group goals.

• Desert Safari - Take a 4x4 jeep trek into the Sahara for a traditional Bedouin dinner under the starry night sky.

❤️ Things to do in Hurghada for couples

Romantic vibes? We've got you sorted.

• Sunset Cruises - Set sail on the Red Sea for a sunset cruise that'll make you fall in love with life, the dolphins usually come and say hello too.

• Private Beach Dining - Many swanky resorts offer candlelit dinners on the sand, the holy grail of intimate date nights.

• Desert Star Trekking - Head into the Sahara for a worldie dinner under a sky that’s absolutely beaming with bright stars.

• Couples’ Spa Retreats - Treat yourselves to a dreamy Egyptian massage or a traditional hammam session for the ultimate relaxation vibes.

• Hot-Air Balloon Rides - Take a short trip to nearby Luxor for a sunrise flight to make some guaranteed memories-for-life.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Hurghada for families

Keep everyone smiling on your family holiday with activities for all ages to sink their teeth into - win-win!

• Jungle Aqua Park - Spend the day at this whopping waterpark featuring 35 slides and plenty of pools for non-stop family fun.

• Sand City - Visit this one-of-a-kind open-air museum to see mahoosive sand sculptures of pharaohs and famous cartoon characters.

• Dolphin World - Catch a spectacular show or book a session to swim with dolphins for a special moment that's straight-up stun.

• Glass-Bottom Boat - Perfect for little ones who aren't quite ready to snorkel but still want to see the mega colourful fishies.

🍽️ Things to do in Hurghada for foodies

Dive mouth-first into Egyptian cuisine on your Hurghada jollies.

• Fresh Seafood - Head to the marina for the always-amaze catch of the day, served with insane views and a side of salty breeze.

• Street Food Crawl - Grab some falafel or a shawarma wrap from a local vendor for a quick and easy taste of Egypt.

• Kushari Tasting - Try Egypt’s national dish - a delish mix of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas topped with a spicy tomato sauce.

• Traditional Mealtimes - Pull up a chair for some kofta and feteer, a buttery, flaky pastry that is a national treasure and very filling.

• Egyptian Tea - kick back in a local café with a mint tea or a strong coffee for the ultimate chilled-out foodie mood.

🗺️ More Places to Visit

Settled on Egypt but not sure on Hurghada? There are a couple of standout alternatives along the Red Sea that are well worth a look.

🌴 Sharm el Sheikh - One of Egypt’s most popular resort destinations, known for its lively atmosphere, luxury hotels and incredible coral reefs. Think beach clubs, boat trips and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea.

🐠 Marsa Alam - Quieter, more untouched and perfect if you’re after pure relaxation. Expect pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and world-class diving spots, with a chance to see turtles and even dugongs in their natural habitat.