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

✈️Why you should visit Hurghada in 2026

• Hurghada is Egypt's second-largest seaside spot on the Red Sea - and it's absolutely amazing in the best possible way. Those coral reefs everyone bangs on about? They’re properly spectacular.

• The coastline's got more twists and turns than a soap opera. Fancy a bit of history? Head north to the old town. If you prefer places that were built after the invention of air-con? Visit the south of the city and stroll along the brand-spanking-new Village Road lined with luxury shops nestling amongst palm trees so big they could hide a fully grown giraffe.

• Smack bang in the middle? That's Sakalla - the town centre that never sleeps. It's proper buzzing, a bit chaotic, but in that brilliant holiday way where you're guaranteed never to be bored. Sound like your cup of tea? Course it does. Unless you’re in de-nile. 😎

🌴 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.

🏨 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.

💰 How to do Hurghada on a budget

Wanting to level up your holibobs without breaking the bank? Here's how:

• Street Food Steals - Swap the posh sit-down meals for local shawarma or falafel wraps that are a tastebud fave and cost next to nothing.

• Local Microbuses - Ditch the private transfers and hop on a local white microbus to zip around town for just a few pennies.

• Free Beach Chilling - Many public beaches offer a 10/10 sunbathing experience for a teeny entry fee compared to the pricey beach clubs.

• Souk Haggling - Channel your inner negotiator in the El Dahar markets to bag souvenirs for the mantlepiece and spices at prices that are a total steal.

• Off-Peak Snorkelling - Book your boat trips locally or during the afternoon to snag a deal on those once-in-lifetime underwater adventures.

🚕 Getting around Hurghada

• Uber and Careem - For a stress-free experience, these apps work like a charm in Hurghada, offering fixed prices so you don’t have to flex your haggling muscles.

• Microbuses - These white vans are the local way to travel; they’re cheap as chips and run constantly along the main roads - just wave one down and tell them where you’re going.

• Taxis - These orange and blue cars are everywhere and are an ideal way to get from A to B quickly, just make sure to agree on the fare before you set off.

• Private Transfers - If you’re feeling like a baller, you can pre-book private cars through your hotel or app for a seamless, air-conditioned journey.

• Walking - While some areas like the Marina or Village Road are literally made for a stroll, the desert heat means you’ll want wheels for anything longer than a 15-minute walk.

Settled on Egypt but not sure on Hurghada? Check out Sharm el Sheikh or Marsa Alam!