Egypt: Hurghada & the Red Sea

Nestled on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, Hurghada is a generally popular resort town that offers visitors a blend of relaxation and adventure. It's especially popular with Europeans who flock there to enjoy comfortable and often less expensive holidays.

Almost all hotels in Hurghada are self contained - that means that a majority of them offer all-inclusive formulas. Hotel quality and rates can vary strongly, from luxury resorts to older properties so investigate with care and look at reviews before booking.

With its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and year-round sunny weather, it's an ideal destination for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, divers and anyone looking to unwind. The Red Sea is home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, with popular diving locations such as Giftun Island and Shaab El Erg providing fantastic opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers to explore underwater ecosystems.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, a desert safari on a quad bike or jeep rides often includes a visit to a traditional Bedouin village.

Hurghada Marina is a great place to visit. This picturesque area is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or to unwind with a drink as the sun sets.

For those interested in history and culture, Hurghada is within "reach" of Luxor (4 hour drive!), an ancient city home to some of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. A day trip to Luxor will take you to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Egypt’s rich history.

If you are looking to visit a market, the El Dahar district offers traditional Egyptian markets where you can shop for spices, textiles, jewelry, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Be aware however that local merchants/local restaurant staff can get overly pushy and, in our more western view, overly aggressive. Many people have complained about this, being poorly treated for the price of a simple trinket. If you do not want to be bothered, we advise avoiding these markets - it can get intense.

Hotel staff, travel guides and so forth are very very friendly and welcoming! Take some small money (Euros, Dollars or local currency) to tip - it's appreciated. I do advise not to overtip - a few Euros/Dollars is fine! If you tip a lot then you create an expectation and staff may hang around you more.

Hotel

We stayed at the Pickalbatros Citadel Resort in Hurghada, a luxurious and expansive beachfront property that offers a blend of elegance, comfort and amenities. Situated along the Red Sea coast, the resort is designed to mimic a fortress, featuring sweeping views of the turquoise waters.

With its private beach, guests can enjoy direct access to the sea, perfect for swimming or indulging in water sports like snorkeling and diving. The resort has, in effect, a very large and long beach, flanked by multiple bars and towel service booths. There are also a number of lifeguards on duty throughout the day.

If you dont feel like a beach day, the resort boasts multiple swimming pools, athough the capacity around the pools is more limited, so come early to assure a sport. It also features a variety of dining options, from international buffets to a la carte restaurants serving Mediterranean, Asian, and Egyptian cuisine (and part of their all-inclusive formula). There are also multiple bars dotted around the property and the seafront (it has its own marina) and a nice coffee shop underneath the lobby that offers cakes.

Overall drinks at the hotel were fine except stronger alcoholic beverages (rum, tequila, etc.) - I advise you to avoid these, they are locally made, taste of nuts and are - basically all the same (the rum, tequila and whisky are basically the same cheap thing in a different bottle).

Although the food was, overall, good - we did get a bit tired of it after five days. I advise that you take the chance to savor the local cuisine at the buffets and avoid the western style food (it's good, but a bit bland at times). There is a wide array of Arabic dishes available.

Families and couples alike can enjoy the diverse activities available, such as spa treatments, a fitness center, entertainment programs and a games room.

Rooms were very comfortable and large overall and all rooms offer a sea view. Do note that rooms that are higher on the hill only offer a partial view due to the building in front.

Interested to discover more? Here are some helpful hints and tips.

What's the local currency in Egypt?

The Egyptian Pound. You will NOT NEED IT - so don't lose money at the exchange desks. Euros and US Dollars are accepted as cash payment everywhere as are credit cards and debit cards (Maestro).

Is the water safe to drink for tourists in Egypt?

No it is not. Use bottled water (also for brushing teeth). When you eat or drink outside of the resorts also avoid ice.

Is the food safe to eat in Egypt for tourists?

It is safe to eat at the resorts where extra precautions are taken around hygiene. However, if you venture out and eat locally, the food quality and safety cannot be guaranteed. Be aware that even in many resorts, light food poisoning often occurs.

Do you need a visa to enter Egypt?

Yes, you can obtain a Visa for 30 days as a tourist. This must be requested and paid for in advance via the portal. It costs around 25 Euros/USD per person.

Can you take pictures freely in Egypt?

You can, and it is welcomed as there is a lot to see and take pictures of. I do strongly advice to always be polite and ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women (you are in a Muslim country) and shops. You are not allowed to take photos of army bases and often also critical infrastructure like dams or bridges (watch out for signs).

Is visiting Hurghada in winter a good idea?

Many people do it, temperatures are usually around 22 degrees Celsius. However, there is a prevailing Northerly wind, which can make it quite cold.

Is there risk of sunburn on/at the Red Sea?

Yes! Remember, despite the shoreline, you are in a desert. Sunburn or heat stroke is common, especially in summer. Take the proper precautions and drink bottled water to eliminate any risks.

Are Egyptians friendly to tourists?

This is a bit of a double edged sword. Yes, hotel staff, travel guides and so forth are very friendly, helpful and will also guide you well in terms of respecting local traditions, expectations and so forth. And overall Egyptians are very friendly and wonderful people.

However, local shop merchants and restaurant owners are not friendly at all. This often has to do with a language barrier (in part), but it's one of the most commonly complained about things by tourists. It can get very heated and many tourists get very upset as a result. It's a bit of an issue as fewer tourists venture outside their hotels as a result.