Hurghada holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Hurghada is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, you should always check the government’s foreign travel advice for up-to-date safety information before you go and remember to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover you while you’re away. In addition, try to be mindful of your valuables and surroundings in crowded areas, respect the local culture and be wary of unsolicited offers and services.

Hurghada boasts a lively and diverse nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars and cultural entertainment venues all along Sheraton Road and the Marina Boulevard, where you can catch everything from international DJ sets to traditional Egyptian shows. Most places stay open late into the night, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Hurghada’s beaches are among some of the best in Egypt. Long stretches of biscuit-beige sand roll out to turquoise waters along the area’s coast, earning it comparisons to the Maldives. They’re not just for sunbathing, either – many beaches in Hurghada are geared up for watersports like snorkelling and diving, as the marine life and coral reefs are particularly good here.

There are loads of activities to get stuck in to in Hurghada. See the Red Sea’s coral reefs on a snorkelling trip or get your pulse racing while windsurfing, kitesurfing or parasailing, if you’re into watersports. On dry land, you’ve got markets and mosques to mooch around, plus desert safaris and quad biking trips. As for family-friendly things to do, there are aquariums and waterparks in the area.

You can get around Hurghada by taxi, minibus and rental car. Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable, while minibuses offer a budget-friendly way to travel along major routes. For more flexibility, renting a car is an option – just be prepared for local driving conditions. Of course, you can walk around specific areas like the marina, but the city’s usually too hot and too spread out to travel long distances on foot.

You can expect a mix of Egyptian and international cuisines in Hurghada. Restaurants typically serve things like koshari – Egypt’s national dish, which pairs pasta, rice and lentils with fried onions and tomato sauce – and ta'ameya, Egyptian falafel made with dried fava beans. Seafood’s also popular here, thanks to the area’s coastal location, and lots of eateries offer Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean fare. Save room for dessert if you’ve got a sweet tooth, too – flaky baklava packed with chopped nuts and sticky syrup is on lots of menus.

April to October is usually a good time to visit Hurghada, but it depends how hot you like your hols. Temperatures can reach up to 35°C during these months – ideal for sea swims and tanning – while most days between November to March sit around 20°C to 25°C, which is typically more comfortable for sightseeing. It’s worth noting that the hottest days reach 40°C in July and August.

Direct flights from the UK to Hurghada typically take around five to six hours, depending on where in the UK you’re departing from.

You’re not short of places to shop in Hurghada. Sakala, the city's downtown district, is one of the main places to splash some cash – it’s home to a mix of local shops and bazaars selling traditional Egyptian goods, souvenirs and spices. There are upscale boutiques and international labels on sale on Hurghada Marina Boulevard, while the El Dahar area is known for its traditional markets. You’ll find familiar fashion faves like H&M at the Senzo Mall on the outskirts of the city.

There are heaps of opportunities to go diving in Hurghada – which package you choose just depends on your level of expertise. For example, our Red Sea diving experience lets you choose a half-day intro lesson, a full-day course or a three-day experience, so it’s good for beginners and experienced divers. Some packages also include visits to nearby islands, such as the Giftun Islands.

Golfers have plenty of resorts to pick from in Hurghada. For example, the Steigenberger Makadi hotel is perched right on a big 18-hole golf course, with views across the nearby bay and a private stretch of sand for guests to stretch out on. The Ancient Sands Golf Resort is another great option for golf lovers, with its hilltop location, spa and nine-hole golf course.

There are lots of places worth bookmarking in Hurghada if a spa is one of your holiday must-haves. The Premier Le Reve is one of them – it’s an adults-only spot with 10 massage rooms and a Turkish steam bath called a hammam. There’s also the Sunrise Garden Beach Resort & Spa, where hot-stone massages and aromatherapy are on the treatment menu.

Yes, Hurghada has lots of family-friendly resorts with kids' clubs that’ll keep little ones entertained all holiday long. The TUI MAGIC LIFE Kalawy is a top pick – it’s got three separate entertainment programmes for children aged 3 to 16, and lays on themed nights, family discos and film screenings. The Jaz Casa del Mar Beach is another great option, with a hotel-run kids’ club and weekly live music performances, plus a private stretch of sand in its back garden.

You’ve got your pick of lots of great places to stay in Hurghada, whether you’re after laidback luxury or something more fast-paced. Set your sights on the Sahl Hasheesh area for upscale resorts and beautiful beaches or make a beeline for the Madiki Bay area – it’s got a fair share of standout shores and family-friendly activities. The Hurghada Marina area is best for nightlife, while the El Mamsha promenade area gives you beach access and proximity to local shops.