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Best beaches in Egypt

Egypt's coastline has more to offer than you might think - here's where to find the best spots.
From snorkel-friendly water in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh to wildlife-rich bays in Marsa Alam, Egypt’s Red Sea coast lines up some of the country’s best beaches – and much of that comes down to the coral reefs just offshore, which are among the best in the world. Whether you're after a beach break with the family or a quieter bay where you can switch off, Egypt's got plenty to choose from. Let's dive into the best beaches this Red Sea coastline has to offer.

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Best for snorkelling and diving

Hurghada's coastline is dotted with resort beaches where you can spend your days switching between the pool and the sea. Most hotels have their own private stretch with sunbeds and watersports on tap, so everything's right there when you need it – including access to reef-fringed swim spots just offshore. The water's warm year-round and the reefs are teeming with marine life – you can spot parrotfish, clownfish and even sea turtles if you're lucky. If you fancy exploring beyond your hotel, Mahmya Beach on Giftun Island is worth the 45-minute boat trip – it's a protected area with powder-soft sand and turquoise water that looks almost too good to be real.

Our hotel pick: TUI MAGIC LIFE Kalawy.
An underwater scene showing a diver in red swimwear and yellow mask swimming through blue-green water.

Best for families

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea. The beaches here are known for their calm, shallow waters for the first 20 feet or so, making them perfect for splashing sessions with the whole clan. Naama Bay is a popular spot with a long promenade lined with restaurants, bazaars and shops just steps from the sand. Fancy something quieter? Head to Shark's Bay, where the beach is less built-up and the snorkelling's worth shouting about. Don't let the name put you off – the water here is calm and clear, making it easy to spot colourful fish over the coral, and while small reef sharks do live further out, sightings close to shore are rare for snorkellers.

Our hotel pick: TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea.
A woman relaxing on a golden sand beach.

Best for away-from-it-all vibes

Marsa Alam is further south along the Red Sea coast, and it's got a more laidback feel than Hurghada or Sharm. The beaches here are often backed by desert rather than high-rise hotels, giving you that remote, off-the-radar vibe. Abu Dabbab Bay is one of the area's highlights – it's a sheltered cove, where you can snorkel with sea turtles and dugongs. These gentle sea mammals graze on the seagrass beds in the bay and spotting one is a proper pinch-me moment. The beach itself is sandy with calm water, so it's great for families, too.

Our hotel pick: Jaz Costa Mares.
Isolated reefs on Red Sea beach resort.

Best for watersports

Soma Bay is a peninsula that juts out into the Red Sea, about 45 minutes' drive south of Hurghada. The beach here is long and sandy, with shallow water that stays warm even in winter. It's a popular spot for kitesurfing – the steady winds and flat water make it ideal for beginners and pros alike. If you'd rather stay dry, you can walk along the shore and watch the colourful kites dancing across the sky. Most of the stays here are All Inclusive resorts, so you'll have everything you need without having to leave the peninsula.

Our hotel pick: Jaz Soma Beach.
A small yacht docked at Soma Bay.

Best for adults

Makadi Bay sits between Hurghada and Soma Bay and has built a name for itself as one of the Red Sea’s go-to spots for slow, sun-soaked beach days. The bay curves gently around the shore, keeping the water calm and clear. Most of the action centres around the All Inclusive resorts that line the coast – many are designed just for adults with their own private stretches of sand, setting the scene for lazy afternoons with cold drinks served right to your spot. When it’s time to cool off, the reef sits just offshore, making it simple to slip into the sea and snorkel straight from the beach.

Our hotel pick: TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens.
A row of sun loungers on a sandy stretch of beach.
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Author: Conor Braniff

Last updated: 21.01.2026

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