General Information About Hurghada.
Hurghada is the comprehensive seafront destination where the sun shines every day. Its sparkling sandy beaches, majestic deserts and superb climate makes it the sanctuary of absolute serenity and the land that opens up unlimited new adventure possibilities.
Hurghada is the ideal relaxed and laid back destination that is more than suitable for those who love to take part in exploring aquatic recreation. The city is eminent for its magnificent underwater garden offshore and mesmerizing coral reefs that are considered one of the best in the world. Hurghada’s warm crystal waters provide a gateway to ultimate diving or snorkeling experiences through which an extensive variety of underwater species and reefs can be witnessed. With its abundant prime diving sites , Hurghada is the destination that will introduce you to new ways of enjoying undersea views. You can take a glass-bottom boat ride that cruises over some beautiful coral reefs, where you can see a variety of brightly colored fish and maybe even sharks, or you could head underwater and take a ride aboard one of the small submarines.
Those who seek less dynamic activities can enjoy the sunny atmosphere and lucid water by going on deep sea fishing trips to uninhabited locations such as the Giftone Island , Abu Menkar Isle , or Mahmya Beach , or they can enjoy discovering Hurghada’s marine life’s treasures at the Aquarium . Other favorable activities include windsurfing, sailing, submarine tours, and glass bottomed boat excursions that provide vistas of the underwater world are also available. You may also be surprised to find a number of alluring historical landmarks & Monuments around the city.
Jeep, camel, and quad biking safaris are among many activities that you will find around Hurghada’s fascinating deserts. Hurghada’s eastern desert is an enchanting and vast landscape of sand, rocks, oases and mountains, and is also home to the Bedouins. While you are there, a ride to a Bedouin village can’t be missed, as you will learn about Bedouin life, heritage and traditions.
Hurghada, the special community where local habits and culture is presented next to resort lifestyle and behavior, embraces a diverse collection of museums & art galleries that present an assortment of flora and fauna of the Red Sea.
The town is ample with nightlife destinations
Beaches & Water Sports In Hurghada
Beaches in Hurghada are pristine and plentiful. Most Hurghada hotels usually have their own private beaches exclusively available to hotel guests. Beach parties have been a tradition in Hurghada from when the town was still a quiet sleepy outpost for only a few dedicated diving tourists.
Hurghada offer a large choice of relaxed watersports and sea related activities, from banana rides to snorkelling excursions to the awesome marine park of Giftun Island, pedal boats, canoeing, catamarans, glass-bottom boats. Some resorts offer also parasailing. And even if you are a non-diver, you can still enjoy the sights of the underwater world of the Red Sea by booking a trip on Hurghada’s small submarine where you can dive to a maximum depth of 22m. A typical trip will allow you 50 minutes of bottom time.
Hurghada Nature & Wildlife
Hurghada’s marine life is rich and varied and includes butterfly fish, rainbow wrasse, moray eels, napoleon fish, turtles, grouper fish, dolphins, blacktip sharks and schools of surgeon fish. Seeing these incredible creatures can be done by indulging in snorkelling or SCUBA diving courses available at the many PADI training centres throughout Hurghada. If you don’t fancy getting wet at all, many of these stunning marine creatures are on show at the Hurghada Aquarium. One of the main reasons many people choose to visit Hurghada is the chance to meet pods of wild dolphins. The Bottlenose dolphin is particularly populous in Hurghada’s waters.
Hurghada is also a haven for ornithologists. Bird watching has become popular in Egypt since it lies along the migratory path of many interesting species. During autumn migration, from August to December, birds start flocking from Europe and fly as far as South Africa. The Red Sea coast is a major migration route for birds and Egypt is a major stopping point on the way. Every year, 32 different species of raptors and cranes and 82% of the world’s population of white storks pass south of the Sinai.
Wind and Kite Surfing in Hurghada
Hurghada is the top Red Sea destination for wind and kite surfing and is picking up a great reputation as a wake-boarding destination too. Many international competitions are held in Hurghada every year. Windsurfers were coming to Hurghada before there was an international airport, attracted by the fact that Hurghada offers good, strong, winds throughout the year.
Hurghada is one of the best places to learn to kite surf. Windsurfers have a downwind bay pretty much to themselves, leaving two upwind bays with large shallow areas free for kite surfers. There is plenty of space to practice flying the kite, body dragging and water starting in shallow areas that extend far enough from the beach to allow 100m runs before getting into deeper water. Once your skill and confidence has built up, you can blast out to a sandbar approximately 1 km offshore where the wind is super clean and the flat water area around the sandbar is perfect for practising tricks and moves.
The winds in the Red Sea are created by the difference in temperature between the land and the water, but in Hurghada this is accelerated by the mountain ranges just behind the town and by Giftun Island offshore. The coast is also generally flat without fringing reefs which create perfect conditions both for wind and kite surfing. From May to October the average wind speed is around 18 knots, sometimes getting up to 25 or 30 knots in the afternoon (especially in September).
Hurghada is excellent for all levels of kite and wind surfer but is especially good for complete beginners or those keen to progress. There is a very high level of instruction available locally and the shallow flat water of the ‘small bay’ is perfect for beginners and those keen to develop their skills.
Museums & Art Galleries
Museum & Art Galleries
The freedom, fascination and bright colors, all this is the trademark of the Red Sea, and can be found in Hurghada’s museums and art galleries.
Marine Biology Museum
This museum is located in the northern region of the town and marks the ideal place for non divers who don’t want to miss the underwater action and rich oceanic ecology of the region. The Marine Biology Museum offers a journey through the underwater world that reveals a compilation of stunning coral reefs, and numerous species that include sea turtles, sharks, and the dugong, a large marine mammal that instigated the legend of mermaids.
National Museum
If you are more into cultural exploration, then visit this museum and discover a wide range of the Egyptian history’s remains. It’s the first national museum founded on the Red Sea Coast, showcasing antiquities, submerged mountains, and remains from the Pharaonic to the Islamic Era. This unique museum is sited on the water’s edge and features four exhibition halls, artists’ studios and performance spaces.
Café Del Mar
Enjoy a nice coffee or fine local wine while viewing a collection of paintings by local artists at the newly opened and fairly contemporary art gallery cum café, located at El Dahar.
Hurghada Nightlife
Nightlife in Hurghada is sparkling and lively. It has various vivacious nightclubs and bars that appeal to all tastes. If clubbing is what you seek, then you will find yourself shaking, swinging and getting swayed by the throbbing music while tuning into the endless tunes of the discotheques, pubs, and disco bars that are located all around Hurghada.
Little Buddha
Little Buddha is the ideal place to chill out in Hurghada. It offers a great treat and a magical haven that will never disappoint you. It has a beautifully decorated bar, with a wonderful atmosphere, lighting and music. Its restaurant offers sumptuous Asian flavors with dishes to accommodate the varied palette.
Shopping and Leisure in Hurghada
Hurghada provides a wide selection of shopping facilities as well as restaurants, bars and discotheques. There are many souvenir shops and stalls in the city centre and shops and outlets in the nearby Mercato shopping arcade will provide hours of excellent souvenir and gift hunting.
Approximately 15 km from the centre of Hurghada is the SENZO shopping mall with a multitude of international restaurants, fast food restaurants, souvenir shops and an international supermarket.
El Dahar is the old city centre of Hurghada. Here you can still enjoy the typical Egyptian shopping experience in a car-free shopping street where you can haggle for a good bargain.
The New Marina in Hurghada was built only in 2008 and features top-quality restaurants, first-class shopping, bars and discotheques next to the moored luxury modern yachts.
Hurghada Attractions
Abu Menkar Isle
This Isle is a must see as it is filled with luscious greenery, and considered very ideal for eco tourism. The island is protected and closed for sea landings, and sightings of endangered birds and marine turtles can be encountered there.
Giftone Island
Giftone Island, one of Hurghada’s main diving sites, is a stunning sand reef that is surrounded by a magnificent coral garden and considered the home of the most exotic marine life. While you are on your trip to the island, you can soak up the glorious sunshine on the sandy beach or swim in the crystal clear water.
The reef encompasses vibrant corals, a seemingly infinite number of bright and colorful tropical fish, and you may even encounter rays, turtles and dolphins. You can also enjoy snorkeling and explore splendid undersea views.
Mahmya Beach
Mahmya Beach is situated on the southern shores of the Giftone Island National Park off the coast of Hurghada. Mahmya in Arabic means “Protected Area”, and it is a testament to the careful management of this idyllic island that is able to welcome tourists and yet remain so wonderfully unspoilt. Once you land on this island, you will be enjoying the most thrilling snorkeling experience on the impressive coral heads scattered in the clear lagoon, or you can have a walk along the sandy beach.
You can also take part in an exciting beach volleyball game, or try scuba diving with the diving center. Rejuvenating is another good option here, as you can relax on the pure white beach. Lunch can be savored at the restaurants that serve sea food and Italian specialties, and later in the day you can pause for a refreshing drink at the bar.