Hurghada

How many days: 5

Spend your first day settling in and enjoying the beach. Use the next two days for a snorkelling or diving excursion and a visit to the marina and older parts of Hurghada. Keep one day for the desert or another marine activity.

A fifth day gives you time to relax without rushing. If you want to visit Luxor, allow a full day and expect a long journey, or consider staying there separately. Hurghada works best when the Red Sea remains the centre of the trip.

What to do in Hurghada

Snorkel in the Red Sea

Explore clear water and colourful reef fish at suitable sites. Choose responsible excursions that protect coral and marine life.

Try scuba diving

Discover the Red Sea's underwater landscapes with qualified instructors. Beginners can consider an introductory dive, while certified divers have more options.

Visit the Giftun Islands

Take a boat excursion to offshore islands and beaches. Conditions and permitted landing areas vary, so check locally.

Walk around Hurghada Marina

Explore the waterfront promenade and watch boats in the harbour. It is an easy evening outing.

Discover El Dahar

Visit Hurghada's older district for markets, shops and everyday street life. Dress respectfully and be prepared for busy surroundings.

Explore the Eastern Desert

Join a suitable guided excursion into the desert for rocky scenery and open landscapes. Avoid activities that damage fragile habitats.

Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium

Explore displays of aquatic life if you want a break from the sun. Check the official site for current visiting arrangements.

Relax on a Red Sea beach

Spend a quiet day swimming and enjoying the coastal setting. Some beaches have coral or rocky entries, so suitable footwear can help.

Take a glass-bottom boat trip

See underwater scenery without diving or snorkelling. It can be a good alternative for families or less confident swimmers.

Consider a trip to Luxor

Visit ancient temples and tombs on a long excursion inland. The journey is substantial, so an overnight stay may be more comfortable.

What to eat and drink

Try sayadiya

Enjoy fish served with seasoned rice, often flavoured with onions and spices. It is particularly appropriate in a coastal city.

Eat grilled seafood

Choose fish or shellfish prepared with lemon and Egyptian seasonings. Ask about freshness and preparation.

Sample koshari

Try Egypt's filling combination of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas and tomato sauce. It is a popular everyday meal.

Enjoy ful medames

Eat seasoned fava beans with bread and accompaniments. It is a classic Egyptian breakfast.

Try kofta and grilled meats

Choose seasoned minced meat or other grilled dishes with bread, salad and dips. These are widely familiar Egyptian flavours.

Drink fresh mint tea

Take a break with tea or fresh juice after exploring. Avoid untreated water and choose drinks prepared hygienically.

Getting around

Hurghada is spread along a long stretch of coastline, so walking between major resort areas is often impractical. The marina and parts of El Dahar are walkable, but pavements and road crossings can be inconsistent. Local minibuses operate on some routes, although they can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis and app-based rides, where available, are usually more convenient for individual journeys. Confirm the fare or use the app's quoted price before travelling. Arranged transfers are sensible for the airport and boat departures. For desert excursions and long trips inland, use reputable transport rather than attempting unfamiliar routes independently.

Good to know

• Summer heat can be intense. Plan outdoor sightseeing for cooler parts of the day.
• Never touch or stand on coral, and keep a respectful distance from marine animals.
• Check diving qualifications, equipment standards and medical suitability before underwater activities.
• Agree taxi fares and excursion inclusions clearly before setting off.
• Dress more conservatively when visiting local neighbourhoods and religious sites.
• Check official travel advice and regional security guidance before arranging long overland excursions.