Thinking of visiting Hurghada?
Written by
Emma Harrison
•
5 min read
Why you should visit Hurghada
Whether you are seeking guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches or delicious food, Hurghada is one heck of a resort destination for those who wish to either fly and flop or to to take advantage of the incredible coastline which is ideal for swimming, diving, or even swimming with dolphins!
The stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters are an absolute dream for windsurfing thanks to Hurghada’s enviable position on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, but if the limit of your tolerance to the water stops at a few laps in the hotel pool or enjoying an exhilarating boat trip, there’s still so much to see and do in Hurghada.
From visiting traditional Bedouin villages in the desert and playing a round of golf to a luxury spa experience to exploring the desert on a dune buggy, you can do as much or as little as you want, but make sure you carve out a bit of time to add a desert expedition to your Hurghada Pinboard to make sure you don’t miss out on this quintessential Egyptian experience!
For those who prefer to stay dry—or at least above the surface—a boat trip to the Giftun Islands offers the perfect escape. Big Giftun and its smaller sibling are fringed with vibrant coral reefs, part of a protected marine conservation area ideal for snorkeling adventures.
With a bit of luck, you might find yourself sailing alongside pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin House Island, a stunning marine reserve just an hour from Hurghada by boat.
Prefer to lounge on solid ground? Make your way to Orange Bay, a tranquil stretch of powdery sand on the sheltered western shore of Big Giftun, where the turquoise water laps gently at your feet.
Where to stay in Hurghada
We can’t help but think that The Oberoi Beach Resort has to be one of the most luxurious resorts in Hurghada. It effortlessly blends Mediterranean and Asian glamour and is 100% a destination resort. Inspired by its sister hotels in India, the Oberoi is staggeringly beautiful with the main building being neoclassical, surrounded by a courtyard with columns and spans 48 acres.
If you love diving, this is most definitely the place for you as it is one of the best places in Egypt to dive and caters for everyone from pre-Padi beginners to diving experts. There’s also a spa and gym, and a lovely central pool to lose yourself in too!
We found a week's stay at the Oberoi for one week for £1001 on a bed and breakfast basis, although you can also opt for halfboard for a small increase if you want to go all out!
Don’t forget you can book your flight via the Pogo app with our trusted partners Skyscanner too! We found flights from just £446 per person from London.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Here are our top three travel tips when planning a holiday to Hurghada:
Hurghada summers promise endless sunshine so this is definitely one of the best times to visit. There’s virtually no rainfall, and daytime temperatures that regularly climb into the mid-30s°C, making it ideal for sun-seekers. Just remember, this is a desert climate—so while the days are sizzling, evenings can bring a surprising chill. The Red Sea, however, remains inviting year-round, with water temperatures holding steady at a balmy 20°C
Upon arrival in Egypt, you’ll need to purchase a single-entry e-visa, which costs $25 USD. . So make sure you add this to the notes or check list section of Pogo Pocket. It’s worthwhile packing some cash in either US dollars or euros, as card payments are not always accepted.
Hurghada might feel a bit more relaxed when it comes to dress code, after all, it’s a beach town used to tourists in shorts and sun dresses—but it’s still worth remembering that you are still in Egypt and certain cultural norms apply so make sure you pack appropriate clothes, particularly if you are going out and about to cover up accordingly. Why not create a packing list in Pogo Pocket to help you keep track of what you have packed already?
