Hurghada, Egypt - top excursions and activities

EXCURSIONS, ACTIVITIES AND PLACES TO VISIT IN HURGHADA, EGYPT

Hurghada is one of the most famous and visited tourist resorts on the Red Sea coast. Here we will find many resorts and hotels, which also extend into neighboring towns such as Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheed. It is an area in continuous development, so you will also see many construction sites.

The resorts, although in most cases located quite far from one another, function like small "towns" where you can find everything you need, from pharmacies to clothing stores or souvenir shops. Tourism in this area is mostly organized through agencies that sell all-inclusive packages. Of course, a trip can also be planned independently. I will elaborate more on this aspect in the article.

Although I knew that all-inclusive vacations and organized excursions were not my style, I still chose to visit Egypt under the "safety first" approach, giving up the idea of planning the trip on my own. Even though I had never tried such vacations before, I knew very well they weren’t for me and didn’t match my way of traveling. The sad stories of tourists who had experienced unfortunate events made me cautious. Now that I’ve seen how things work, I would definitely make different choices.

This article serves as a small travel guide, both for those who wish to visit Hurghada through an agency and for those who prefer to organize their trip independently.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT A VACATION IN HURGHADA:

• Visa Requirement: To enter Egypt, you need a visa, which can be obtained directly at the airport by filling out a standard form provided by the airline. I recommend having a pen handy to fill it out. Once you arrive at the airport in Egypt, there are two options for obtaining the visa: either directly from the official customs counter or through the travel agency from which you purchased your package. Agencies may charge a slightly higher price (though this was not the case with Dertour), but their lines are much shorter and faster. The official visa price is €25 per person.

• Internet Access: To stay connected during your trip, you can buy data SIM cards directly at the airport. Several companies sell them, but I recommend purchasing from well-known providers like Vodafone and requesting activation on the spot to ensure it works. We got scammed because our SIM card didn’t function. We bought it from a local company, thinking it would have better signal coverage, and the seller told us it would activate in an hour—but it never did. Another option for mobile internet is purchasing an eSIM, though for Egypt, the price is double that of a regular data SIM.

• Resort Security: As mentioned earlier, each resort operates like a small town, with security checkpoints at the entrance where all drivers picking up or dropping off tourists must be identified. This makes it a bit harder to leave the hotel independently.

• Military Checkpoints: There are numerous military checkpoints along the roads where vehicles are stopped for inspections if anything seems suspicious. It’s advisable to carry identification with you in case you are asked for it.

• Best Time to Visit: In my opinion, the ideal time to visit Hurghada is from late March to May and from October to early November. During these months, the temperature is perfect, and the water is warm enough. Of course, Egypt can be visited year-round, but temperatures vary significantly, which might impact your overall experience.

• Cash Economy: Egypt is a cash-based country, and places that accept card payments are very limited. You can pay in euros, US dollars, or Egyptian pounds almost everywhere. However, I recommend using the local currency, as prices in euros or dollars are often rounded up.

• Tipping Culture: Egyptians expect tips for almost every service they provide. This tipping culture is widespread, so don’t be surprised if they outright ask for it. Personally, I wasn’t thrilled about this aspect—I would have preferred to pay more for a service upfront and not worry about tipping constantly. In many cases, you run out of small change, or the last thing you want to think about is exchanging money or remembering to tip.

• Hotel Ratings: Not all 5-star hotels in Egypt actually meet 5-star standards. In most cases, 5 stars do not mean luxury—or even basic decency. While price isn’t always a reliable indicator, generally, the more expensive the hotel, the less likely you are to be disappointed.

• Red Sea’s Marine Life: The Red Sea is home to the second-largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. If you choose to go snorkeling or diving, you’ll witness a vibrant marine life. We were lucky to have a coral reef right at our resort’s beach, and snorkeling there was our favorite activity. So, don’t forget to pack your snorkeling mask!

• Luggage Wrapping Requirement: When departing from an Egyptian airport, baggage wrapping is mandatory. It costs €5 per bag and must be paid in cash.

WHERE TO STAY IN HURGHADA?

Among the best-rated hotels in Hurghada, they include:

• Rixos Premium Magawish Resort 5*, which you can book independently through Booking;

• Cook’s Club El Gouna (Adults Only), which you can book independently through Booking;

• Serenity Alpha Beach - Ex Serenity Makadi Beach, which you can book independently through Booking;

• Sunrise Garden Beach Resort & Spa 5*, which you can book independently through Booking.

EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN HURGHADA

A glass-bottom boat trip is worth considering. We were lucky enough to see huge sea turtles and stingrays during this excursion. Details here.

Mini Egypt Park, also known as the Miniature Museum, offers visitors the chance to admire some of Egypt’s most iconic buildings and historical monuments. Of course, these are not the originals, but miniature replicas. It is a place that can delight both adults and children. It is located in Makadi Bay, about 30 km from Hurghada. You can book an entrance ticket, with transfer included, from here.

Makadi Water World is one of the largest water parks in Egypt and the ideal place for a day of fun with the family. You can opt for a ticket, which includes food and transportation, details here.

Eden Island, Orange Bay, or Paradise Bay - there are 3 beaches located on the same island, very close to each other. Eden Island is a bit newer, tourists don't know much about it, and tour operators take advantage, so the price of a trip to this beach is double. Basically, whichever beach you choose, you will have about the same thing, only the type of food/drinks may be different. The beaches are beautiful, with fine, light-colored sand and a very gentle entrance to the water. Reservations here.

Abu Nuhas Shipwreck Sites is one of the most interesting places for diving, as there are 5 shipwrecks here, 4 of which can be explored even by inexperienced divers, as they are located at a relatively shallow depth.

Luxor is a place with a long and fascinating history. Here you can visit locations such as the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, where you can see the tombs of 63 pharaohs, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Temple of Seti I, the Colossi of Memnon, or the Luxor Museum. Also, a sunset hot air balloon ride must be put on the itinerary. You can book a day trip here.

Aswan, or the Land of Nubia, as it is also known, is one of the Egyptian cities located on the banks of the Nile. It is a city of great importance, especially from a historical point of view, so you can consider it, especially if you are planning a cruise on the Nile. Here you can visit the historic center of the city, the tombs of the nobles of Aswan, Kalabsha, the Temple of Philae, Elephantine Island, or the Botanical Garden.

Cairo is one of the largest cities in Africa and is an interesting mix of old and new. Nearby, we can also visit some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world: the Pyramids of Giza. And while we're on the subject of the pyramids, did you know that a 4,000-year-old mystery has just been solved? More precisely, it's the discovery that completed the puzzle of how the pyramids were built. It seems that there was a part of the Nile, very close to these wonders of the world, which helped facilitate the transport of materials. Over time, the river changed its course, and its old valley was covered with sand.

Excursions to Cairo, departing from Hurghada can be quite tiring, but if you really want it, it's probably worth considering, you have the option by plane, or the option by bus.

The Dendera Temple is actually an archaeological complex where you can visit several historical sites. Here you can visit the Temple of Hathor, the Gates of Domitian and Trajan, the Temple of the Birth of Isis, and the Christian basilica.

Hiking in the Red Sea Mountains, on one of the first hiking trails in Egypt. The route is 170 km in total, but obviously only certain parts of it can be hiked.

ATV trip in the desert, which you can purchase from here. Such activities are extremely popular in Hurghada, so there are many agencies that offer these excursions. Usually, the transfer from the hotel to the starting area of ​​the tour is included in the ticket price. Some of the agencies also offer camel riding as a package, or have set up tents where, supposedly, Bedouins would come from time to time to sell herbs, or to trade various things.

Snorkeling in the coral reef is one of the activities that should not be missing from anyone's itinerary, especially since most hotels have their own coral reef. Also, for a more colorful landscape, you can also opt for snorkeling tours.

PLACES TO VISIT IN HURGHADA

The fish Market

If you want to discover the real Hurghada, away from the hotels, resorts and tourist attractions specially prepared for tourists, then you should put such a location on your list to visit. To visit this place you do not need more than 5-10 minutes, enough to walk among the fish stands and enjoy a somewhat authentic experience. You can choose to go on your own, being close to the Al Mina mosque and the marina, or you can opt for an organized excursion, bookings here.

The Selkhet Papyrus Museum is one of the places where you can learn and see interesting things related to the history of Egypt. More precisely, you can see the process of making papyrus paper. In addition to the demonstration activities, you can admire the exhibition of paintings, which are for sale.

Al Mina Masjid Mosque, although a fairly new building, is an interesting place to visit. During the Ramadan period, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque. At other times, it can be visited for free.

Hurghada Museum is one of the places you can put on your list to visit if you are passionate about history. The museum is not the most modern, nor the best organized, so be prepared not to have informative signs at each exhibit.

The Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque was built in 1969, near the old center of El Dahar. It is a place very frequented by locals.

The old center of El Dahar, although I do not recommend visiting this place, I chose to mention it anyway so you know what to expect if you get there. The place is actually a local market, where they sell mostly fruits and vegetables and it is an authentic location, where you can learn from the culture and way of life of the Egyptians. The negative side of this place is the people who choose to butcher animals right in front of the customers.

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium can be an alternative to snorkeling and diving for people who cannot or are not willing to do these activities and want to enjoy marine life. The aquarium is the largest in Egypt and most of what you see there lives in the Red Sea.

The Hurghada Marina is a place where you can stroll, enjoy a cocktail on one of the terraces, or have a meal. It is a newly built area of ​​Hurghada, a bit cleaner and more colorful than the rest of the city. Most of the tourist boats leave from this area, so if you buy sea excursions, you have a pretty good chance of ending up here.

Sand City Hurghada is an exhibition of sand sculptures. This place hosts 42 sculptures and is currently the only place of its kind in Africa. The entrance fee (in 2024) is 2000 EGP.

Hurghada Beach is one of the beaches that does not belong to any resort and that everyone can access. The entrance to the water is very smooth, the sand is fine, and in some places a few stones. It is equipped with toilets, showers and playgrounds for children. It is ideal to visit this place if you come on your own and choose accommodation in an apartment, or in a hotel without a private beach.

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT HURGHADA

Hurghada is one of those tourist destinations that can surprise you. Whether the surprise will be a pleasant one, or an unpleasant one, depends on how well you do your "homework" about what a vacation in this location means. For those who choose all-inclusive packages from travel agencies, things may be easier to manage, but it will be a little lacking in the authentic experience. At least that's how I felt... those who do tours and excursions tend to always sell you something, or take you to all kinds of shops with crazy prices, from which they take commissions. However, I never felt that anyone was too insistent, or that they insisted that I buy something.

If the option of a self-guided vacation appeals to you, I say don't hesitate, it is definitely possible. You have accommodation options on Booking, lots of places to eat, both those frequented by locals and those set up for tourists (especially in the marina area), but also public beaches.

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