2026 edition • checked every month

Hurghada, Red Sea: the complete guide

Which area to stay in, which all-inclusive hotel to book, which excursions are worth it (Giftun, Luxor, the pyramids) and when to go — tested advice, real prices.

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Hurghada is Egypt’s busiest Red Sea resort: 40-odd kilometres of coast, coral reefs a short boat ride from the beach, sunshine almost every day of the year and all-inclusive hotels at prices few Mediterranean destinations can match. It is also a place where a few choices make or break a holiday — the area you stay in, the hotel you pick, the excursions you book. Hurghada Guide answers those questions with concrete advice and real prices.

Top-rated things to do in Hurghada

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Excursions and day trips

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Hurghada at a glance

You want… Our advice Read
Calm, big pools, all inclusive Southern hotel strip, Sahl Hasheesh or Makadi Bay Where to stay
A resort for the kids A hotel with its own aquapark Aquapark hotels
The best snorkelling Giftun islands, Orange Bay or a house-reef hotel Snorkelling & diving
Ancient Egypt in a day Luxor (4 h by road) or Cairo by plane Luxor · Cairo
Warm sea and no heatwave March–May, October–November Weather

Why trust this guide?

We are independent: we don’t run excursions or hotels. We compare what is actually bookable, check prices and practical rules every 30 days, and we say so when an excursion is a tourist trap or a hotel looks better in photos than in reality. When you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — that is what keeps the guide free.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hurghada worth visiting?

Yes, if you want guaranteed sun, warm water, good-value all-inclusive hotels and world-class snorkelling and diving, with Luxor and Cairo reachable on day trips. It is less suited to travellers looking for charming old streets or a quiet, untouched coastline.

How many days do you need in Hurghada?

A week is ideal: four or five beach and snorkelling days, one Giftun or Orange Bay boat trip and one day trip to Luxor or Cairo.

Do I need a visa for Hurghada?

Most European travellers need a tourist visa (about USD 25), available online as an e-visa or on arrival at Hurghada airport. Check the current rules for your nationality before you fly.

Which currency is used in Hurghada?

The Egyptian pound (EGP). Euros and dollars are widely accepted for excursions and tips, but you will get better prices in pounds in shops and restaurants.

Written by the Hurghada Guide editorial team — we cross-check hotel information, excursion listings, prices and practical rules (visa, transport, weather) every 30 days against operators, official sources and recent traveller reviews.

Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links (GetYourGuide, hotel and flight comparison sites). If you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.

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