Hurghada

الغردقة

Egypt's largest Red Sea resort city and gateway to the Riviera, offering world-class diving, snorkeling, and beach resorts. The Marina and downtown areas buzz with restaurants, shops, and watersports operators catering to international visitors.

Things to do

• Diving at Giftun Island — Explore vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life at this popular dive site just offshore, suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
• Snorkeling in the Red Sea — Wade into crystal-clear shallow waters from local beaches or join guided boat trips to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral gardens without diving certification.
• Desert Safari and Bedouin Camp — Experience the Eastern Desert landscape with quad biking or 4x4 tours, ending with traditional tea and dinner under the stars at a Bedouin settlement.
• Marina Hurghada Shopping and Dining — Stroll the waterfront promenade lined with upscale restaurants, cafés, shops, and galleries while watching sailboats and yachts on the Red Sea.
• Hurghada Grand Aquarium — Visit Egypt's largest aquarium to view native Red Sea fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles in large tanks with interactive touch pools.
• Windsurf and Kiteboard at Soma Bay — Head south to this lagoon known for consistent winds and flat waters, ideal for beginners and professionals seeking water sports instruction.
• Parasailing over the Red Sea — Take to the skies tethered to a speedboat to see the coastline, coral reefs, and desert landscape from above while enjoying an adrenaline rush.

Food to try

• Grilled Hammour (Fish) — Fresh local grouper caught daily from the Red Sea, seasoned simply with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled whole and served with lime and flatbread.
• Koshari — Egypt's beloved comfort food combining lentils, rice, chickpeas, pasta, and crispy fried onions topped with spiced tomato sauce and vinegar.
• Seafood Mezze Platter — A spread of grilled shrimp, calamari, fish, hummus, baba ganoush, fresh salads, and tahini dips perfect for sharing and sampling multiple Red Sea flavors.
• Ful Medames — Slow-cooked fava bean paste served warm with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and hard-boiled eggs, typically eaten for breakfast or as a street food snack.
• Fresh Mango Juice — Locally sourced Egyptian mangoes blended fresh to order, often served in beachfront cafés as a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage perfect for the heat.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly on Land, Swimwear at Beach — While beach resorts are liberal, cover shoulders and knees when walking through town or entering restaurants as a sign of respect for local customs.
• Learn Basic Arabic Greetings — Egyptians appreciate visitors who attempt 'Salam alaikum' (hello) and 'Shukran' (thank you), which opens doors and creates goodwill in local interactions.
• Respect Prayer Times — Five daily prayer calls occur throughout the day; some shops and restaurants may close briefly or dim lighting during prayer times, so plan activities accordingly.
• Haggle in Markets and Negotiate Tours — Prices in souks and for informal tours are expected to be negotiated; polite back-and-forth bargaining is normal practice and often expected by vendors.