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Hurghada is one of the prime tourist spots in Egypt for the city is home to natural as well as ancient wonders. Set on the charming shores of the Red Sea, Hurghada offers colorful beauties in its vibrant basket. From staying at a luxury resort facing the blue ocean waters to strolling by the promenade of serene beaches, there is a lot one can experience and enjoy here. Hurghada also has an interesting story of its evolution to share. Listen to the age-old walls of the city whisper its legends. Satisfy the adventurer in you as you snorkel down beautiful waters and explore marine life. Go on desert expeditions or ride a quad bike through sand dunes. Explore Hurghada, Egypt with us.

USEFUL INFO. ABOUT HURGHADA

OFFICIAL NAME: Hurghada

COUNTRY: Egypt

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic

POPULATION: 288,000 (Approximate figure)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Arabic

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Egyptian Arabic and English

ETHNICITY: Egyptians 99%, Others 1%

CURRENCY: Egyptian Pound EÂ£ / Â£E

MAP REFERRED: Africa

LAND: 99.9%

WATER:0.1%

LOWEST POINT: Red Sea at 0 Meters

COASTLINE 36km

NEIGHBOURING PLACES:

Cairo

Luxor

Aswan

Saudi Arabia

FAMOUS FOR:

Egyptian Pound is the legal tender in Egypt and has been in use for about two centuries now. Egyptian piastre was in circulation as the chief unit of currency until the year 1834. In the past, the present-day city has also used gold and silver coins for exchanging goods and services. Today, the Egyptian Pound is one of the strongest currencies in the continent and is also used at several places beyond the nation's boundaries. The self-governing Palestinian territory of Gaza is the unofficial user of the currency.

Symbol: EÂ£ / Â£E
Code: EGP

1 Egyptian Pound = 100 piastres

1 Egyptian Pound EGP= 0.23 United Arab Dirham AED (As of 26 March 2020)

Egyptian Pound banknotes are found in the denomination of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200

Egyptian Pound bank coins are found in the denomination of 1, 25 piastres and 50 piastres

The present-day Hurghada was just a small fishing village hundreds of years ago. It was neither a center of trade nor a famous tourist spot back in the day. It was merely ruled by numerous empires and had been a part of several Egyptian kingdoms in the past. However, the modern city which is settled today in the region was founded in the year 1905.

It was in the late 1890s when the place grabbed the attention of international travelers and eventually, laid the development of several sea resorts. Infrastructure was built and tourists started paying their visit to unbox the wonders of this seaside beauty. Since then, Hurghada has been growing at a fast pace. Gradually, the village transformed into a town and eventually, into a major city of Egypt.

Today, Hurghada is popular across the globe and is noted for its unbelievable natural beauty. It is one of the most frequented and loved places in the country. People from all over the world visit Egypt to witness the magical presence of Hurghada.

With a coastline of about 36 km, Hurghada is one of the most beautiful seaside settlements in Egypt. It is located in the Rea Sea Governorate of the country at an elevation of about 14 meters. Surrounded by a glittering desert on one side and the blue waters of the Red Sea on the other, Hurghada nurtures a beautiful environment.

No wonder why it has gained immense popularity amongst international tourists. The city is spread across tens of kilometers and has about 99% of land contributing to the total area. Only about 1% makes for water. Due to the presence of an arid region and the Red sea, the city offers several adventurous and fun-loving activities to its visitors.

One can ride camels or enjoy jeep safari or laze by pristine shores. The nearest major places that can be accessed from Hurghada include Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, and Saudi Arabia. The lowest point in the city is at the sea level.

Art and Music
The art and music of Hurghada are heavily influenced by the modern society. As the settlement dates to only about 120 years, its art and music have a lot of elements from the western world. People love listening to jazz, pop and hip-hop and indulge in admiring contemporary or modern art. No wonder the city hosts hundreds of theatre, music, dance, and art events every year. Thousands of people from all over the country participate in such events.

Food and Drink
The traditional Egyptian cuisine that rules the taste-buds of Hurghada is all about the use of vegetables and fruits. It is also known for the heavy use of legumes and other such plants. That's why the food in Hurghada is present in a wide range of variety. However, as the city was founded recently in the early 20th century, it has developed a cuisine that matches international flavors.

Today, people love Egyptian koshari as well as Italian past here. Tea is the most consumed beverage in the city. However, you would also find many coffee lovers in the city.

Must-try Delicacies
Falafel, Koshari, Mahshi, Shawarma, Ful Medammes, Macaroni Bechamel, Umm Ali, Fattah, Konafa

Must-Try Drinks
Egyptian Tea, Karkade, Qasab, Sobia, Sahlab, Egyptian Coffee

Hospitality
People in Hurghada are hospitable just like the rest of Egypt. They welcome you with great hearts and greet you with a large smile. Hence, there have been very rare cases of tourists feeling uncomfortable in the city. You can roam around freely and explore places without having any fear in your mind. People in the city are kind, generous and helpful.

Witness the coastal jewel of Egypt as you enjoy some of the most beautiful locations in the country.

Dive into blue seawaters and explore rich marine life at the best spots in the country.

Go quad biking or enjoy jeep safari in golden sands of the Hurghada Desert.

Dig into the history of Egypt at the ancient sites of the city and learn about its evolution.

Dare to try water sports adventures in the Red Sea and check your thrill quotient.

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Egypt and mingle with the boisterous crowd at lively bars and pubs.

Stay at luxury resorts facing the sea and spend days living in sumptuousness.

Relish authentic Egyptian cuisine such as Koshari, Falafel, Shawarma, and more.

Admire the natural beauty of the country while sitting at the shore and capture hypnotizing hues of the sky.

Soak in the warm sun at Giftun Islands or explore the richness of the Straits of Gubal.

Ride a camel through beautiful dunes or indulge in sky-watching with your partner.

With a subtropical desert climate, Hurghada experiences mild winters and hot summers. However, the weather conditions remain tolerable throughout the year. That's the reason the city is visited by tourists from January until the end of December.

The average daily mean temperature fluctuates around 20 C during the winter season and around 28 C during the summer season. June, July, and August are the hottest months, while December, January and February are the coldest months in a year.

If you are looking for a time period when you can get the best of the city and explore its beauty to the fullest, then the best time to visit Hurghada is from March to April and October to November. These are the months when you can roam around comfortably in a cozy weather and visit your favorite places.

However, these are also the months when you would encounter a tourist crowd. If you wish to avoid the crowd, then you can plan to visit the city during off-season (May to September and December to February).

Visit Hurghada with Family/Kids

Spend a day relaxing at the Red Sea shore under the warm sun

Play with your kids at golden beaches and make sandcastles

Watch colorful and rich underwater life at Hurghada Aquarium

Take a family walk at Hurghada Marina and explore the modern settlement of the city

Get into Sindbad Submarine and dive deep under the sea

Go snorkeling at beautiful locations

Just chill and rejuvenate at your resort while you enjoy your favorite food and drink

Visit Vietnam as a Couple

Explore Da Lat; a top honeymoon destination also called the "Love Paradise" in Vietnam.

Admire the calm beauty of Hoi An and its fresh blue water Cua Dai beach.

Take a trip to Hue for its palaces, temples, and the Imperial City.

Spend time in the mountainous town of Sapa filled with romantic wonder.

Visit Hurghada as a Couple

Book a honeymoon suite at a luxury resort and make your partner feel special

Go for a late-night dinner by the shore and get lost in the silence of the night

Enjoy a camel ride by a beach or amid the Hurghada Desert

Indulge in sky-watching and have astronomical nights

Walk down the lively streets of Hurghada and shop your desires

Visit Hurghada with Friends

Go quad biking or enjoy jeep safari across beautiful sand dunes

Take up scuba diving, boating, snorkeling, and other adventurous sports

Visit the ancient sites of Hurghada and learn about the city's history

Watch the ruins of a UK cargo ship underwater at Abu Nuhas

Explore the beauty of Giftun Islands

What to Buy?

Mini pyramids

Egyptian ceramics

Papyrus Scroll

Scarab

Jalabeya

Handmade jewelry boxes

Leather slippers

Locally prepared handicrafts

Sand bottles

Beaches
Beaches make for the ultimate beauty in Hurghada. The seaside settlement boasts of numerous peaceful and serene beaches where one can relax in a rejuvenating environment. Tourists from all over the country visit Hurghada to explore its golden-sand heaven-like beaches. The most popular ones include Old Vic Beach, White Beach, Hurghada Long Beach, Shal Hasheesh Beach, and Orange Bay Hurghada Beach.

Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime

Giftun Islands
One of the lifelines of Hurghada tourism, Giftun Islands offers you the best of Hurghada. With charming coastline and pristine waters surrounding it, the destination is all set to make you fall head over heels in love with Egypt. Spend your summers lazing by shores or go snorkeling in the seawater. The place is recognized for its quaint and untroubled space.

Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime

Careless Reef
If underwater life is what you crave during your vacation, then add Careless Reef to your Hurghada itinerary. The place provides a beautiful world of Red Sea corals. Dive into the waters and get an account of rich flora and fauna. Have a wonderful time with the marine life of Hurghada. Careless Reef is one of the best places in and around Hurghada for diving.

Price: $10 per person per hour
Timings: 09:0 am to 05:00

Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Housing about 1200 creatures and 100 species, Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a perfect place to spend your weekend at. Take your kids and introduce them to the great grand world of the sea. The aquarium is the largest in the Arab World and hence, grabs the attention of every tourist who visits the country. From sharks to turtles and stingrays to eagle rays, you would have innumerable sights to enjoy.

Price: $31 for a 2-hour tour per person (Includes pick-up and drop-off service)
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

El Dahar
The old town settlement of Hurghada, El Dahar must not be ignored by any traveler for the place provides a great insight into the history of the governorate. This is the place where the bygone era of Hurghada comes alive with its ancient corners and streets. It would also get you in touch with the local vibes of Egypt. Visit it and observe the raw culture and lifestyle of Hurghada.

Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime

Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque
An amazing instance of classic Islamic architecture, Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque stands tall with its grand minarets, commendable carvings, intricate designs and a lot more. The mosque is one of the most visited places in Hurghada and nurtures divinity at every corner. Find peace lurking from behind those arched gates and relax your soul in its spacious halls.

Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

Hurghada Marina
There cannot be a better place than Hurghada Marina to spend your relaxed evenings and beautiful mornings. Come here to escape the buzzing streets of the city. The place is perfect for evening and morning strolls. Take a breath of fresh air in its composed surroundings as you behold the grandeur of the horizon at dawn and dusk.

Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime

Sahl Hasheesh
Sahl Hasheesh is a popular place in Hurghada Egypt for the lovers of the sun, sea, and shore. Located on the outskirts of Hurghada, this prepossessing bay houses numerous beautiful islands, promenades, and diving sites. That's the prominent reason why the popularity of Sahl Hasheesh is increasing day by day. Today, it has become an important part of the Hurghada diving center and is visited by every beach lover and adventure seeker.

Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
(10:00 am to 05:00 pm for diving and other adventurous sports)

Other Popular Places to Visit in Hurghada

The Church of Saint Mary

Makadi Water World

Mons Porphyrites

Abu Nuhas Shipwrecking Site

Revolution Day
Revolution Day in Egypt commemorates the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 that led to the formation of a republic nation. This was the day when the monarch came to an end. Since then, the victory is observed with great interest. The entire country participates in the celebration. Military parades and numerous processions are held. Patriotic-themed shows are organized. It is one of the biggest public holidays in Egypt.

Time: 23 July

Sham Al Naseem
Sham Al Naseem is one of the popular festivals in Hurghada and hence, it is celebrated every year with great fervor. The festival marks the beginning of the spring season and that's the reason, it is also called Sniffing the Breeze Festival. This is the time when people meet their family and friends and spend quality time with them. They celebrate the beauty of nature by partaking in numerous outdoor activities. People go to beaches, parks and other places and, indulge in picnicking.

Time: April

Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the most celebrated religious festivals in Hurghada as most of the population in the city belongs to the Muslim community. Ramadan is observed for about 29 days in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. During this period, people fast throughout the day, remember their god, pray and refrain from indulging in bad activities. The festival provides a great insight into the culture and traditions of the Muslims.

Time: April - May

Eid
Also called Eid al-Fitr, Eid is another religious festival in Hurghada that is observed with great pomp and show. This is the day when Muslims break their one-month fast, perform prayers, organize social gatherings and do charity. People dress up and meet their family and friends. Festive meals are prepared, and gifts are exchanged.

Time: May

Yacht Racing and Water-Skiing Festival
Watch yacht races and other water activities during the Yacht racing and water-skiing festival. The event is conducted every year to promote fun and local sports. Hundreds of people come forward and partake in various events. Skiers and racers show their enthusiastic personalities as they ride waves and conquer the ocean. This is definitely a sight to behold and a scene to remember.

Time: October

Other important festivals celebrated in Hurghada

Egypt Yoga Festival

Mawlid An-Nabi

Islamic New Year

Wafaa Al Nil

Hurghada International Festival

For being a wonderful city with beaches and resorts, Hurghada has become a popular destination amongst vacationers. It is loved by tourists of all age groups. However, you would need to obtain a valid tourist visa if you are looking forward to entering the boundaries of Egypt. If you belong to a visa-exempt nation, then you are legally allowed to visit Hurghada and other places in the country without any valid visa.

As per the visa-exempt policy, one can only stay for a maximum period of 3 months within the country. The list of all those countries includes:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, China, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Citizens of Malaysia can stay only for a maximum period of 14 days.

Citizens of Afghanistan, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan, and South Sudan can only avail of this privilege if they are aged 16 years and below or 50 years and above.

Citizens of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia can only avail of this privilege if they are aged 14 years and below.

Egypt also provides visa-on-arrival services to the following nations:

All European Union countries, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States.

(Citizens of Turkey can get visa-on-arrival only if they are aged 45 years and above or 18 years and below or have a residence permit that is issued by EU countries, Australia, USA, and Canada)

Recently, the country has also started giving e-visas to certain nationals. The list includes:

All EU Countries, Albania, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City.

Notes:

Your passport needs to have a validity of at least 6 months from the travel date

You must have enough balance in your account to support your travel expenses in the country

You need to have hotel confirmation vouchers

You must have a return flight ticket

Via Bus
Buses or minibusses are available at all the tourist spots in Hurghada. They are cheaper as well as comfortable. If you do not desire to spend hundreds of bucks just on the commute, then it would be the best option for you. Traveling via buses would also help you mingle with locals, which in turn, would let you understand the culture and lifestyle of the place better.

Via Taxi/Cabs
If you are someone who never compromises with comfort, then taxis/cabs would be perfect for you. These are available at every street and tourist place in the city. However, make sure to finalize the price before you get into the vehicle. It would keep you away from unnecessary arguments later.

Via Rent A Car
You can also rent a car in Hurghada and be your own guide. Stop at any place wherever you want or excurse out of the city to explore hidden places. You need an international driving license and you are good to be on your way. You can ask your hotel/resort staff to get you the details of car renting services.

Via Air Route
Located at about 8 km from the city center, Hurghada International Airport connects the governorate to all the major cities across the country as well as Europe. Hence, most of the tourists visiting Hurghada prefer this option. It is one of the busiest airports in the country that handles an influx of millions of tourists.

Via Road Route
All types of buses are available from places like Cairo and Luxor to Hurghada on a regular basis. You can get into AC, Non-AC or regular buses from other major cities and towns to reach Hurghada.

Via Water Route
Regular ferries and boats ply between Hurghada and other shores of the country. Several high-speed ferries are also available from the ports of Saudi Arabia.

TRAVEL TIPS

Not all the places in the country accept cards. Hence, always keep cash with you.

Tipping is quite common in Hurghada. So, do not shy away from doing so.

Rely on public transport as much as you can as it is comfortable and would help you a lot cut down on money.

Use street phones to make international calls. They are cheaper in comparison to hotels and resorts.

If you are on a shoe-string budget, then it is always better to find accommodation on the outskirts of the governorate and away from the shore.

Wear sunscreen and a hat, especially during the summers, to avoid getting tanned at shores and other hot places.

If you really want to know the raw culture and lifestyle of the region, it is advisable to stay with a local.

Hire a local guide before you take up unexplored paths. They would help you know the ways and the place in detail.

Get travel insurance that could cover all your losses on the vacation.

Avoid scammers and do not try to talk to them. They are there to extort money from you.

SAFETY TIPS

Do not loiter around at night. Though Hurghada is quite safe for tourists, you never know the intentions of people around you.

Keep all your valuables safe in a fanny bag while exploring around. Do not flaunt them in public places.

Never leave your food or drink or baggage unattended at any place.

Always keep a copy of your passport and hotel details with you to help you in case of an emergency.

Do not get into any unregistered vehicle and always prefer public transport while traveling at night.

Keep a tourist map handy, just in case you get lost.

HEALTH TIPS

Tap water in Hurghada is not safe to consume and hence, you need to depend on bottled water.

Use sunscreen while visiting the coastal region to protect your skin from direct sun rays.

Apply insect repellent wherever necessary, especially while exploring the remote areas of the governorate.

Get the required vaccinations for Hepatitis, Malaria, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Chickenpox, Influenza, and Pneumonia before flying.

Do not eat at stalls that look dirty or at restaurants that prepare food in an unhygienic way.

WHAT TO PACK?

Travel documents

International adapter

Phone/laptop/tablet charger

Light summer clothes

Swimsuit

Sunscreen lotion

Hand sanitizers

Flip flops and sandals

Trekking shoes

Toiletries

Cosmetics

Insect repellant

Beachwear

DRESS CODE & ETIQUETTE

Dress modestly while visiting religious places like churches, mosques, and temples

Do not make fun of Egyptian culture and traditions

Talking ill of local customs is not at all accepted in the country. People here take their beliefs very seriously

Speak politely while conversing with locals. Do not offend them with your talks.

Cairo
The capital and the largest metropolitan area of Egypt, Cairo is a global city and hence, it offers innumerable sights to bat eyes on. From tall skyscrapers to vibrant squares and palaces to citadels, there is a lot one can admire and savor here. However, it is mainly recognized for being home to the great Giza Pyramid Complex. Make a day trip from Hurghada and tick your favorite places from the bucket list.

Luxor
Another city that is near Hurghada, Luxor is a place that would help you understand the history of the country in detail. Be it the ruins of the Luxor Temple Complex or the ancient Abu Hagag Mosque, everything is going to stop you with its sheer magnificence. The city also houses several resorts set beautifully by the Nile River.

Aswan
An amazing governorate of Egypt with islands, museums, and ancient monuments, Aswan should be on your weekend getaway list for the place has a lot in store to look forward to. It also offers several opportunities for water sports adventurers. The Nile River piercing through the settlement allows you to enjoy boating, diving, fishing, and more.

Saudi Arabia
If you desire to set off on an expedition beyond the boundaries of Egypt, then you can take a flight to the gorgeous Saudi Arabia. The country can also be accessed via the water route as it is located at about just about 300 km from the city. Revel in incredibly built modern architecture or watch history coming alive at ancient sites. Visit grand mosques and offer your prayers at Mecca. Indulge in Red Sea scuba diving or find the lost city of Mada'in Saleh.

Distance between Hurghada and Other Important Places in Egypt
Hurghada to Cairo: 465 Km
Luxor to Hurghada: 302 Km
Hurghada to Sharm El-Sheikh: 115 Km

Hurghada is one of the best resort settlements in Egypt. Hence, it makes for a great getaway in the country for beach lovers.

With an influx of more than 2 million tourists from all over the world every year, Hurghada is one of the most visited places in Egypt.

Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century. It was a mere fishing village before tourism developed here.

Today, Hurghada is loved across the world. From its beaches to resorts, the place is quite popular amongst international travelers.

Though the city is quite small, it still has about 200 hotels and resorts within its boundaries.

The nightlife in Hurghada is crazy and is considered to be one of the best in the world.

The city has derived its name from an indigenous plant that has been an important part of the region's vegetation.

As Hurghada is a popular tourist spot in Egypt, it contributes about $3 billion to the economy of the country.

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