When it comes to booking your holiday on the Red Sea, there are many options available – from the charm of Sharm el Sheikh to the laid back serenity of Marsa Alam. In this Blog post we’re focusing on the popular resort of Hurghada. Once a small fishing village, Hurghada now stretches some 40km along Egypt’s Red Sea coast. This resort has it all – guaranteed sunshine, amazing resort hotels, incredible diving sites, plenty of tourist attractions and is perfectly placed for day trips to Cairo and the Valley of the Kings. So whether you’re booking a full board resort holiday or just visiting from one of our luxury Nile cruises, there’s plenty on offer for all. Here’s our round up of what’s on offer locally, when you need a break from relaxing on that sun lounger!
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Get up close and personal with marine life at this amazing Aquarium and Zoo. Home to more than 1200 animals of over 300 species, this is one of the largest indoor aquatic habitats in the World. The aquarium comprises 24 exhibits, and features an underwater tunnel, marine aquarium, fossil exhibit, rainforest and mini zoo. A great day out for the whole family, we think you’ll agree!
El-Dahar Square
If you’re looking to do a spot of souvenir shopping, then head to El Dahar. Part of the old town, this area is excellent for restaurants and souks. In El Dahar Square you’ll find spices, clothing and handicrafts – as well as fruit and fresh fish – and this bustling market is a safe, hassle-free environment for tourists and locals alike.
Mini Egypt
This outdoor educational park contains the most important monuments and landmarks Egypt has to offer – but in miniature! From The Great Sphinx to the Valley of the Kings, you can get a flavour of the rich history that Egypt has to offer. Just make sure you visit in cooler temperatures (early morning or late afternoon) as this attraction is out in the open so temperatures can get extremely hot.
Jungle Aqua Park
With 35 water slides, 14 outdoor swimming pools, a wave machine pool and a lazy river, this is the largest water park in Hurghada. It receives rave reviews on Trip Advisor, and is well worth a fun-filled visit, whatever your age!
Swim With Dolphins
Swimming with dolphins has got to be on everyone’s bucket list, and in Hurghada you have multiple options to fulfil this wish. Firstly, for families with young children, there’s Dolphin World, which also features an amazing dolphin and sea lion show; and secondly, on a snorkeling trip with Dolphin House. The latter will take you to breathtakingly beautiful coral reefs, where you can swim with wild dolphins in the warm waters of the Red Sea.
Snorkeling Day Trip to Giftun Island
If you only take one boat trip from, then make it this one. Giftun Island is renowned for having some of the best snorkeling and dive sites in the World, as well as beautiful beaches and exquisite turquoise waters. On this day trip, you’ll get to snorkel among marine wildlife in two superb locations, followed by a stop on the island itself, relaxing on the pristine white sands. This is a truly unforgettable excursion and well worthy of our top ten list.
Dive Sites
Hurghada is the second most popular scuba diving destinations in the Red Sea, after Sharm el Sheikh. It’s the perfect place to obtain your PADI Open Water Scuba diving qualifications, and has spectacular reefs and shipwrecks to explore. Those less experienced can explore the reefs around Giftun Islands as well as the Saleem Express and El Mina local wrecks; more experienced divers can head to Northern Abu Nuhas or the Rosalie Moller wreck.
Hurghada Marina
This beautiful marina is fabulous to visit day or night. Shops, restaurants, cafes, a beach area and a beautiful boardwalk provide a serene oasis after the hustle and bustle of the city. With fabulous ocean views, set among beautiful yachts, you’ll adore the romance of the Marina.
We think you’ll agree this gem of the Red Sea riviera has more than enough on offer to give you the holiday of a lifetime. Contact us on 020 3797 4617 or email [email protected] and we can put the perfect Hurghada resort package together for you.
