The Top Things to Do and See in Hurghada, Egypt
The city of Hurghada has year-round sunshine, white-sand beaches and plenty to do (or not do), whatever your bag and your budget. It’s got a killer location by the waters of the Red Sea, and, as a holidaying destination, it’s incomparable. Here are the best things you can do in Hurghada, the heavenly resort town in Egypt.
1. Go Diving in the Caves of the Careless Reef
Aquarium
2. Visit the Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque
Mosque
3. Watch the sunset at the Hurghada Marina Boulevard
Architectural Landmark
5. Learn to windsurf or kitesurf
Building, School, Sports Center
If you’re the type who can’t idle on holiday, wiggling your toes in the sand, try learning to windsurf or kitesurf for a breath of fresh air. Whichever activity you sign up for, Hurghada is one of the best locations in the world for beginners. Harry Nass Hurghada Windsurf & Kitesurf Center will soon have you up and running – it has direct access to shallow waters and, crucially, a standing area on the sandbanks of a small bay, where you learn to balance before taking the plunge. Instructors are professionally accredited, and safety equipment is all present.
6. Wave hello to sharks at Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Aquarium
7. Explore the Monasteries of St Anthony and St Paul
Church
The Monastery of St Anthony was founded by St Anthony’s disciples in the fourth century CE, just a short distance beneath the cave where he lived. When you visit it today, Deir Mar Antonios, as it’s also known, is an impressive sight. It is a high-walled complex with several churches, a bakery and a well-cultivated garden with shady trees, and it is the oldest functioning monastery in the world. The resident monks will guide you around the Church of St Anthony, which is the oldest part of the monastery and built over the saint’s tomb. The church contains one of the most significant collections of Coptic (Egyptian Christian) wall paintings in Egypt. Neighbouring St Paul’s is smaller and gets fewer visitors – but it is serene and holds more Coptic art.
8. Eat Bedouin food in the desert
Restaurant, Egyptian
Hurghada is a bustling resort town – and, sometimes, you’ll fancy an escape from the action. Heading out into the sands of the Egyptian Desert is a tranquil, atmospheric experience. Take a tour in a 4×4, which culminates in a sizzling barbecue prepared according to local Bedouin tradition. You’ll pass through arid plains and enter deeper into the hot wilderness, completing the last stretch on foot. You’ll meet Bedouin people in their ancestral territory before feasting on traditional barbecue dinner as the sun sets.
9. Go diving at Giftun Island National Park
Natural Feature
This is one of the best-loved boat excursions in Hurghada: head out east from Hurghada to the Giftun Islands to don snorkels and masks and explore. Part of a marine reserve, it teems with colourful marine life lighting up the clear waters, while endangered bird species flap overhead. Surrounding this biodiverse spot are a number of spectacular reefs, where intermediate to advanced scuba divers can get down deep with the wildlife. Alternatively, just flop under a palm-frond parasol on the white sand, and top up your tan.
10. Visit Sindbad Submarines
Architectural Landmark
We all love a yellow submarine – and, sure enough, Sindbad has its fleet in bright, sunshiney colours, whisking you down 22m (72ft). It’s a comfortable, dry way to observe the life aquatic. During the 50-minute underwater odyssey, you’ll see intricate, exuberant coral formations and rainbow-vivid tropical fish. Panoramic windows mean amateur Attenboroughs are guaranteed great shots and videos.
Andreea Pavaloiu contributed additional reporting to this article.
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