Family holidays in the Egyptian seaside resort of Hurghada
The port of Hurghada and its great mosque.
- © Barta28 / Shutterstock
Hurghada
Hurghada in short
Why visit Hurghada in Egypt?
Scuba diving
Scuba diving enthusiasts and explorers of unknown lands, Hurghada's seabed is just waiting for you. The Red Sea offers adventurous divers the chance to come across old shipwrecks, sharks, coral reefs with multicoloured fish and other inhabitants of this extremely salty sea. On an introductory dive to discover this fascinating world, or on a PADI Open Water diving course, you can go down and see what's hidden off the coast of Hurghada. The excellent visibility and diversity of the seabed make the Red Sea one of the best places to dive in the world. What's more, the sandbanks and islands opposite the resort of Hurghada, Giftun Island in particular, are renowned for the beauty of their reefs.
Hurghada beach, Egypt.
- © Yulia Ved / ShutterstockSunbathing on the beaches of the Red Sea
Most people think of Egypt as a historical treasure, and the pyramids and cities steeped in history, such as Cairo, reinforce this narrative.
However, Egypt also has cities where the main attraction is relaxing by the Red Sea. Hurghada, a former small fishing village, has become famous for its sandy beaches and calm, clear waters.
Attracting more and more tourists since the 1990s, Hurghada is full of beachfront hotels and resorts, seafront restaurants and private beaches - a paradise, especially if you enjoy lazing in the sun or reading under a parasol.
Fish at the Hurghada aquarium in Egypt.
- © RANDY IMANUEL / ShutterstockFamily fun in Hurghada's children's parks
If you're travelling with children, Hurghada is a safe and pleasant place to visit, and there are plenty of activity parks to keep the whole family entertained. There's something for every taste and colour.
Sharks, dolphins and exotic fish at the aquarium
The Hurghada Aquarium and its 360-degree tunnel pools offer children the chance to admire sharks up close and watch dolphin shows.
Hurghada's aqua park slides
The Jungle Aqua Park is a water park with many attractions for children and adults, including slides, pools and relaxation areas.
Titanic Aqua Park is located in a hotel in Hurghada. This water park is packed with family-friendly attractions. Parents can relax in the restaurant or on the private beach.
Sand statues by artists from around the world
Sand City is a park of sand statues. Some are 4 metres high and represent key moments in Egyptian history and celebrities from all over the world: Napoleon, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.
Discover Egypt's monuments while staying in Hurghada
Finally, the Mini Egypt Park is a miniature representation of Egypt's greatest monuments. Visit the wonders of Egypt without leaving Hurghada!
What's more, Hurghada has a number of hotel complexes where your children can take part in activities for their age group and meet other children from the hotel in play areas, clubs and entertainment.
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How to get there?
Hurghada is accessible from many European cities via direct flights or with at most one stopover. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is modern and new, and is around 5km from the city centre. It is approximately 5 km from the city centre and taxis are readily available from the airport. Travellers can also book private transfers in advance by contacting their hotel or a local transport company for a more comfortable journey.
Hurghada
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Where to stay?
Hurghada offers a wide selection of hotels and resorts to meet the growing needs of the resort's tourists. Generally speaking, the hotels offer modern facilities such as swimming pools, private beaches, restaurants, spas, kids' clubs and even activities for adults.
Of course, hotels vary in price, quality and style, but most are located along the Red Sea coast. They offer breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.
Practical information
The weather in Hurghada
Summer weather
In summer, the people of Hurghada enjoy very hot and sunny days, typical of a desert climate, with average temperatures in July or August reaching 38-40°C, while night-time temperatures can drop to around 25°C.
Rainfall is very rare in Hurghada in summer, with only a few days of rain in the whole season.
Winter weather
Hurghada's weather is milder and more pleasant in winter, with temperatures hovering around 23-25°C in December. Night-time temperatures flirt with 12 to 15°C, which is still very pleasant for most Europeans.
How hot is the water in Hurghada?
The Red Sea is very hot in summer, with an average temperature of 28-30°C.
In winter, the water temperature is around 22 to 24°C.
When is the best time to visit Hurghada?
The best time to visit Hurghada depends on individual preferences. If you prefer warm, sunny weather to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities, the best time to visit Hurghada is from June to September. However, this period can be very hot for some travellers. It is often best to avoid going out between midday and 4pm. If you are afraid of the heat and prefer milder temperatures, the best time to visit Hurghada is between November and March. This is also an ideal time for diving and snorkelling, as the water temperature is cooler and more pleasant. However, you can expect a few days of rain in winter, although rainfall remains relatively low in Egypt.
Administrative procedures for travelling to Egypt
European citizens
To visit Hurghada, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.European Union nationals do not need a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days.You will also need a return or onward ticket to be able to return to Egypt.
Non-EU citizens
The administrative procedures for non-EU citizens wishing to visit Egypt may vary depending on their country of origin: generally, visitors must obtain a visa from their own country before travelling. A valid passport is required, as well as a return or onward ticket and, in some cases, travel insurance.
COVID situation
As far as travel restrictions are concerned, Egypt reopened its borders to international travellers in July 2020. However, travellers may be subject to travel restrictions depending on their country of origin and vaccination status. To find out about the laws in force and how to enter the country in relation to COVID, visit the government website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. As regards arrival, as of 13 February 2023, all Covid-related restrictions on entry to Egypt have been withdrawn.
lightbulb_outline Editor's tip
Negotiate prices in Hurghada! Like the rest of Egypt, advertised prices are often negotiable. So don't hesitate to haggle in the markets and shops.
The official website for tourism in Egypt
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