Introduction
Hurghada is approximately 40km long along the Red Sea coast of Egypt. The top Hurghada attractions are split between the amazing water activities and the old town. There are crystal-clear reefs, island day trips, and diving schools. However, the town itself has plenty to offer. The resort is made up of different areas, each with its own vibe. For example, the reefs have a peaceful vibe in the morning but lots of action at night when you are in the marina.
Many people combine their Red Sea days with other amazing temples & tombs around the country, and our Egypt travel packages show how a coastal stay can fit into a wider itinerary. Below you will find a breakdown of the top things to do, where they are located, and how they link together to create a clear picture of what to expect when visiting Hurghada.
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How did Hurghada become a Resort Town?
Hurghada used to be a small fishing village but has become one of the most popular resorts in Egypt. It is a huge tourist spot with both foreign and local tourists travelling here. The long natural beaches, dry climate, and dramatic desert landscape have all helped boost tourism. Now there are resorts lining the whole coastline; however, the old town (El Dahar) has kept the character of Hurghada. Walking from the beach to the old town feels like you are going back in time, with the modern hotels on one side and local Egyptian life on the other.
What Are the Top Hurghada Attractions on the Red Sea?
Most tourists visit Hurghada for water activities. The Red Sea coastline is famous for its amazing diving spots for all levels, including beginners. The clear waters make it very easy to go snorkelling from a boat.
Giftun Islands
A short boat ride from shore, there are day boats for swimming to the reefs. You can jump in with your mask and float over the beautiful coral and shoals of tropical fish. Most trips will include a mix of time in the water and on the boat to keep a relaxed pace to your day.
Diving & Snorkelling
There are many diving centres in Hurghada offering trips for both beginners and certified divers. If you are new to diving, you can build up your confidence with some easier spots. If you are an experienced diver, there are plenty of reefs to explore over a few days. If you prefer to stay above the surface, there is also Dolphin World to visit, which is one of the top Hurghada attractions in the area.
If you want more reef variety, you can check out our Marsa Alam Attractions guide. This includes Abu Dabbab Bay, Samadai Reef & Elphinstone Reef further down the coast.
What Should You Know About the Reefs?
The waters surrounding Hurghada are clear and calm most of the year, so watersports are a big part of the local lifestyle. Scuba diving and snorkelling are the most popular. The reefs are vibrant with lots of colour from the coral and many species of tropical fish. You can often see these just offshore. If you prefer to take it easy, you can just float over the shallow waters and enjoy watching the reef.
The dive centres, shops and schools in the Sekalla area will provide everything you need. New divers can take a guided session to build up their confidence and then go to deeper spots. Snorkellers just need a mask and a seat on the boat.
What Are the Best Things to See in Hurghada on Land?
When you aren’t out on the reefs, there are plenty of things to see in Hurghada. Each area has its own vibe and is easy to fit into one afternoon.
El Dahar – Old Town
El Dahar is the original part of Hurghada. There are lots of traditional Egyptian cafes and the souk has plenty of clothes, jewellery, crafts and spices to look at. Simply take a walk around the stalls to take your time and enjoy an hour. Sit down with a cup of tea and watch the local life go by.
The old town also has the Hurghada Mosque and a Coptic Church to give the area more of a local feel. If you want to visit a much bigger bazaar, check out our guide to Khan El-Khalili.
Sekalla & Marina Boulevard
Sekalla is the modern part of the town. This is where you will find the most action. There are plenty of dive centres, schools, restaurants, bars and nightlife. Marina Boulevard offers a lovely promenade to walk along the harbour.
Along the beach there are long lines of resorts. Some hotels have their own water parks such as the Jungle Aqua Park.
Desert Trips
Hurghada is close to the Eastern Desert. There are organised trips to take you inland. This gives a change of scenery with the beautiful rocks, sand, and open landscapes. These are perfect if you don’t have a day by the sea.
Now that you know the top Hurghada attractions, you can include the Nile in your itinerary with one of our Nile River Cruises.
Can I add Ancient Egypt to my Hurghada trip?
Many people add Luxor to their itineraries; Luxor has plenty of temples and tombs to give you a taste of the Pharaonic side of Egypt. There are plenty of museums, temples and royal tombs to visit.
The Luxor Museum guide will give you an idea of what to expect. There are lots of statues, royal mummies, and the Wall of Akhenaten to see along the Nile Corniche. Over the river, you can check out the Valley of the Queens guide to learn about the royal tombs, including the Tomb of Nefertari.
FAQs
What are the most popular Hurghada attractions?
The top Hurghada attractions are the Giftun Islands and surrounding reefs. The old town (El Dahar) has some lovely souks. The Marina Boulevard is also a great place to visit. There are plenty of diving and snorkelling spots which attract tourists from all along the Red Sea Coast. The clear waters make it suitable for most levels.
What are the best things to see in Hurghada apart from diving?
El Dahar has plenty of cafes, souks, a mosque, and a Coptic Church. Sekalla and Marina Boulevard have plenty of places to eat. There are also desert trips and water parks in some of the hotels, such as Jungle Aqua Park.
Can I go diving/snorkelling as a beginner?
Yes! This area is famous for having diving spots for all levels, including beginners. Snorkelling is easy to do from a boat due to the clear waters. There are plenty of guided sessions available from the dive centres in Sekalla.
Is Hurghada a beach resort or historical town?
Hurghada is mainly a resort town. There is a long beach with plenty of hotels. The modern part of town is Sekalla. The old town (El Dahar) has a historical feel with traditional cafes and souks.
Can I add Luxor to my Hurghada trip?
Many people include the Red Sea Coast with Luxor in their itineraries. Luxor has plenty of temples, museums, and royal tombs to visit. Check out the guides above for the Luxor Museum and the Valley of the Queens to get a clear idea of what to expect.
