About Hurghada

Hurghada is the capital of the Red Sea Governorate and welcomes holiday-goers from all over the world to stay in one of its 250 hotels, from comfortable 3 * to luxurious 5 * hotels or one of the many self-catering apartments. Things to do are endless, whether you are interested in windsurfing, sailing, high sea-fishing, diving, snorkelling, history or simply want to relax on the beach.

Nevertheless, if you are not exhausted after a very active day, you can go for a typical Egyptian drink cappuchino and treat yourself to a Shisha (water pipe) in one of the many cafes.
Still not tired? Then visit one of the several clubs on the marina which are, open well into the morning hours.

Hurghada consists of many districts here are the oldest three El Dahhar, Al- Sakkala and el-Kawser:

• The El Dahhar district: This is the old city centre, where the typical Egyptian life pulsates. Local markets (Souks), local stores and the fish market invite you for strolls and shopping. Particularly in the evening hours, there are more Egyptians than tourists.

• The Al - Sakkala district: is also known as the tourist district, which has developed its walking passages around the old port. It is a dynamic area with many hotels, stores, shopping centers, cinema, clubs, and restaurants, which are all open well into the night and who are visited predominantly by holiday-makers.

• El-kawser smack bang in the middle of hurghada , 2 minutes from the airport, el-kawser boasts its name as bank city as all major banks are situated together.el-kawser is also the start area for the mamsha(promenade ) walkway with its many cafes, bars and night clubs.

Due to the impressive underwater life of its reefs and islands, as well as the outstanding weather conditions Hurghada represents the most important destination for divers, water sports of all kinds and sunbathers in Egypt

Information of the roundabout areas El Gouna:

El Gouna is among one of the most famous holiday destinations on the red sea and it is hardly believable that El Gouna is only a good 20 years old. At the beginning it was only a fantastic idea of the Egyptian's businessman Samieh Sawieras to found an artificial city on the shore of the red sea. The realization of this bold project began with the construction of one single hotel with a 200 room capacity in the middle of the desert, approximately 22 km north of Hurghada, in 1996.

Today exists a good working infrastructure, from an excellent road network to extensive hotel and golf installations, the location also posses its own small airport. With comfortable housings or luxurious hotels, it leaves nothing to be desired. Golf lovers can enjoy the 18-holes golf course.

Sahl  Hasheesh:

The name sounds strange but it contains a true origin. several decades ago rumours were afloat that the majority of the drugs were smuggled over the seaway at this hidden corner. The place lies approximately 18 kilometers south of Hurghada and is among the newest big tourism projects on the red sea. A "mini city" is built with 6 hotel resorts, most were  opened officially at the end of 2007 and  are already in operation. A cinema complex, and a centrally-located bustling downtown will be opened at the end of November 2010.

Makadi Bay:

Makadi Bay is located approximately 30 km south of Hurghada. Also this is a place, which only in the last several years really began to establish itself. Makadi Bay is built on a romantic bay and includes 15 hotel resorts. In order to create a more vibrant Hurghada, the developer built a small downtown with a bank, oriental café, supermarket, and among other things, a pharmacy. The offshore coral reefs and the beautiful footpath along the promenade through the hotel resorts are the most important characteristics.

Soma Bay:

Soma Bay lies approximately 45 km south of Hurghada on a 10 million sqm peninsula. Soma Bay houses altogether 4 hotel resorts, a top-class 18-hole golf course, which was designed by the golf legend Gary Player. As a result of the available black sand a spa & thalassic therapy centre has been opened. For snorkel fans and those who want to be, there is a breathtaking house reef which lies directly ‘in front of your door’.

Safaga:

Safaga is a seaport and an attractive tourist destination. It is located 60 km south of Hurghada and has fine sandy beaches of approximately 60 km in length. The place is among Egypt's most important health resorts due to the black sand, which contains a healthy share of Uranium. This sand is the basic substance for the treatment of many skin illnesses, especially psoriasis. The air quality in Safaga is very high-quality, because the place lies directly on the red sea and is surrounded by mountains. The foundation of the city dates back to the year 1911, this happened at the same time with the discovery of phosphates in this area. Two small villages are in the vicinity of Safaga. The El Nasr village, it is located on the kilometer 85 of Safaga-Kena Street and is the home of the original desert inhabitants. Umm-Elhoitat is the name of the second village. It is situated 26 km south-western from Safaga, directly beside the phosphate mines.

The name Safaga first became known after an international meeting took place there in June 1995, in its framework the outstanding natural cure results of the scientific and medical experts became known world-wide.

Hurghada airport

(code HRG the main international airport which you'll be glad to hear is easily accessible and very close to all types of accommodation within the city of Hurghada. Airport transfers are generally very quick, from 10 to 30 mins, to all of the major 3 to 5 star hotels in the Hurghada and El Gouna area.

Diving and Snorkelling in the Red Sea

This activity takes pride of place as the No.1 thing to do in Hurghada. Holidaymakers and divers from every corner of the earth flock to the beaches of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh to see for themselves the amazing diversity of marine life. If diving is not for you, snorkelling with turtles or dolphins is truely an experience you wouldn't want to miss out on.

There are now well over 100 diving centres and numerous PADI diving courses in the Red Sea area, offering what always turns out to be an unforgettable memory for those who have never tried scuba diving as well as the experienced diver.The so-called "try-dive" is a short introductory program designed to give the inexperienced diver the basics of scuba diving and discover first hand why everybody is talking about the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea.

(Dolphins captured on film in sahl hasheesh bay)

Souk Shopping in the Traditional Old Markets of Egypt

one shopping experience you won't want to miss! The souk in Hurghada allows you to delve into real Egyptian life. Located in downtown Hurghada, known as el-Dahar, is a network of main roads and tiny alleys where you can find virtually everything, from tourist souvenirs to fresh produce from the Nile valley, to stalls selling typical Egyptian food and skilled tailors who will make a traditional gallabiya for you in just one day.

you'll also find impressive gold and silver jewellers, as well as, henna tattoo artists, papyrus, glass, alabaster, brass and copper crafts all displayed out in the open air filled with the fragrance of hundreds of spices.

Don't forget - when you're shopping in the old markets, remember that it's the custom to haggle with the shopkeeper about the price (politely but firmly) along with accepting a cup of traditional mint tea which most shops offer to their customers.

Dance the Night Away at Beach Party Barbeques

The young and energetic rate this as their No. 1 thing to do in Hurghada. Beach parties till dawn have been a tradition in Hurghada since way back when the town was a quiet sleepy outpost for only a few specialized diving tour operators.

As we all know, a good beach party involves a beautiful sandy beach, (naturally) plus a big bonfire, a barbecue, a good sound system, loads of chilled beer and wine, millions of stars and plenty of barefoot dancing feet.

These days the beach parties in Hurghada also include fire acrobats, live bands, performing dancers, light shows, famous DJs performing live and much more.

Submarine Tour of the Red Sea Coral Reefs

For those who prefer to stay dry but still want to discover the rich and vibrant underwater marine life of the Red Sea, this yellow submarine is an unique experience.

A half day journey with "Captain Nemo" to see with your own eyes what Jacques Costeau dubbed an underwater paradise. This little submarine can carry up to 44 passengers and dives down to approximately 22m underwater.

Desert Jeep Safari Tours including a Camel Ride

Another highlight for your holiday in Hurghada is without doubt a desert trip. It's a must see and do on your trip. When you head out from the bustling city, a vast expanse of sand, rocks, mountains and secluded oases, opens out before your very eyes. This is the land of the Bedouins, one of the most fascinating places on earth. The safaris can usually be experienced either on a half-day or a full day basis.

There are various ways to visit these natural sandy sanctuaries (all of which are very exciting). The most popular are the desert jeep safari tours, followed by a camel ride once you reach your destination and rounded off with dinner under the desert stars. Perfect!

Giftun Island Boat Trip

Giftun Island, is one of several beautiful islands in the area. It's a coppery desert island easily reachable by boat in just in 1 hour and is visible from the entire 40km length of the Hurghada coastline.

Part of the Red Sea Islands National Park, it boasts the most beautiful tropical-like beaches in the area. Only recently, special permission from the governorate has allowed the establishment of a couple of beach bars and restaurants: a must for all who visits this region. Most diving centres and tour operators offer a full day excursion to this island paradise.

This day trip should definitely be on your list of top 10 things to do in Hurghada. A day spent snorkelling on the outstanding coral reefs around the island, followed by lounging on soft, white sandy beaches or swimming in the turquoise lagoons makes an unforgettable experience and the kids will definitely love it too!

Kite Surfing in Clear Blue Lagoons

It's the coolest water sport around. Kite surfing guarantees a rush that will keep you coming back for more of this high adrenaline water sport. Kite surfing is rapidly gaining popularity in Hurghada and the Red Sea Riviera due to the perfect year-round weather offering virtually permanent wind and endless sunny days. Hurghada beaches are ideal for all water sports.

Bedouin Village

Another popular way to experience the desert is with the adrenaline-pumping quad bikes or 4 wheel motorbikes designed for bumpy off road terrain followed by a truely memorable experience dining with authentic Bedouin villagers. Watch and learn as they demonstrate how they use time honoured methods to prepare their traditional meals.

It's compulsory to explore the area with an organised excursion for your own safety. All tour operators and hotels offer a selection of desert safaris including night time safaris which finish with a great barbecue under the stars.

Discover Some of the Oldest Monasteries in the World

The Monasteries of St. Paul & St. Anthony Hidden deep in the Eastern Desert Mountains, approximately 200km north of Hurghada, lie the two monasteries which founded Christian monasticism. Built in the IV century AD, these monasteries are a must see for ALL history buffs. These monasteries are where Christian Coptic monks still observe rituals that have hardly changed in 16 centuries.

Delve into the Past of the Ancient Roman Ruins of Mons Claudianus

This is an archaeological site, which dates back to when Egypt was a province of the Roman Empire (from 30 BC to 641 AD), situated at around an hour and half drive south west of Hurghada on the road from Safaga to Qena.

At Mons Claudianus you can visit the granite mines, the largest and best preserved Roman site in the Eastern Desert, which once housed thousands of soldiers and quarrymen. The Pantheon, Hadrian's Villa and the Temple of Venus in Rome are all locations where the beautified blocks and columns of granite were taken directly from Mons Claudianus.

Most tour operators offer an excursion to this fascinating site, but it can also be reached by renting a taxi for the day. If you choose to go with a taxi, stop on your way back for a swim and a snack in the beautiful beach of Sharm el Naga. (Unspoilt paradise)

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•World and Travel

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