Hurghada, Egypt: where is it, when to go and what to see

Hurghada is the capital of the Red Sea Governorate in the interior of Egypt. Until the 1980s it was a simple fishing village, but with the tourist boost it has undergone, the city has now become a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. With almost 80 km of coastline, crystal-clear waters and beautiful coral, this resort is a small paradise, where one can indulge in water sports or simply relax.

Here is everything you need to know about Hurghada, Egypt: where it is, when to go and what to see!

Informed travel: useful info

• Inhabitants: 200,000

• Language: official language Arabic, secondary language English

• Local currency: Egyptian lira (EGP) / €1.00 = EGP 17.44

• Climate: subtropical desert, with mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature in winter is around 16°, while in summer the thermometer easily reaches 31° - find out more

• Time zone: GMT+2 (-1h compared to Italy)

• Entry requirements: passport with a residual validity of at least 6 months or identity card with a residual validity of at least six months (only for tourist trips), compulsory visa to be requested at the airport on arrival, paying an amount of about €20,00/25,00.

• Security info: Before departure and throughout your trip, keep up to date by consulting the official Farnesina website in the Egypt section

• Closest airports: Urghada International Airport is 12 km from the city centre and is connected to many European cities, both with direct flights and with stopovers at Cairo airport

Where it is located

Hurghada is a seaside city in Egypt, a popular tourist destination and capital of the Red Sea Governorate. Its coastline stretches at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez, which separates north-eastern Africa from the Sinai Peninsula, and overlooks the Red Sea.

How to get there

• From Milan or Rome: it is possible to reach Hurghada airport by direct flights, which last about 4 hours (more than 5 hours in the case of a stopover in Cairo). The company providing the service is Easyjet and the cost is on average €200.00. The companies that mainly fly into this airport are EgyptAir, British Airways, Condor, easyJet, Finnair, TUIfly and UTair Aviation - Compare flights from Rome or Milan

• FromCairo: From Cairo you can reach Hurghada by flights lasting one hour. By land you can travel by coach, in which case the journey time is approximately 5 hours, or resort to private transfers (in each case it is advisable to check the appropriate travel conditions of the means of transport).

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: the climate in the city is subtropical desert, so the climate is mild all year round and during the summer very high temperatures are reached (in July and August temperatures can even exceed 40°). Rainfall is almost non-existent. The sea temperature allows swimming all year round, dropping to 21° in winter and stabilising at 28° in summer.

• Best period: during the month of April and from September to November.

• Period to avoid: from June to August, the temperatures are so high that it is less pleasant to stay, while in winter the sea water is cool, so a wetsuit must be worn for diving.

• Tips: light clothes should not be missing from your suitcase to withstand the sultry days, and some heavier clothes if you are travelling during the winter, as the temperature can drop as much as 5° at night during this period. You should also bring some mosquito repellent. Of course, don't forget everything you need for a perfect day at the beach, such as sun cream, hat, sunglasses and all snorkelling equipment.

10 things to see in and around Hurghada

1. Gota Abu Ramada Island: known as the 'Red Sea Aquarium', it is one of the islands in front of Urghada beach and its sea bed is one of the most photographed in the area

2. Giftun Island Marine Park: the park has existed since 1955 and consists of 14 diving spots where one can explore the varied coral reef, with specimens of fish and plants. The island consists of fine white sand

3. El Dahar: the old part north of the town, where there are many shops and where you can find the suq, the typical market where you can find many local products

4. Abu Minqar Islandand beach: Abu Minqar Island is only 20 minutes from Hurghada port, the white sand and transparent water make it ideal for snorkelling activities

5. Sharn El Naga beach: located in Soma Bay, a resort 40 km south of Hurghada. The beach is famous for its beautiful red cliffs

6. Temple of Karnak and Luxor: the temples are a 3 h 30 min bus ride (or hire car) from Hurghada, in the Old Thebes area. They can be visited in a day, one just has to pay attention to the opening hours of the roads connecting the cities

7. Sunken City: the sunken city, which is a series of structures, columns and ruins artificially placed underwater, intended to evoke an ancient underwater city. It is located in Sahl Hashees, about 20 km south of the city

8. Sekala: the most modern part of the city, where several clubs and discos can be found

9. El Gouna: a city recently built in the desert. There are well-organised facilities here, where you can enjoy various sports activities, such as golf, or swimming in the pool

10. Temple of Dendera: in Qena, a few hours away from the city, stands the Temple dedicated to the goddess of healing, Hathor, built in late Ptolemaic times, during the reign of Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra VII. The site can be visited in one day with a guided tour.

What to do in Hurghada: excursions and tours

How much does it cost to visit Hurghada? Prices, offers and advice

The flight from Italy to Hurghada costs on average just under €200.00, so the first tip is to check flights periodically, monitoring prices and taking the opportunity to find tickets at lower prices.
Several Italian travel agencies, then, sell already organised packages, with flight+hotel, which are particularly convenient (from €655.00 per person).

Accommodation includes mainly luxury resorts and hotels, but also hotels and accommodation in intermediate categories, especially in the modern area of Sakkala. The price of lunches and dinners, on the other hand, can be relatively expensive, especially drinks.

For travelling and out-of-town trips, it is necessary to take buses, the condition of which should always be checked in advance, before departure (travelling at night is not recommended). Another option for getting around are taxis, with which it is recommended to haggle over the price of the ride, but, very often, it is the hotels themselves that organise excursions and guided tours to the most important sites around Hurghada and this is definitely the best solution!

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €64.00 per room - see offers

• Low cost flights: from €120.00 - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: A/R flight + 7 days/6 nights from €648.00 per person - look at the offers