Originally a small fishing village located along the Western margin of the Northern Red Sea, Hurgada was established in the 20th century, in Egypt. A relatively new city by comparison, it is the gateway to an what some people call – an underwater paradise.
Boasting the first official diving base in the Red Sea (founded in the 1960’s), the crystal clear water and the sun-bleached sand have made it a popular tourist spot. Its near-perfect conditions for sun bathing and water sports have made it a desirable destination for Egyptians, Europeans, and anyone else who is lucky enough to know about it.
Accommodation In Hurgada.
You’ll never be pushed to find a place to stay in this location. Hurgada hotels are spread 40km along the beach front. There really is accommodation to suit every visitor. From inexpensive guest houses for those on a budget, to five star hotels for those who want a more lavish experience – anything is possible.
The most famous Hurgada hotel is an artificially created, luxury hotel 25kms north of Hurgada central. ‘El Gouna’ is made up of islands interconnected by bridges. Tranquil and charming gardens , along with graceful lagoons and pools, decorate the self-sufficient resort. Absolutely everything you need is within the premises – restaurants, bars, golf courses, swimming pools, diving facilities and much more.
It would be a conservative statement to point out that Hurgada hotels are well known for their hospitality.
Getting To Hurgada.
As a developing tourist destination, accessibility is a key focus for the planners of the Hurgada city. As a result, you can either fly direct to Hurgada from the Middle East or Europe, or stop over in Cairo for a day or two.
The climate basically guarantees sun all year round, and although tourists often prefer to visit just before summer when the temperature climbs above 30 degrees Celsius, there are tourists present at all times.
Hurgada Attractions.
Hurgada hotels and resorts provide many activities for families – however the real fun starts with day trips to nearby islands; a chance to enjoy what the marine life has to offer. Being a seaside base, there are a myriad of water activities for the beach bunnies – as you would expect.
For the adventurous types, snorkeling or scuba diving around the famous coral reefs is a must. Additionally, Hurgada has become an international destination for more extreme water sports like windsurfing, kiting, para-sailing and deep-sea fishing. It’s the calm, clear conditions that constantly appear for most of the year which makes the area ideal for these types of things.
And it’s not just the reefs which are of interest. Shipwrecks and uninhabited islands are also major drawcards in the battle for your tourism dollar.
Of course, if you don’t want to get wet, you can take a trip to the bottom of the sea by submarine. Passengers can travel 72 feet under the clear blue water, allowing the observation of rare fish and coral gardens from a glass-bottomed boat. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay aground altogether, you can view the wonders of the underwater world at the aquarium of the Oceanic Institute.
For a non-water based adventure that you can find in no other place throughout the world - you can even journey into the Sahara desert on beach buggies, quad bikes or motorbikes. If you prefer a more traditional mode of transportation, camel rides into the desert are also available.
If you want to travel further afield, try a day trip to the beautiful and uninhabited Giftun Island, and spend a day on the white sand beach surrounded by coral reefs. You can also visit the famous Karnak Temple and old Roman settlements - like the Coptic Christian Monasteries of Saint Anthony and Saint Paul.
And just in case you were wondering – yes, there are internet cafes all along the main street so you can stay in contact with family and friends back home, and send them pictures of the highlights of your trip.
Hurgada Nightlife.
If you thought Hurgada was fun during the day, just wait until the sun goes down! The city has a thriving night scene, and is in fact one of the only places in Egypt with this type of extensive nightlife. The Ministry of Sound Beach Club runs seven nights a week, and the world-renowned Kandi Beach Bar is also a tourist favorite.
Aside from these, there are many bars and clubs with varying dance music to suit every taste. Most hotels also have their own club, and you can find the infamous Voodoo parties every Wednesday night if you know where to look!
When To Visit.
Although it is warm and dry all year round, spring and autumn are the best seasons for those who swelter in temperatures over 30 degrees. Spring is the most popular tourist season, although if you are a heat lover, you may consider visiting mid-summer when the temperature hits those extremes which we mentioned. These can be ideal conditions for scuba divers, as it translates to warmer waters.
Hurgada Customs.
Hurgada people are well known for their kindness and helpfulness. You can join the locals and smoke molasses tobacco on ‘sheesha’ pipes, or taste the delicious ‘chi’, the local tea, or ‘karkaday’, a drink that is reputed to have a lot of health benefits – without any hassle at all.
Unlike in Westernized cultures, when buying products and services, you need to haggle. You can save up to 75% on prices this way – and the shop owners actually expect you to do it. In saying that, the locals who work in the tourism industry depend heavily on tips to supplement their income, so be generous if a situation calls for it.
Transport In & Around Hurgada.
When taking taxis make sure your driver speaks English. Very few streets have actual names, so you’ll have to show them where you want to go on a map, or direct them to the name of your destination building. Agree on a price before you get into the car, and if possible - have the exact change ready for when you exit.
You won’t see any buses in Hurgada. Instead, there are mini vans which cart a few people from place to place at one time. There are no regular routes, and you can basically stop wherever needed. This is a cheap and convenient way to get around.
Conclusion.
Hurgada is ‘the’ scuba-diving destination for those who want an incredible underwater experience. The climate and the reef life make it the perfect place to explore the Red Sea and all it’s wonders.
Hurgada hotels have price ranges to suit every budget, and although most of the entertainment is based mainly on and around the beaches, there is shopping and a raucous party atmosphere when the night falls. We hope you enjoy your trip to Hurgada – and have a highly memorable experience in this Egyptian city.
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