El Gouna Travel Guide: Lagoons, Kitesurfing and Car-Free Calm
Kitesurfing, lagoon boat rides, Abu Tig Marina, Downtown, beaches and island trips – the best things to do in El Gouna on Egypt's Red Sea, and how to get there.
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Thirty minutes north of Hurghada, El Gouna was built on a network of lagoons and islands, with bridges, canals and pastel buildings that give it the nickname "the Venice of the Red Sea". It's calmer, cleaner and more walkable than most Egyptian resorts – perfect for families, couples and kitesurfers.
Things to do
1. Learn to kitesurf
El Gouna is one of the Red Sea's top kitesurfing destinations, with steady winds and shallow, flat-water lagoons ideal for beginners. Several certified schools offer courses for all levels.
2. Stroll around Abu Tig Marina
The marina is El Gouna's social heart, lined with restaurants, cafés and bars overlooking the yachts. It's especially lovely at sunset.
3. Explore Downtown El Gouna
Tamr Henna Square and Kafr El Gouna have shops, cafés, local markets and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
4. Take a lagoon boat ride
Small boats and water taxis glide through the canals between neighbourhoods – a fun way to see the town from the water.
5. Relax on the beaches
Mangroovy Beach, Zeytuna Beach and the lagoon beaches have soft sand and calm water. Zeytuna, on its own small island, feels like a day at sea.
6. Take an island boat trip
Boats from El Gouna and Hurghada visit the Giftun Islands and the nearby reefs for snorkelling and beach time.
7. Snorkel and dive
Dive centres in El Gouna run trips to the reefs and wrecks of the northern Red Sea, including famous sites around Abu Nuhas.
8. Play golf or tennis
El Gouna has golf courses and sports clubs, and many hotels offer tennis, padel and water sports.
9. Go on a desert safari
Afternoon desert trips include quad biking, camel rides and a sunset Bedouin dinner – much the same as from Hurghada, with pick-ups from El Gouna hotels.
10. Day trip to Luxor
Luxor's temples are about four hours away. See our guide to planning a Luxor day trip.
Getting there and around
El Gouna is about 30–40 minutes from Hurghada International Airport; book a private transfer in advance. In town, use the local shuttle buses, tuk-tuks, bicycles or water taxis.
More Red Sea ideas: our Hurghada travel guide and our guide to choosing between Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm.
Frequently asked questions
How far is El Gouna from Hurghada Airport?
About 25 km – roughly 30–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and where your hotel is in El Gouna.
Is El Gouna good for families?
Yes. It's calm, clean and safe, with sandy lagoon beaches, family-friendly hotels and lots of activities, and it's easy to get around without a car.
What is the best time to visit El Gouna?
It's sunny all year. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable; summer is hot but breezy, and the windy months are best for kitesurfing.
Keep reading
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