Where to Stay in Hurghada: El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and More

"Hurghada" covers more than 60 km of Red Sea coast, from El Gouna in the north to Soma Bay in the south. Where you stay makes a big difference: some areas are lively and full of restaurants, others are quiet bays where you'll rarely leave the hotel. Here's how the main areas compare.

The main areas

1. Central Hurghada: Sakkala, the Marina and Village Road

The heart of the resort, with the marina, the Mamsha promenade, shops, bars and restaurants within walking distance. Hotels range from budget to upmarket, many with man-made beaches. Best for: couples and friends who want to go out in the evening, and short stays.

2. El Dahar (old Hurghada)

The original town, with the old souk, the mosque and local life. Few tourists stay here, but it's worth an evening visit for street food and shopping.

3. El Gouna

A self-contained resort town about 20 km north of Hurghada, built around lagoons and canals. It has a marina, a downtown with restaurants, boutique and large hotels, and some of Egypt's best kitesurfing. Best for: couples, kitesurfers and families who want to walk to restaurants.

4. Sahl Hasheesh

A planned bay south of Hurghada with large resort hotels, a pedestrian old town (still developing) and a long promenade. Several hotels have house reefs. Best for: quiet beach holidays and snorkelling from the hotel.

5. Makadi Bay

A sheltered bay of all-inclusive resorts, about 30 km south of the airport. The water is calm and clear, and many hotels have jetties out to the reef. Best for: families and all-inclusive holidays.

6. Soma Bay and Safaga

The furthest south, on a peninsula surrounded by sea, with a handful of upmarket hotels, a golf course and excellent wind for kitesurfing. Safaga, beyond it, is known for diving and as the port for trips to Luxor. Best for: peace, golf, diving and kitesurfing.

How to choose

7. Families

Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh have shallow, sheltered water and big family resorts with kids' clubs. El Gouna is good for families who want restaurants outside the hotel.

8. Snorkellers and divers

Choose a hotel with a house reef in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay. Many dive centres are based in central Hurghada and El Gouna, and boats leave daily for the Giftun Islands and offshore reefs.

9. Nightlife and eating out

Central Hurghada (around the Marina and Village Road) and El Gouna's Downtown and Abu Tig Marina have the most bars and restaurants.

10. Value for money

Central Hurghada has the widest choice of mid-range hotels. All-inclusive packages in Makadi Bay are often excellent value for families.

Getting there

Hurghada International Airport is close to the centre, so transfers are short. Taxis are available, but agree the fare before you get in. A pre-booked private transfer is the most relaxed option, especially with children or after a late flight, because the driver waits for you in the arrivals hall even if your flight is delayed.