If the exceptional sites are numerous throughoutEgypt, the coast of the Red Sea is renowned for its exceptional seabed. The area has become a fashionable place to live, and large resorts and resorts have sprung up all year round to welcome tourists from all over the world. A few decades ago, Hurghada was still a small fishing village... If partying in Hurghada is a must, there are also other more peaceful places.
Hurghada, seaside resortversion
A former fishing and shipbuilding port, destined to become a major tourist attraction thanks to its enchanting seabed, Hurghada (in Arabic "El-Ghardaqa") is now one of the two most famous resorts on the Red Sea (along with Sharm el-Sheikh) and the main city on the Egyptian coast. It stretches for about twenty kilometers in several districts, far from each other.
The historical heart, Dahar, has managed to preserve a traditional character. At nightfall, the old quarters of the mosque come to life, while the heavy smell of grilled meat spreads and the joyful moods of the souk resound. Lit by gas lamps or electric bulbs waving in the wind, the stalls are full of oranges, bananas, parsley and some varieties of vegetables.
But the surroundings are a little less cheerful. Tourism is concentrated in complexes, called resorts here. Tiny vacation village, the resort welcomes mainly groups of tourists who booked their stay from their country of origin, in most cases Germany, Italy and Russia. The goal is to offer all possible services on site to avoid going out. Restaurants, stores, banks, a diving center, a swimming pool, a private beach and a discotheque are at the disposal of the resident of the resort, who only leaves his room on the occasion of excursions organized by the diving center
But, for those who love resorts, Hurghada offers the possibility of an all-inclusive stay punctuated by diving sessions and long party nights.
And, only 30 km to the south, we find Makadi Bay, one of the many resort towns entirely dedicated to tourism and which can easily claim the competition of postcard and idleness
El Gouna, a haven of beauty
This city did not exist twenty years ago. The complex that you see today is a haven of beauty compared to Hurghada, whose urbanism can be perplexing.
El Gouna is first of all a small village with a paved square around which, under ochre colored arcades, chic stores are installed. Like a snail, the second circle is composed of luxurious hotels that have their own harmony of architecture and colors. A little outside, a golf course of soft grass taunts the defeated sun. One can live in self-sufficiency during one's entire stay, sheltered in hotel complexes.
Egyptian life has developed in the vicinity, while respecting the original urban lines
Sahl Hasheesh, miles of postcard beach
Only 15 minutes from Hurghada International Airport, Sahl Hasheesh is a huge private resort facing the Red Sea. If security is obviously a must, Sahl Hasheesh also has undeniable assets for vacationers. Indeed, the village is located on a magnificent bay and has nearly 9 km of postcard beach. Here, relaxation is king: those who like to take it easy will opt for the trifecta of sunbeds, golden sand and crystal clear water, while the more courageous will enjoy the many water sports: windsurfing, kayaking, kite-surfing, parasailing, water-skiing and, above all, snorkeling and scuba diving. As in the entire region, don't forget to put on your flippers and mask to discover the underwater world and the superb coral reefs.
Very family oriented, the village also offers many activities and clubs for the little ones. For the adults, you can have a good time with a cocktail in one of the beach bars or be pampered at the spa. And, between two dives in one of the countless pools, you can take out your golf bag to practice your swing on one of the two 18-hole courses of the complex, planted in the middle of the mountains and the desert...
At sunset, no time to get bored either! After dining in one of the many restaurants with menus inspired by cuisines from around the world, head for the trendy cafes or the local nightclubs. Or you may prefer to stroll between the handicraft and designer stores that have taken up residence in Sahl Hasheesh. A great way to end the day before going to sleep in one of the 3,000 4 or 5-star rooms of the complex. In short, a vacation under the sign of idleness!
Unknown spots
First of all, you can put your bags down in El-Quseir. At 160 km from the Nile, its location can be appreciated to combine culture and idleness. In the Pharaonic era, this small city was one of the great ports of the Red Sea. Goods coming from Arabia, India and East Africa were all unloaded here. Tourism, for the moment, has not yet disturbed it too much.
Marsa Alam is the last southernmost village of the Egyptian coast, on the Red Sea. Small fishing village, the place, very popular with divers, attracts many enthusiasts and beach lovers. Still unknown to the general public about fifteen years ago, Marsa Alam has become a destination that is more chic and confidential... If it remains chic and beautiful, the number of hotels built today does not leave anything to the spirit of "privileged village".
Finally, at the eastern tip of the Egyptian territory, very close to Sudan, the natural reserves of Elba extend over 35,600 km². They are divided into four areas: the coastal mangrove forests and islands of the Red Sea, the region of Al Denib, the region of Mount Elba, the region of Abrak. They include twenty-two islands, coral reefs and preserve fauna and flora of mangroves and mountains. There are various animals: mountain goats, wild boars, martens, dormice, mainates, goldfinches, Scottish ptarmigan, ostriches... The splendid landscapes of these reserves are little known and surprise the visitors. A good option for an off-the-beaten-track getaway during your Egyptian stay
Smart info
When is the peak season? The high season starts in October and ends in March. The low season starts in April and ends in September.
How to get there. To enjoy the area, land at Hurghada International Airport
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