Travel Guide Hurghada
Less known than Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada is a seaside resort ofEgypt spread over 30 km along the Red Sea, a long strip of sand lined with hotels. A former fishing village on the Red Sea, this resort emerged from the sands, south of the entrance to the Gulf of Suez, at the beginning of the last century. It is a well known spot for diving enthusiasts. The underwater biodiversity is exceptional. The modern district of Sekalla is a succession of stores and diving clubs. On the seaside, Hurghada has restaurants, bars and discos, while in the old district of El Dahar, there are traditional Egyptian cafes and souks. Between two days at the beach or diving, you can vary the pleasures by scheduling excursions to the offshore islands (Giftoun, Mahmya), a sea walk to swim with dolphins, a ride on a quad bike in the desert, a visit to the large aquarium, a speedboat trip or a show at the hotel and palace of the thousand and one nights, Alf Leila wa Leila. Another local entertainment is a visit to the marina, which is very lively in the evening, with a walk along the harbor looking for the most beautiful yachts and a stop for an ice cream. This destination is full of beautiful discoveries that your tour guide will help you recognize.
What to visit Hurghada?
Suggested addresses Hurghada
When to go to Hurghada?
When to go to Hurghada ? Your stay will be more pleasant in spring or autumn. In winter, the wind can be violent and the temperature cool. In summer, the scorching temperatures are difficult to bear. The best periods are from September to December and from March to June. Outside of these periods, the coastline of Hurghada is deserted, the vast majority of hotels are closed and tourist services are out of order. It is therefore difficult to practice diving, to go for a quad ride or any other tourist activity.
Weather at the moment
It is the kingdom of the sun. The "rainy" season is reduced to January with... 7 mm of cumulative rainfall. Temperatures are always mild except from June to September when the average temperature exceeds 30°C. In the off-seasons, the nights get cooler and in winter temperatures can drop. The days are mild and the nights sometimes very cool. The water temperature is always above 20°C and from June to November above 25°C.
The currency is the Egyptian pound (EL) divided into 100 piasters (PT). In English, you will be referred to as pound and piaster, in Arabic as guineh and irch. Euros and dollars are accepted for most tourist services, as well as credit cards. There are many ATMs in the city. Egypt is a fairly inexpensive destination, especially in the all-inclusive version.
A tourist visa (maximum validity of 1 month, cost 25 US$) is required in addition to the passport to enter Egypt. It can be obtained from the Egyptian diplomatic authorities in France and in particular from the Egyptian Embassy in Paris, but it is especially easier to buy it when you arrive at one of Egypt's international airports. Luggage is not searched extensively, but it can be searched. Travellers are allowed to enter Egypt in possession of a maximum of LE 5,000 and US$ 10,000 (or the equivalent in euros).
Equip yourself with mosquito repellent even if the country is not affected by malaria. Egypt is one of the countries affected by the avian influenza outbreak. Make sure that your vaccinations required in France are up to date (D. T. Polio for example). Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. Protect yourself from the sun, the most severe risk of this destination. Food and drinks in hotels in western Hurghada are not a problem. Desert excursions are well established and you don't risk much to go on camelback or quad if you are accompanied.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Hurghada? Our advice & tips
This seaside resort is the stronghold of organized stays. The excursions in the desert are well established and you won't risk much if you go on camelback or quad bike if you are accompanied. We will also organize for you the traditional day trip to Cairo to see the pyramids. Thematic trips, around diving or sailing, are also on the program of tour operators.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationIt is not a destination of great interest for a traveler who goes alone. Everything is organized for tourists who come in groups or in all inclusive. It is difficult to negotiate the prices on the spot, you will pay more than in the all-inclusive formulas. And you will be left "on the side".
If you come on a package tour, no worries. The shuttle bus will take you to your hotel and if your stay is at the beach, all you have to do is walk to your deckchair! You can also enjoy sailing and go for a little cruise on the sea. We don't recommend renting a car, as it won't be of much use to you. Besides, driving in Egypt is not easy...
