Hurghada (El Ghardaqa): which area and which hotel to choose

Alongside Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada is Egypt's other big Red Sea resort. Many Algerian travellers also search for it under its Arabic name, El Ghardaqa. The town stretches along the western shore of the Red Sea, on the African mainland, and has its own international airport. Between the old town, the large beach hotels and the quieter resorts to the south, the area you choose changes the whole holiday. Here is how to find your way before you book.

Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh?

Sharm el-Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula; Hurghada lies across the water, on the African side. Both resorts offer large beach hotels, coral reefs and boat trips. Hurghada also has a real town, with a traditional quarter, a port and a marina. Still undecided? Compare with our hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh.

El Dahar and Sakkala: the town

El Dahar, in the north, is Hurghada's traditional quarter, with a very local feel: this is where you see everyday life, away from the big resorts. It can work for a small budget, but check whether your hotel has beach access.

Sakkala, in the centre, gathers the port, shops and many hotels. Most boats to the Giftun Islands leave from its marina, so it suits travellers who want evenings out and several sea trips.

The hotel strip south of town

South of Sakkala, 4- and 5-star hotels line the coast one after another: gated resorts with a beach, pools and restaurants. They suit families who want everything on site. The town stretches for dozens of kilometres, so depending on your hotel, the centre may be several kilometres away and you will need a taxi in the evening.

Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and El Gouna

• Sahl Hasheesh, south of the airport: a recently developed resort of large seafront hotels, with no town around them. People come for the beach and the quiet.
• Makadi Bay, further south: the same idea, with large, quiet hotels for those who mainly want the sea.
• El Gouna, about 25 kilometres north: a new town built around lagoons and a marina, with a more polished atmosphere.

All-inclusive, aquapark, adults only: read the offer carefully

Many Hurghada resorts are sold all-inclusive: check exactly what is covered (meals, drinks, à la carte restaurants, entertainment). With children, look for a hotel with an aquapark; the words "Aqua Park" often appear in the hotel's name. Some properties, on the other hand, accept only adults, or only families and couples, and say so in their name or their terms: if you are travelling with friends, check before you book. Couples travelling from Algeria should bring their family booklet. Finally, always read the cancellation terms.

Things to do in Hurghada

• The Giftun Islands: just off the coast, they form a protected marine area. Boats run day trips for the beaches and snorkelling.
• Diving: Abu Ramada and Fanadir are among the best-known sites around Hurghada, for their corals and fish.
• Luxor: the temples can be visited from Hurghada by road, but the drive is long; a night in Luxor makes the trip far more comfortable.

To plan your outings, see our tours and activities.

When to go

Summer, from June to September, is the hottest season, with days that often go above 35 °C. From autumn to spring the weather is milder; in winter, the water and the wind feel cooler on boat trips. Holiday periods sell out quickly, so book early.

Visa and entry requirements

Algerian citizens normally need a visa before travelling to Egypt. Other nationalities follow their own rules. In every case, check the current requirements with the Egyptian embassy or consulate, or on the official website, before you travel. Nreservi does not handle visa applications.

Book your hotel in Hurghada

On Nreservi, you book your Hurghada hotel online. In Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by card, and your voucher is sent to you once the payment is made. More details in our guide to reserving a hotel without a credit card.

See hotels in Hurghada

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.