Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Egypt / Hurghada
 |  | Destination Guide : Hurghada |
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| | | Diving tonight |  | Why go on holiday to Hurghada?
Most people head for this large, built-up, Egyptian resort on the Red Sea for one reason only - diving. The waters are clear and there are reefs to explore, although most of those close to the resort have been destroyed by development.
You need to be far from shore to enjoy a truly unspoilt dive. The Giftun Islands, Umm Qamar and Fanadir are popular destinations.
Construction of new hotels in Hurghada continues apace, so check with your travel agent to make sure you're not next to a building site.
How much will it cost?
Seven nights at a four or five-star beach hotel is from £359.
A one-day introductory dive course is from £60, a Padi (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) four or five-day dive course costs from £170. A three-day dive pack (two dives per day with guides, tanks and weights included) is from £80.
There are often good value dive packages available from Egyptian specialist operators, so remember to shop around.
When should I go?
The peak tourist season is November to March, when it can get very crowded with European holidaymakers desperate for some winter sun. Summer temperatures reach a scorching 40C, with winters a more comfortable 20C.
Who's it for?
Chiefly sun worshippers, dive enthusiasts and those who like active holidays. There are plenty of clubs and bars for the younger crowd, although it's also popular with older visitors, especially in winter.
You can take diving courses here at all levels and there are plenty of other water sports including snorkelling and deep sea fishing.
What are the must-sees?
The reefs which teem with hundreds of varieties of fish and corals. There are also some wrecks to dive. If you don't want to get your feet wet, there are glass-bottomed boat trips and submarines or even the aquarium, but nothing compares to getting up close and personal to the wildlife below the surface.
You can also take a ferry trip across to Sharm El Sheikh on the tip of the Sinai peninsula opposite Hurghada. The area around the peninsula boasts the excellent Ras Mohammed National Park, one of the world's top dive sites.
If you want a break from being under or on the water, you can take a day trip to the Red Sea mountains by jeep or camel, or visit the Roman quarries of Mons Porphyritis.
What will I spend?
A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant is around £5. A bottle of local wine is from £4.40, imported wine from £7, a beer is around £1.30. A short taxi ride (about 3km) is around £1, a litre of petrol about 10p. A pack of cigarettes is around 45p and a 24-exposure film is from £1.30.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to Egypt.
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| | Available rental properties in Hurghada |
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| |  | | HURGHADA, RED SEA RIVIERA
3 Bedroom air conditioned apartment with shared pool. Free Collection from Hurghada Airport. Short stroll to shops restaurants hotels and beaches. Sleeps 6/8.Special discount for single or couple
|  | | 2 Bed Apartment Hurghada Red Sea
2 bedroomed apartment in Hurghada on the Red Sea Riviera. Fully Air Conditioned, Satellite TV, full use of large shared pool.
|  | | 2 Bedroom apartment, Hurghada
2 bedrooms (with air con), 2 bathrooms, open plan living space includes a sofa bed, balconies and roof terrace. Full cooking facilities, satellite rec
|  | | Villa Axel
Beautiful Quarter Villa with swimming pool and pvc double glazed windows
Fully equipment with big garden and 24 hours security 15 minutes from the be
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