Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Egypt / Hurghada
 |  | Travel Reviews : Hurghada |
|
| | | | Review by member MCDADE from GLASGOW
It really depends where you go in Hurghada......it can be as busy or peaceful as you want to make it.
Review by Robert Torrance from Cheltenham
Hurghada is good for guaranteed sun, warmth, relaxation and diving. Its not scenic, and beaches are ok but not stunning. Most of Hurghada has been built recently, and it sprawls up and down the coast with hotels on the beach. For those who haven't been to Egypt before, providing you avoid the hottest months, you can take excursions to see ancient Egypt at Luxor or Cairo.
Being Egypt it is cheap.
For those into diving or snorkelling, it is great with loads to see.
Building is continuing apace, so it is likely to get busier with more competition for space on the beaches.
English is widely spoken, despite the fact that the majority of tourists at this destination are Russian.
Review by Brian Fish from Farncombe
Within the town there are plenty of souvenier shops and many others to pass the time in. The main area is well paved and clean and the majority of people very friendly. The beach areas were beautifull, very clean with white sand and lovely clear water. Most restuarants are relatively cheap and give good value for money.The constant hooting of taxis does get on the nerves but just holding up your hand gets rid of them quickly. Most areas are within 10 minutes of the airport, so after getting through customs you only have a short journey to your destination. It was also very quick and simple to book and confirmations etc came through quickly.
Review by E Malcolm from Fort William
Our accommodation was a bit out the road. Hurgada itself is busy and has good diving though the dive boats do seem to congregate in the same bit of sea at the same time....
Review by Kerry Webb from Telford
Hurghada consists of many areas and is an evergrowing city. From Sekalla, with its marina, shops, restaurants and nightlife, to Dahar with its huge market selling fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. The people are friendly and welcoming. All are in competition but are happy just to chat to you about where you are from. Off the main street you will find smaller shops and traditional egyptian cafes. These offer value for money and the food is great (dont be put off by appearances - -they are very hygenic). The beaches are superb and there are many trips available, from a boat trip to Giftun Island to quad biking in the desert. If you dont dive, dont worry - -there is more than enough to keep you occupied. At night - -take a seat in the City cafe, by the Seagull Hotel and just watch the world go by until the early hours.
Travel Guide: Hurghada
Plenty to see and do
In Hurghada, I stayed at the Sofitel, which is built in the Arabian desert and has the luxury of its own private beach by the very clear and lively Red Sea.
We stayed there for two glorious weeks over the Christmas period of 2004 and we loved it. The staff at the hotel were extremely friendly and helpful.
We had some superb views of the desert and very deep blue Red Sea. It was hot - about 75F at 6:30pm which was just brilliant.
During our transfer to the hotel, I saw parts of the town with only a handful of shops, bars and restaurants. Later, we found out, they got quite lively.
We turned off the main Safaga road, through some gates and then along a winding road to the front of the very white and Moorish looking Sofitel Hotel.
Our room was medium-sized and well decorated to a good standard with two single beds and a zed bed for my daughter. Double doors lead to the terrace which had two chairs and a table. A recess next to these doors was used as a cushioned seating area.
We unpacked immediately, showered, changed and made a bee line for the first bar we came across which was called Bar Azur. It had a big, black grand piano in the centre.
The bar staff were always smiling and very friendly and would always take a shine to the younger members of families and were always trying to make them laugh. They spoke very good English and were always polite and pleasant.
Sharky's Disco, which is open from eleven at night till two in the morning, is situated well away from the main blocks of rooms so we never heard any noises or music. It was situated next to the open air Amphitheatre where they put on two shows for us in the two weeks whilst we were there.
One thing I need to point out is that there are a lot of steps all over the resort and may not be suitable for the less mobile.
Temperatures at night can drop to 10C so you should remember to take the odd woolly jumper too.
During the day, there were plenty of things for everyone to do in and out of the sea. You could clearly see the fish darting about just below the surface. You could ride on a camel or a horse on the beach, the water sports were always a popular choice and there were always someone somewhere bobbing about in the very crystal clear water.
The live coral reef was sectioned off to stop it being damaged. Wearing footwear of some kind would be advised in certain areas as it is very sharp under foot in the water.
You could also hire snorkel gear, do boat trips and arrange and pay for fishing trips. We payed up to go on a boat trip to Paradise Island and it turned out to be a dream day out that we all thoroughly enjoyed. We also had a banquet fit for the Royals.
Travel Guide: Hurghada
|
|
|
|
|
| | Destination Guide : Hurghada |
|
| | | 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.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Hurghada |
|
| |  | | 2 Bed Apartment Hurghada Red Sea
2 bedroomed spacious apartment in Hurghada on the Red Sea Riviera. Fully Air Conditioned, Satellite TV.
|  | | 3 bedroomed top floor apartment
lift to top floor, shared pool, roof terrace, sea views, furnished, 2 bathrooms, 3 balconies, close to beach.
|  | | Self Catering Apartment in Hurghada with pool
The apartment is Located in Hurghada Very near to promonade near to Restaurants, Bars, Night Clubs, Supermarkets
|  | | HURGHADA, RED SEA RIVIERA
Luxury 3 Bedroom air conditioned apartment with shared pool. Free transfer from Hurghada Airport. Short stroll to shops restaurants and beaches. Sleeps 6/8.Low Occupancy discount ,WiFi available
|  | | I bedroom deluxe apartment (Nefertiti) C104/2
This second floor apartment (sleeps 4) is set within the Desert Pearl complex. Guests can benefit from the use of the communal swimming pools, Gym, beaches and shops and restaurants all close by.
|
Holiday Rentals in Hurghada |
|
|
|
|
|
 |  | Family and kids (12) | | | Culture and history (5) | | | Activity holiday (5) | | | Good value (4) | | | Good dining (3) |
|
|
|
Why Rent With Us
