Hurghada and the Red Sea Riviera Guide

Egypt's Red Sea coast is one of the world's great playgrounds: coral reefs in glass-clear water, year-round sun, and a string of resorts from El Gouna and Hurghada south to Soma Bay, Safaga, Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib. For divers and snorkelers it is world-class; for sun-seekers it is a reliable escape.

The coast also makes a superb base for day trips to Luxor, which lies about four hours inland. Here is how to plan the perfect Red Sea stay.

Hurghada: the Hub

Hurghada is the largest resort town on the coast, with a lively marina, an old town of winding streets, and hotels for every budget. Offshore lie Giftun and Umm Gamar islands with their reefs, reached by boat trips throughout the day.

Diving and Snorkeling

The Red Sea's reefs are among the healthiest on Earth. Dive sites like Abu Nuhas, the wrecks of El Minya and the walls of Giftun are famous, and snorkelers see clouds of reef fish a few meters from the beach. Marsa Alam, further south, adds dugong and turtle meadows at Abu Dabab.

Luxor Day Trips from the Red Sea

The great advantage of the Red Sea Riviera is Luxor on your doorstep. Day tours cross the desert each morning for the Valley of the Kings and Karnak, and overnight versions add the hot air balloon and a 4-star hotel night. Marsa Alam travelers can do the same.

• Day trip: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Karnak and lunch
• Overnight: adds the sunrise balloon and felucca ride

Desert Safaris

Inland from the coast, the Eastern Desert holds Bedouin camps, quad-bike trails and star-filled skies. Late-afternoon safaris with camel rides and a Bedouin dinner under the stars are the classic Red Sea evening.

El Gouna to Soma Bay

North to south: El Gouna, a lagoon-town of canals and kitesurf centers; Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi with their sweeping bays; Safaga, a windsurf capital; Soma Bay and Port Ghalib for quiet luxury; and Marsa Alam for the wildest reefs.

Recommended Tours

Explore these Egypt Rest Tours experiences related to this guide:

• Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada: Valley of the Kings — the West Bank, Karnak and lunch in one day
• Luxor Overnight Tour from Hurghada: Temples & Balloon — both banks, a balloon flight and a 4-star night in Luxor
• Luxor Overnight Tour from Marsa Alam — the full Luxor experience from the southern coast

Related Reading

• Luxor Travel Guide: East Bank and West Bank
• Ain Sokhna Guide: Red Sea Escape from Cairo
• Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit the Red Sea?

Year-round. Spring and autumn are perfect, winter is warm and sunny, and summer is hot but superb on the water and for serious divers.

Is the Red Sea good for beginners?

Yes. Shallow reef shelves and calm lagoons make it one of the easiest places in the world to snorkel or learn to dive.

Can I visit Luxor while staying in Hurghada?

Yes, it is about four hours by road. Our day trips leave early and return in the evening; the overnight version is more relaxed and includes the balloon.