Hurghada: areas, hotels and beaches, and where to stay
Where to stay in Hurghada: Sigala, El Dahar, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi and El Gouna. Beaches, the airport transfer and what to know before you go.
Hurghada stretches along the Red Sea for tens of kilometers, and the areas differ a lot: from noisy streets with bars to quiet resort bays where everything is inside the hotel. It is better to choose the area in advance, because it decides both the beach and the cost of getting around.
Hurghada areas
According to the Wikivoyage description:
- Sigala (Sakkala). The central part with restaurants, hotels and the most active nightlife. Boats to the reefs and dive centers leave from here. Sekalla street with its shops is nearby.
- El Dahar. The oldest and most Egyptian part of the city, north of Sigala: bazaars and less tourist infrastructure.
- Sahl Hasheesh. A resort area about 15 km south of the center, calm, with hotels on the first line.
- Makadi. A modern resort about 30 km to the south, suited to an all-inclusive hotel holiday.
- El Gouna. A resort with canals, about 20 km to the north, closer to a European format.
How to choose
- You need action and evening walks: Sigala.
- You want local color and a lower budget: El Dahar.
- A family and a first-line hotel: Sahl Hasheesh or Makadi.
- A neatly planned resort with canals: El Gouna.
Beaches and sea
An important feature: there are almost no free public beaches. Entry is usually through a hotel or paid beaches, and prices range from 50 to 100 Egyptian pounds according to Wikivoyage, though they can differ. The main coral reefs are a few miles from the shore, so you need a boat for snorkeling and diving. Choose a hotel with its own beach and water access if swimming on the day you arrive matters.
Airport and transfer
Hurghada airport (HRG) is about 10 km from Sigala. You can get there by taxi, by the Uber or Careem apps, or book a transfer. In a taxi, agree the price for the whole car before you get in.
Good to know
- Bargain in markets, but not in restaurants and pharmacies.
- Compare dive excursions by price at several companies, since at the hotel they are often more expensive.
- In the heat stomach problems are possible, so choose proven places and drink bottled water.
- In winter the sea is colder, about 21-22 degrees, and the wind makes evenings cool.
When to go and which excursions to choose: Hurghada: when to go and excursions. Compare fares in the HotTrip flight search.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Hurghada?
For an active holiday Sigala, for a calm hotel holiday Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi.
Are there free beaches in Hurghada?
Practically none: entry is usually paid or through a hotel.
How far is it from the airport?
About 10 km to Sigala and about 30 km to Makadi, which also takes longer.
Can I dive from the shore?
The main reefs are far, so people more often go out by boat. Some hotels have their own reefs, so check before you book.
What should I take to the beach?
Coral shoes, sunscreen and water. It is better to enter the sea on reefs in shoes.
Cover: photo by Ditmar Tabacaru on Pexels
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