A reference list rather than a top ten. Everything here is real, reachable from Hurghada, and worth at least considering.

Islands and reefs

  • Giftun Islands — Giftun Kebir and Giftun Sughayer, a protected marine reserve an hour offshore. The reef here is in better condition than anywhere closer to the city.
  • Orange Bay — the most photographed beach on this coast.
  • Mahmya — the northern tip of Giftun, inside the national park.
  • Paradise Island — a low crescent of sand with reef you can swim to.
  • Eden Island — quieter, and better for it.
  • Sha'ab El Erg (Dolphin House) — a horseshoe reef where wild spinner dolphins rest during the day.
  • Sharm El Naga — a bay south of the city where the reef starts a few meters from the sand.
  • Abu Hasheesh Island — a local protectorate off Sahl Hasheesh.

Underwater without diving

  • Hurghada Grand Aquarium — 24 galleries, roughly 1,200 animals, a walk-through tunnel and a zoo section. Indoors and air-conditioned.
  • Semi-submarines — observation decks below the waterline, running from Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna and Makadi Bay.
  • Sindbad Submarine — a real submarine descending to 22 meters.
  • The Sahl Hasheesh underwater museum — submerged sculptures within snorkeling distance of the shore.

Wrecks and dive sites

  • El Mina — a Soviet-built minesweeper bombed in 1970, lying at around 27 meters just outside the harbour.
  • Thistlegorm and Giannis D — two of the most celebrated wrecks in the world, within reach of long day trips.
  • Careless Reef, Small Giftun and Abu Ramada — the everyday reef dives the boats rotate between depending on wind.

In the city

  • El Mina Mosque — twin minarets on the seafront, lit at night, and the landmark of Hurghada.
  • The Coptic church — a few minutes away, and a reminder of how old Egypt's Christian community is.
  • El Dahar — the old quarter, the bazaar and the fish market.
  • Hurghada Marina — the promenade, the restaurants and the sunset.
  • Sherry Street — where the city eats.
  • Hurghada Museum — the first antiquities museum on the Red Sea coast.
  • Sand City — 42 sand sculptures, open-air.
  • Senzo Mall — the largest shopping centre on the coast, and a genuinely useful hot-afternoon option.

The desert behind the city

  • Quad and buggy safaris into the Eastern Desert.
  • Bedouin villages — tea, flatbread and an honest conversation about desert life.
  • Stargazing — forty minutes inland the sky fills completely. Book around a new moon.
  • Camel and horse riding on the desert edge at sunset.

Within a day's drive

  • Cairo and Giza — the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
  • Luxor — Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and sunrise balloon flights.
  • Aswan — Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.
  • El Quseir — an Ottoman fortress and a working port town two hours south.

Trips to almost everything above run from Hurghada with hotel pickup included. See the tours page, or message us and we will tell you what fits the days you have.