Sand City Hurghada - Open-Air Sand Sculpture Museum

Sand City is exactly what its name suggests and considerably stranger than it sounds. It is an open-air museum of sculptures carved entirely from sand, and it is the only one of its kind in Africa or the Middle East. Artists from a dozen countries spent seven months building it.

There are 42 sculptures and 17 reliefs across two distinct halves. The first is historical: 22 sculptures and six reliefs covering legends, military leaders, gods and the love stories that shaped history. The second half is Wonderland - 20 sculptures and 11 reliefs of animated characters that children recognize instantly and drag their parents toward.

Why it works better than it should

Sand as a medium is unforgiving. It does not allow fine detail without technique, and it collapses if the artist misjudges the moisture. Standing next to a four-meter figure that holds its shape in the desert wind is more impressive in person than in any photograph - which is fortunate, because photographing it well is genuinely difficult in the middle of the day.

Practical details

The site takes about two hours at a comfortable pace. There is a shopping square, a coffee shop, a children's playground and the Magic Castle workshop on site. Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned private vehicle are included.

Good to know before you book

• It is open-air, with limited shade. Go in the early morning or in the last hours before sunset - both the temperature and the light are far better than at midday.
• Wear a hat and comfortable shoes. The paths are sand and compacted gravel.
• Transfers are included from hotels inside Hurghada; a $5 per person supplement applies from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Ahyaa, El Gouna and Soma Bay.
• Photography and video services are not included, but you are welcome to use your own camera.
• Please do not touch the sculptures. They are sand, and they mark permanently.

$55 per person (regular price $70), including entry and return hotel transfers.