At the end of the sea lies the Sahara, and at the end of the desert is the Red Sea. The narrow Red Sea is one of the oceans with the highest salinity and temperature in the world, located between the Arabian Peninsula and the African continent. It connects to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal in the northwest and to the Gulf of Aden through the Bab el Mandeb Strait in the southeast.
Hurghada boasts a coastline stretching for dozens of kilometers, and its unique geographical setting has transformed it from a quiet fishing village into a beautiful tourist city. With its clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and year-round sunshine, it has become a world-renowned diving paradise.
Hurghada wasn’t as bustling as we had imagined. Surprisingly, the restroom near the bus station was privately run, and they charged me five Egyptian pounds to use it, although technically, you don’t have to pay if you show your ID.
Later, we booked a hotel on the outskirts of Hurghada. The hotel was decent, with a reception area and access to the beach. We took an Uber there for 32 Egyptian pounds, which felt a bit pricey compared to other rides, but there weren’t many better options. At least the driver was trustworthy—he initially told me the coins were in euros but still gave me the correct change.
It’s about a 30-minute walk, but only five minutes by car, and the walk can be quite tough. Interestingly, the security guards here were using electric fans, and even the lobby wasn’t air-conditioned.


The Red Sea lies between Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, forming a narrow stretch of water. There are various theories about its name—some attribute it to red algae, others to the color of the surrounding desert, and some say it refers to the direction, as in Southwest Asia, “red” represents the south. But to us, it simply appeared as a vast expanse of crystal-clear blue. The Red Sea is said to have a very high salt content, and it’s the bluest sea I’ve ever seen—so blue that it’s utterly mesmerizing.
Snorkeling in Hurghada offers a chance to see vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish, all with a unique Egyptian charm. The beaches are beautiful, making the experience quite enjoyable. While on the boat, you can try fishing or watch various seabirds in flight. Sitting at the stern, we admired the ocean and the swooping seabirds, which followed the boat as people fed them.
The birds’ relentless pursuit of food reminded me of Maxim Gorky’s essay The Song of the Stormy Petrel, where the petrel is depicted as noble and fearless in battling the storm. But in reality, it seemed their pursuit was more about survival than heroism.



Hurghada is truly a splendid gift from nature. Its charm is further enhanced by the presence of the Red Sea, with radiant sunshine, soft sandy beaches, lush palm trees, and deep blue waters creating an exceptional landscape. These natural treasures attract millions of tourists from around the world every year. For Egyptians and international travelers who love the sun, sea, and diving, Hurghada is undoubtedly the ideal vacation destination.
The city stretches along the Red Sea in a narrow strip, with leisure resorts lining the coast. Whether three-star or five-star, most hotels share a similar layout: the entrance lobby is followed by pools, recreational areas, and buffet restaurants. Nestled within gardens and greenery are guest rooms, which are typically no taller than five floors. At the back lies the heart of every resort—the private Red Sea beachfront. The deep hues of the sea surpass bright blue, resembling an ink painting with an irresistible allure. The hotel beaches are dotted with sunbeds and large parasols, where visitors can read, relax, or simply close their eyes and unwind.
With its miles-long coastline, crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and warm sunlight, Hurghada enjoys pleasant weather all year round, establishing it as one of the world’s most renowned holiday destinations and a hub for water sports. Beyond the beaches, camel rides to explore Bedouin villages and desert adventures on quad bikes offer visitors exciting and memorable experiences.
Hurghada’s Seafood Market



The beautiful El Gouna is a famous resort town in Egypt and one of the best-managed vacation destinations in the country. Located along the Red Sea coast in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, it is just 20 kilometers north of Hurghada. The town was conceived by Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris, who envisioned a resort built around lagoons and waterways, ensuring that visitors could enjoy endless beachfront views.

El Gouna boasts a 10-kilometer coastline and is made up of islands surrounded by 20 lagoons. It is located 25 kilometers from Hurghada International Airport and has its own private airport. El Gouna is also known as one of Egypt’s greenest cities, recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The weather here is sunny year-round, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 33°C and an average humidity of 22%.
The town’s architecture features designs from many influential European and American architects, reflecting a traditional rural style similar to that of Egyptian villages and Nubian settlements. In El Gouna, you can fully enjoy the thrill of water sports, including diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, and snorkeling.
There are four main beaches, including the expansive Mangroovy Beach, the kitesurfing center, and the soft white sands of Zeytouna Beach, which boasts a 400-meter long breakwater allowing you to stroll out to the deep water where the coral reefs are located, conserving your energy for snorkeling.
A network of canals gives many homes their own narrow beaches, even extending hundreds of meters inland. Most of these canals are connected by small stone bridges. El Gouna has three main areas: the city center, Tamr Henna Square, and Abu Tig Marina. This resort town features 18 hotels, some designed by American architect Michael Graves, offering a total of 2,895 rooms ranging from three-star to five-star accommodations.
There’s also a six-star hotel named La Maison Bleue located next to Abu Tig Marina. El Gouna boasts an 18-hole golf course and has a small museum with around 90 exhibits that opened in 1996.