Hurghada

 Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and since the 1980s has been continually enlarged by American, European and Arab investors to become the leading bathing resort on the Red Sea. Holiday villages and first class hotels provide excellent aquatic sport facilities for sail boarders, yachtsmen, scuba divers and snorklers.

Hurghada today has gone on to become the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here: windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens are some of the finest in the world, and famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats. This area has many fine accommodations, usually offering warm and efficient service. Restaurants are mostly along the main road.

While in Hurghada, don't miss the museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea Hurghada stretches for about 40 km along the seashore, and it doesn't reach far into the surrounding desert. The resort is a destination for package holiday tourists from Europe, notably Russians, Czechs and Germans. Until a few years ago it remained a small fishing village.

Today Hurghada counts 40,000 inhabitants and is divided into three parts: Downtown (El Dahar) is the old part; Sekalla is the modern part, and El Korra Road is the most modern part. Sakkala is the relatively modest hotel quarter. Dahar is where the town's largest bazaar, the post office and the long-distance bus station are situated. Many restaurants, bars and shops, small pubs and internet cafes are available all over Hurghada.

Hurghada is served by the Hurghada International Airport with scheduled passenger traffic to and from Cairo and direct connections with several cities in Europe.
Hurghada is known as a party town, and with its many clubs, life could be said to begin there at night. Nearly every hotel has its own disco. The most famous ones at the moment are "Calypso" and "Papas Beach".[citation needed] Renowned for belly dancing, Arabic and Nubian folklore, is "Alf Leila Wa Leila" ("One thousand and one nights"). It is a big open-air area, which offers a bit of everything.

Hurghada has become an international center for aquatic sports like windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, and above all snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats. Hurghada provides a gateway to prime diving sites throughout the Red Sea. Its central location provides favorable access to very famous dive sites. In addition, Hurghada is known for providing access to many uninhabited offshore reefs and islands.

Hurghada Facts and Figures

Diving in Hurghada:
The calm reefs of Hurghada are the perfect place for the beginning diver to hone his or her skills before moving on to the Red Sea's highly-acclaimed reefs and wrecks. Experienced divers drawn to the region to explore those same sites will find that Hurghada diving centers have plenty to offer them as well

Water Sports and activities in Hurghada

Hurghada has countless opportunities for all ages and inclinations to enjoy fun, fitness, and fresh air. Take advantage of top-of-the-line equipment and professional staff at various sports-related centers to learn something new. Try kiteboarding or windsurfing; learn to dive or play squash! Ride horseback through the desert. Whatever your interests, you'll find an activity just right for you.

Aqua Centers
Most of Hurghada aqua sports and dive centers offer equipment for catamarans, banana boats and snorkeling.

Biking
Have the urge to explore Hurghada on two wheels? Try scooter and bicycle rentals.

Beach Volleyball
Volleyball games are organized on a number of Hurghada Hotel beaches.

Boat Charter
Several specialized boat charter companies in Hurghada offer regular day trips or allow you to arrange your private day trip and multi-day diving and non-diving cruises with options such as beach and island stops.

Fishing
Boats with fishing rods and equipment are available through many aqua and diving centers in Hurghada.

Go-Karts
Burn rubber on the popular go-cart circuit, which is located on the road between the downtown area and the intercontinental
road. Open from 11:00 to 23:00. Internal extension 2188.

Golf
The nearst golf play ground located in El Gouna 20 KM from Hurghada. El Gouna's 18-hole course boasts year-round golfing in a setting where players can feast their eyes on stunning views of mountain, water and sky as the course challenges the strength, ingenuity, and skill of novice and professional alike. Horseback Riding
Ride horses and camels at the Mövenpick El Gouna, Intercontinental Hurghada and Zeytouna Beach or go for full service at Yalla Horse Stables in El Gouna. Yalla offers professional service and trained staff to assist you. They have Arabian cross horses as well as ponies for children. Don't miss their exclusive horse-drawn carriage trips!

Quad Safari
 Desert safari is one of the main activities in Hurghada. Quads are available for rent in two-hour increments and for half and full-day trips. Take them for an exciting desert safari, a full moon trip, or a visit to the Bedouin. Guides are available to accompany you and show you the best spots or organize a BBQ for your group.

Hurghada Beaches
You can spend all day every day of your holiday on Hurhada beaches without ever having to stay on the same beach twice! Have drinks and treats delivered right to your chair at your hotel beach, enjoy cold refreshments and groove to music on the beach or pack a lunch and head to the white sands and glorious isolation of one of the many deserted islands near Hurghada. Following is a list of Hurghada islands.

Hurghada Islands

Tawila Island
Enjoy the secluded beach at Tawila, just over an hour from Hurghada, where you can take a long walk on sparkling white sandy beaches and revel in the island's natural beauty or take a swim in crystal clear waters. The boat ride to the island is a joy in itself, and spotting dolphins along the way is very common. Charter boats can arrange for food and drinks on the beach.

Gobal Island
Located around two hours' distance from Hurghada, this gorgeous island offers breathtaking snorkeling from the uninhabited sandy beaches. Enjoy lunch on the beach and own an island for a day.

Giftun Island
Mahmeya Beach on the beautiful Giftun Island has been kept true to its natural environment even as complete services have been added, making it the only island with complete services. A beach restaurant serves up great grilled platters, seafood, and pizza while you relax on the beach with a hip mix of backdrop music, creating a fun atmosphere as you sip an ice cold beer. Located just over an hour from Hurghada.

Notable places in proximity of Hurghada