Hurghada

Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and until a few years ago, remained a small fishing village. But today, it has gone on to become the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports.

Buff-coloured mountains, turquoise water, and powder soft sand beaches are just a few of the sights which will greet the visitor to Hurghada. Tucked away in a bay on the coast of the Red sea, this little fishing -village-turned resort-town is now known by skin divers and fishermen the world over. Unlike the barren desert which stretches its lifeless fingers right down to the shore, Hurghada's  under-water-world is a brilliant, coral-infested menagerie. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here: windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but, 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. Teeming with life, the off-shore coral reefs are home for some of natures most colourful and exotic creatures. There are buck-toothed trigger fish, stingrays with blue polka-dots, irides-cent parrot fish, sea cucumbers, giant clams and a million other performers in this briny, ocean going circus. Always warm and crystal clear, the sparkling water will look inviting to the most ardent landlubber.

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. 

Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans.  Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs. They are particularly frequented by the young, but certainly many others of all ages. One may often find a rousing party centered around the visitors from a tour group taking over the action of a particular bar.  They are easy to find along the main street, along with loads of inexpensive and expensive hotels. 

It is also a beach resort, where thousands of older Europeans and others come with their families to enjoy the sun and fun of private resort beaches, some all-inclusive.  Many of these hotels offer so many activities and facilities that one may never need to leave the resort.  Often, the larger resorts have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theaters. Hurghada is also a city under development.  Many new hotels and constructions are taking place, and we can expect to see some great new hotels, restaurants and other facilities in the near future.  Actually this is a busy section of the Red Sea in general.  Safaga is just south of Hurghada, and Soma Bay with its beautiful Sheraton is even closer to the South.  To the North is El Gouna, a highly organized resort community.  Together, these communities and resort areas offer just about everything a visitor might wish for, from raucous parties to isolated scuba diving, with golf, bowling and fishing in between Islands near Hurghada, they offer all kinds of fun and excitement.

If you want a break from crumbling temples and stuffy tombs, come to very un-pharaonic Hurghada.