Hurghada is the largest resort city on Egypt’s Red Sea coast: a long strip of beaches, marinas and neighbourhoods facing some of the best coral reefs in the region. It is busy, easy to reach and good value, which makes it a favourite for weekend trips from Cairo, family holidays and long winter stays.
A furnished apartment gives you a kitchen, more room than a hotel and, in many buildings, a shared pool or a beach a short walk away. Many hosts rent by the night, and some offer lower prices for weekly and monthly stays.
Where to stay in Hurghada
El Dahar is the old town, with the traditional market, local restaurants and everyday prices. It suits guests who want real city life rather than a resort.
Sakkala and the area around Sheraton Road are the centre of the action: Hurghada Marina, restaurants, cafés, shops and nightlife are all close together, and many apartments are within walking distance of a beach.
Along Village Road and the Mamsha promenade you find newer residential buildings and compounds with pools, cafés and sea views. It is a popular choice for families and longer stays.
Further south, towards Magawish, it gets quieter, with more resorts, compounds and villas on or near the beach.
What to do
The sea is the main reason to come. Boat trips run every day to the Giftun islands for snorkelling and white-sand beaches, and Hurghada is one of Egypt’s best-known diving centres, with dive schools for complete beginners.
On land you can take a desert safari by jeep or quad bike, walk the marina in the evening, or simply stay by the pool. El Gouna is about half an hour’s drive north for a day out.
When to go
Hurghada is sunny all year. Winter days are warm and the evenings cool, which is why many people from Europe and Cairo come for weeks at a time. Summer is hot, with a sea breeze and the warmest water of the year.
Eid holidays, summer weekends and the New Year period are the busiest. Book early for those dates.
Getting there and getting around
Hurghada International Airport is close to the city centre, and many international and domestic flights land there. From Cairo the drive takes around five to six hours, and several bus companies run daily coaches.
In town, taxis, ride-hailing apps and local microbuses cover most trips. A car is useful if you are staying outside the centre, but not essential.