Egypt holidays

Best hotels in Egypt

Planning Egypt holidays for 2026 or 2027? Swapping a British winter for warm days by the Red Sea is one of the easiest wins in package travel. Between October and April, holidays to Egypt 2026 bring sunshine, a warm sea that's still perfect for swimming, and a fantastic choice of All Inclusive resorts for families, couples and keen divers — whether you're booking for this winter or already looking ahead to 2027. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam each have their own take on a Red Sea holiday, all within around five to five and a half hours of the UK.

If you'd like to see more than the beach, it's just as easy to pair your stay with the pyramids or a Nile cruise. Check out our Egypt All Inclusive holidays or discover more winter sun holidays.

Why choose Egypt?

When Europe has packed away the beach towels for another year, Egypt is still very much in holiday mode. The Red Sea stays warm enough for swimming through winter, with coral reefs that make snorkelling and diving just as rewarding whether you're trying it for the first time or already hooked.

There's another reason people keep coming back, too. Egypt gives you plenty of choice without asking you to compromise. Big All Inclusive resorts work well for families, quieter hotels are a good choice for couples and it's easy to add Cairo, Luxor or a Nile cruise if you'd like your beach holiday to include a little history as well.

Egypt winter sun holidays

Egypt is one of the most reliable winter sun destinations, with daytime temperatures typically between 22°C and 30°C from October to April, while the Red Sea usually stays between 22°C and 27°C — so swimming, snorkelling and lazy beach days are still very much on the cards when much of Europe has turned chilly. It's a solid pick whether you're booking winter sun for 2026 or already planning ahead for 2027.

Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam all promise sunshine through the winter months, but each offers a different style of holiday. Compare our winter sun holidays and find the right one for you.

Where to go in Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh

Best for: Diving, couples and families

You don't have to be a diver to appreciate Sharm El Sheikh holidays. Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran are among the Red Sea's most-popular underwater spots, while Naama Bay has a lively mix of restaurants and bars. Nabq and Sharks Bay are home to many of the resort's larger family hotels.

Hurghada

Best for: Families, water sports and All Inclusive holidays

Hurghada holidays are built around flexibility - everyone can holiday their own way. Long sandy beaches, boat trips, diving, kitesurfing and big All Inclusive hotels mean everyone quickly settles into their own routine. It's also one of the easiest Red Sea resorts to reach from the airport, making it a popular choice for families.

Marsa Alam

Best for: Quiet beaches, snorkelling and diving

Marsa Alam holidays are all about the Red Sea. The reefs are the main reason people come, with turtles, dolphins and even dugongs spotted in these waters. Its quieter beaches and slower pace suit anyone who'd rather swap busy promenades for long stretches of coastline.

El Gouna

Best for: Couples and stylish stays

If heading out for dinner is part of your holiday, El Gouna holidays deserve a look. Built around marinas and lagoons just north of Hurghada, it's known for smart hotels, waterfront restaurants and a more polished feel than many of Egypt's larger beach resorts.

Dahab

Best for: Divers and laid-back holidays

Dahab has grown around the sea rather than around big resorts. Divers come for famous sites like the Blue Hole, while everyone else is drawn to its low-rise seafront, mountain backdrop and cafés that spill out onto the promenade.

Taba Heights

Best for: Quiet escapes

Taba Heights is less about ticking off attractions and more about making the most of its setting. Sitting in northern Sinai, it’s a small collection of beachfront hotels backed by mountains, where the beach and the Red Sea are never more than a few steps away.

Nile, Luxor & Cairo

Best for: History and sightseeing

Many people pair Red Sea holidays with a few days inland, ticking off the pyramids in Cairo before heading south to Luxor or a Nile cruise. It's an easy way to experience Egypt beyond the beach without saving it for another trip.

Sharm El Sheikh holidays

Sharm El Sheikh sits on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and is one of Egypt's best-known Red Sea resorts for couples, families and divers. The reef is never far away here, whether you're booking a diving trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or simply leaning over the end of the hotel jetty with a snorkel. Naama Bay has the busiest atmosphere, while Nabq and Sharks Bay are home to many of the larger family-friendly hotels. Take a look at our Sharm El Sheikh holidays to find the area that’s right for you.

Hurghada holidays

Hurghada stretches along Egypt's Red Sea mainland and is a favourite with families looking for beach days with plenty of choice. Some people barely leave the hotel, while others fill the week with boat trips, water sports or afternoons exploring the coastline. Long sandy bays, a huge choice of All Inclusive hotels and a transfer of around 20 minutes all add to its appeal, while nearby El Gouna offers marinas, lagoons and a different pace for an evening out. Explore our Hurghada holidays.

All Inclusive & family holidays in Egypt

Egypt has become one of the UK's favourite places to book an All Inclusive holiday because everything is geared around a chilled-out week in the sunshine. Big beachfront hotels bring together pools, restaurants, kids' clubs and entertainment, so there are plenty of ways to fill the day without constantly making plans.

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have the widest choice of family-friendly hotels, while Marsa Alam is a quieter alternative if you'd rather spend your time on the beach or in the water. Browse our Egypt All Inclusive holidays and family holidays in Egypt, or keep an eye on our cheap holidays to Egypt and last minute Egypt deals if you're flexible on dates.

Nile cruises & things to do

A week on the Red Sea doesn’t have to be the whole story. Add Cairo for the pyramids of Giza, or head south to Luxor and Aswan, where temples and tombs line the Nile. A cruise is the classic way to join those sights together without packing and unpacking at every stop. Our guide to things to do in Egypt shows how beach time and Egypt’s bucket-list sights can share the same holiday.

More Travel Guides to Plan Your Egypt Holidays

We also have travel guides for plenty more destinations you'll love, including El Gouna | Hurghada | Makadi Bay | Red Sea | Sharm el Sheikh

18-33 ℃

This country is a sun-seeker’s paradise, with long, warm days throughout the year. Weather wise, there isn't a bad time to visit!

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5.5 hours

It takes between five and five and a half hours to fly here from the UK.

Hurghada International Airport lies approximately 8km southwest of central Hurghada; Marsa Alam International Airport lies approximately 60km north of Marsa Alam.

Types of holidays in Egypt

Map of Egypt

Egypt holidays are best for…

Underwater explorers: With over 250km of coastal reefs, there’s plenty of opportunity for magical sea adventures. Sharks Bay will guarantee an unforgettable diving experience, whether you’re a green-gilled snorkeller or an expert deep sea swimmer, the Red Sea is renowned for its 1,200 species of fish, 120 of which are found nowhere else in the world. No wonder it’s one of the world’s top destinations for underwater explorations!

Beach lovers: Soaking up the sun on a powder-soft beach is a highlight of any holiday. While all of Egypt’s sand spots are stunning in themselves, there are a few jewels in the country’s crown: look out for the Sunken City of Sahl Hasheesh Bay, Al Nayzak in Marsa Alam, and Soma Bay, near Hurghada.

Active types: While there are plenty of watersports for you to get involved with on your holiday to Egypt, there’s even more on offer on land. Go rock-climbing in Dahab; kayak along the Nile; head over to Cairo for your history fix. Golfers should check out Makadi Bay holidays for the ultimate 18-hole fairway. And did we mention you can even go skiing on an indoor slope, complete with over 7,000 tons of snow?

Getting around Egypt

By bus: Getting around Red Sea resorts is easy with local minibuses. For trips to Cairo, Luxor or Sinai, use Middle Delta, Upper Egypt, or East Delta buses. Booking ahead is a good idea.

By taxi: It’s easy to flag down a taxi and it’s one of the most convenient ways to get around Egypt. It’s also an inexpensive way to travel. Metered taxis are common in big-name cities such as Cairo, but local resorts tend to have a fixed rate. It’s best to agree on a price before your departure to avoid any confusion.

By shuttle bus: Many hotels operate shuttle buses into town or the nearest beach - simply ask reception for more details.

Fast facts for Egypt

Language: The main language spoken in Egypt is Arabic. But don’t worry, English is also widely spoken in many tourist areas, making it easy to communicate.

Currency: The currency used here is the Egyptian pound (E£).

Local time: Egypt is 2 hours ahead of UK time, except during April, when it's 1 hour ahead.

Fly to: Hurghada International Airport (HRG), as well as Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), Cairo (CAI), and Luxor (LXR).

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Egypt is around 5.5 hours.

Tourist information: Find out more from the Egyptian Tourism Authority.

Travel advice: Before your holiday to Egypt, check the FCDO website for recommendations and advice on visas, health and more.

Events in Egypt

On the waterfront: Friday night is Marina Party night in El Gouna with live music and dancing beside the bobbing yachts, it's a party-goers’ paradise.

Ramadan: The fasting month of Ramadan is marked across Egypt, although it won’t be as disruptive in the beach resorts as elsewhere in the country. Immediately afterwards, the festivals of Eid al-Fitr, and later Eid al-Adha, are holidays when Egyptian families will often travel to resorts, so they’re likely to be busier at this time.

Egypt safety and security

Is Egypt safe? Good to know

Egypt’s Red Sea resorts welcome package holidaymakers, but travel advice differs by region and can change. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking and again before departure, rather than relying on a general answer about the whole country. British passport holders normally need a visa, with a limited exemption for some short stays in Sharm El Sheikh, so check the current entry rules too.

Egypt weather

October to April is the best time to visit Egypt if warm winter sunshine is what you're after — whether that's the 2026/2027 season coming up or you're planning further ahead. Days are warm, the Red Sea stays comfortable for swimming and beach weather continues long after much of Europe has cooled down. June to August is much hotter, appealing to keen divers and anyone who doesn't mind peak summer temperatures. Flights from the UK to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), Hurghada (HRG) and Marsa Alam (RMF) take around five to five and a half hours.

More hotels in Egypt

Discover the best destinations to visit in Egypt

Red SeaYear-round Egyptian sun in this diving paradise

HurghadaA lively resort that offers the ultimate Egyptian holiday

Sharm el SheikhWarm waters await in this lively Egpytian resort

Popular Egypt holiday resorts

HurghadaThe cosmopolitan resort of Hurghada is the capital of the Red Sea Riviera, where beautiful beaches, vibrant nightclubs and world-class diving destinations await. It’s a world away from its origins as a small fishing village, yet is maintains all of its Egyptian charm.

Hurghada ResortHurghada began life as a tiny fishing village on the Red Sea Riviera, and over the years has blossomed into a full-scale seaside resort. As well as its beautiful white sand beaches and world-class diving, Hurghada is a great place to shop and has some of the best nightlife around, with a lively waterfront packed with bars and clubs.

El GounaSpread around a turquoise lagoon on the Red Sea, El Gouna lies in one of the most picturesque locations on the Riviera. Hurghada’s deluxe neighbour, El Gouna is a modern and self-contained seaside resort with luxury hotels, a championship golf course and white-sand beaches.

Makadi BayMakadi Bay is a modern seaside resort developed around a picturesque bay on the Red Sea Riviera. A quieter option to neighbouring Hurghada, Makadi Bay is popular for its idyllic palm-fringed beaches, spectacular diving and an 18-hole golf course. The resort is the ideal base for sailing and diving excursions, with a buzzing waterfront filled with quality hotel resorts gazing out across the bay.

Sharm el Sheikh ResortOne of Egypt’s oldest and most popular holiday resorts, Sharm El Sheikh wins fans for its breathtaking location on the Sinai Peninsula. The Red Sea coast provides white-sand beaches and some of the finest diving in the world, with crystalline waters teeming with underwater life, wrecks and coral reefs.

Sharks BayPerfect for watersports lovers - or if you're looking to get started - Sharks Bay is a quieter part of the wider Sharm el Sheikh area. It's pretty laidback and is mostly centred around the great diving that's on offer. Explore the underwater drama of this idyllic spot.

Places similar to Egypt to visit

SalGolden sands, guaranteed sunshine, and a laid-back island vibe—holidays to Sal, Cape Verde, have all the right ingredients for a dreamy escape. This small but mighty island is a sun-seekers paradise, where turquoise waters meet endless beaches, and the only thing on your to-do list is to relax (or try a new watersport, if you’re feeling adventurous).

Egypt Holidays FAQs

Is Egypt safe for holidays?

Many people take package holidays to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, but the answer depends on where you’re travelling and the current advice. Check the latest FCDO guidance before booking and again before departure, as it includes regional restrictions and can change.

Where should I go in Egypt for a beach holiday?

Choose Sharm El Sheikh for coral reefs and snorkelling, Hurghada for long sandy bays and Marsa Alam for a quieter coast where marine life gets top billing. All three sit on the Red Sea, but the holiday feels noticeably different depending on whether you want resort buzz, family facilities or more time underwater.

Where’s best in Egypt for families?

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh give families the largest choice of All Inclusive hotels, waterparks, kids’ clubs and shallow bathing areas. Hurghada often wins with younger children thanks to its sandy bays, while Sharm is hard to overlook when the family snorkelling kit is already packed.

Is Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada better?

Sharm El Sheikh is better for reef access and famous dive sites, while Hurghada has more long sandy beaches, water sports and large family resorts. Pick Sharm if you’re planning to spend as much time underwater as above it. Choose Hurghada when different ages need more ways to fill the day.

What’s included in a standard Egypt beach or All Inclusive holiday?

A Thomas Cook Egypt package normally brings flights and accommodation together, with transfers depending on the booking. All Inclusive hotels usually add meals, snacks and selected drinks, although wristband rules, restaurant access and imported drinks vary. Check the hotel details rather than assuming every All Inclusive works in exactly the same way.

When is the best time to go to Egypt?

October to April is the main winter-sun season, whether you're booking for 2026 or 2027, with days warm, rain scarce and the Red Sea comfortable for swimming throughout. December and January are milder, while October, November, March and April bring more heat without the intensity of midsummer.

How long is the flight from the UK?

It takes between five and five and a half hours to fly from the UK to Egypt. Direct holiday flights serve Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), Hurghada (HRG) and Marsa Alam (RMF), although routes and departure airports vary by season.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

British passport holders normally need a visa for Egypt. A limited permission stamp may cover some visits of up to 15 days when arriving by air in Sharm El Sheikh and staying in specified South Sinai resorts, but check the current FCDO entry requirements before relying on it.