Red Sea holidays

Red Sea holidays

Deals from £329 per person

Red Sea holidays are all about sun, fun and world-class water sports. Just a short hop across the sea from southern Europe, Egypt’s Red Sea area is home to cosmopolitan resorts, golden sands and warm waters. Head inland and you can discover the spectacular Eastern and Sinai deserts by camel or jeep, meet Bedouin nomads, and climb rocky Mount Sinai. Or how about a visit to the awe-inspiring pyramids and Sphinx from here? They’re an absolute must when in Egypt

Things to do

An underwater world awaits on the Red Sea Riviera. Snorkelling and scuba diving through the turquoise waters will reveal stunning tropical fish and colourful coral. And it’s not just for adults, either; kids can have a go, too. Water sports enthusiasts won’t be able to resist kayaking or kite-surfing along the region’s coast. If you want to take things a little slower, you could relax on a boat trip instead. Take your pick from the likes of glass-bottomed boats to see beneath the waves, or yacht cruises serving a romantic dinner on board. Back on dry land, there’s plenty to keep you entertained after dark, from bustling bars and nightclubs to local entertainment like folk dancing.

From relaxing days in the sunshine to nail-biting adrenaline sports and tours of enchanting historic sites, there’s something for everyone in the gorgeous Red Sea region. Whether you visit during the depths of winter or at the height of summer, it’s a true year-round destination perfect for a family holiday, romantic retreat or a week or two’s partying.

While you may be drawn to the area’s beautiful beaches and balmy climate, there’s so much to explore beyond the inviting stretches of sand. From camel trips across the dry Eastern desert to hikes up the magical Mount Sinai, your memories of the Red Sea will certainly last for a lifetime.

If you love to be at the heart of the action, the bays of Sharm el Sheikh won’t fail to deliver a vibrant atmosphere and a fun party atmosphere. After trying out water sports at the beach, go and browse the shops before enjoying a meal at one of the resort’s many excellent restaurants.

For laid back holidays, Hurghada and its smaller neighbours are perfect for relaxing on the soft sand beaches and paddling in the warm blue seas. If you’re a fan of snorkelling, it’s also one of the best places to discover exotic marine life among shipwrecks and underwater coral landscapes.

No matter where you stay, the Red Sea will treat you to everything from days out in tranquil bays to meals at traditional eateries, delicious cocktails at buzzing bars, and tours of the region’s ancient historic sites. If you’re on the search for a holiday in the sun that has it all, the Red Sea is sure to impress.

Places to stay

Whether you love to be in amongst the action or prefer away-from-it-all tranquillity, there’s a great range of resorts in the Red Sea. From the untouched shores of Marsa Alam, to laid-back Hurghada and the smaller resorts that surround it; the beaches are all gorgeous expanses of soft sand and warm blue sea. And whether you’re in one of the big, bustling resorts with huge entertainment complexes or a smaller community with a more tranquil atmosphere, you can go snorkelling or diving, enjoy international cuisine, sunbathe under blue skies, and relax by sun-dappled swimming pools.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including El Gouna | Hurghada | Makadi Bay | Sharm el Sheikh 

 

Map of Red Sea

world_map
35 ℃

June to September are the hottest months.

View live forecast

5 hours 15 minutes

Hurghada International Airport (HRG) or Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF).

Red Sea is best for...

Scuba-divers: Breathtaking reefs and colourful marine life are all part and part of a trip to the Red Sea Riviera, which boasts some of the finest dive sites on the planet.

Beach lovers: Sun, sea and sand are firmly on the menu with your Red Sea holiday. There are hundreds of kilometres of white-sand beaches to enjoy, and some of you won’t want to leave your sun lounger for the duration of your trip.

Adventurers: Go beyond resorts and cities like Sharm el Sheik and Hurghada and explore to the desert from the comfort of a jeep, experience the nomadic Bedouin way of life, or journey to the ancient pyramids in Cairo.

Fast facts for Red Sea

Language: The language spoken here is Arabic.

Currency: The currency used is the Egyptian pound (EGP).

Local time: The Red Sea is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Hurghada International Airport or Sharm el Sheikh Airport. Transfer times to the Red Sea resorts take 20–50 minutes.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to the Red Sea is 5.5 hours.

Tourist information: Read more tourist information at www.egypt.travel.

Visa / health: Before your Red Sea holiday, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Holiday destinations related to Red Sea:

 

Getting around Red Sea

By taxi: You’ll find plenty of taxis in the resorts here, especially in Hurghada and Marsa Alam where they’re the best way to get around. Make sure you agree a price before you get in to avoid expensive fares, and always look for licenced taxis that are metered. Ask at your hotel for details.

By tuk-tuk: These automated rickshaws are the main form of transport in El Gouna, and they’re cheap, too.

Events in Red Sea

On the waterfront: Over in El Gouna, the weekly marina party takes place every Friday at Abu Tig Marina. From 8pm, you’ll find live entertainment and loads of good food in this picturesque spot. It’s the perfect spot to experience some authentic Egyptian flavours and relax with the locals.

Desert beats: Hurghada is fast becoming one of the leading party hotspots on the Red Sea Riviera. The marina is packed with vibrant restaurants, and plenty of bars and clubs with a great atmosphere every night of the week.

Ramadan: Ramadan (a holy month of fasting) is a key annual event in the Muslim calendar. It’s unlikely to affect the restaurants and bars in your hotel, but you might find restrictions elsewhere. Dates vary year on year, but it’s usually in May or June.

Red Sea weather

Temperature: June to September are the hottest months of the year, ideal for a sun-soaked holiday. Winter is mild, too, with temperatures rising up to 24°C in November. Even in January and February (the coldest months of the year) it rarely drops below 21°C.

Best time to visit: If you like things hot, book your holiday in June, July, August or September. If you prefer things a little cooler then book a holiday during the winter months.

Best hotels in Red Sea

Discover the best destinations to visit in Red Sea

Popular Red Sea holiday resorts

Places similar to Red Sea to visit