Hurghada holidays bring together sun, sandy beaches and the warm, turquoise waters of the Red Sea – especially appealing when the British weather takes a miserable turn. From November to February, you can swap chilly days in the UK for a much-needed dose of winter warmth.
But the real star? Hurghada’s spectacular Red Sea waters. Colourful coral reefs and tropical fish make it a top destination for snorkelling and diving. Prefer to stay dry? Take a boat trip, try your hand at watersports, explore Hurghada Marina or head into the desert for a quad-biking session.
Holidays to Hurghada let you split your days between underwater adventure and poolside peace, with plenty of choice to suit every holiday mood, from All Inclusive resorts to Adult-Only escapes.
Why choose Hurghada?
Hurghada delivers reliable winter sun, five to six hours away on a direct flight from the UK when the Mediterranean and UK are chilly.
It’s also easy to find a holiday that matches your budget, whether that means a family-friendly All Inclusive with pools, kids’ clubs and entertainment, or a more luxurious beachfront resort with restaurants, spas and stylish surroundings. There’s plenty to do beyond the resort, too, from desert safaris to watersports, and the Red Sea's coral reefs make it a fantastic spot for diving and snorkelling.
Comparing Egypt holidays? Hurghada has an edge – if you want to squeeze everything into one trip you can even take a day-trip to the Giza Pyramids, one of the world's most famous ancient landmarks - just prepare for leaving in the middle of the night and not getting back until 16-18 hours later.
Which part of the Hurghada region is right for you?
Hurghada (town) – best for families, value and nightlife
The easy all-rounder. Hurghada has the widest choice of budget-to-mid-range All Inclusive hotels, alongside restaurants, shops and nightlife. It’s a good pick if you like having plenty to see and do beyond the resort, with excursion operators, supermarkets and local markets all within easy reach, and transfers from the airport are usually among the shortest here.
El Gouna – best for couples and marina life
A little more polished, with a laid-back feel. Around 25km north of Hurghada, El Gouna holidays are built around lagoons and marinas, with a car-free centre, restaurants, cafés and a golf course. It's popular with couples and repeat visitors who enjoy cycling between hotels, browsing boutique shops, or spending an evening at the marina watching the boats come in.
Makadi Bay – well suited for families and All Inclusive stays
It’s all sun, beach and pool, with little reason to leave. South of Hurghada, Makadi Bay is a self-contained resort area where hotels line the bay. Many properties are large-scale and family-focused, with extensive pool complexes, kids' clubs and entertainment programmes, making it a reliable choice if you'd rather not venture far from your hotel.
Sahl Hasheesh – recommended for couples, diving and luxury
For a quieter holiday with a little more wow factor. This upscale development south of Hurghada has elegant resorts, a landscaped promenade and excellent access to Red Sea reefs. The calmer atmosphere and higher-end finish suit couples and honeymooners, while divers benefit from house reefs and dive centres right on the doorstep.
Fancy comparing the coast a bit further along? Sharm El Sheikh holidays offer a similar All Inclusive, diving-friendly setup on the Sinai side, if you want to weigh up both before you book.
Hurghada town
Hurghada town is the coast’s go-to base, combining good-value stays with plenty of places to eat, drink and explore. The main resort strip is lined with budget and mid-range Hurghada All Inclusive holidays, ranging from straightforward options to larger resorts with pools, entertainment and beach access.
Away from the pool, Sheraton Road and Hurghada Marina offer a buzzing selection of restaurants, cafés, shops and bars. It’s also the region’s main hub for getting around, making boat trips, diving, snorkelling and desert excursions easy to arrange.
El Gouna
A purpose-built resort that’s best for couples, friends and holidaymakers who prefer a polished, self-contained holiday. Lagoons and waterways shape the area, with pedestrian-friendly streets, waterfront dining, cafés, bars and shops giving it more of a town feel than a traditional resort.
It also offers beaches, 18-hole golf courses and watersports, making it a good choice if you want plenty to do without relying on your hotel for entertainment.
Makadi Bay
Ideal for families and anyone who wants an easy All Inclusive break centred around the beach. Large hotels sit close to the sheltered bay, with family pools, kids’ facilities, daytime activities and evening entertainment common across the area.
The clear, shallow waters and coral reefs are great for those with an interest in diving or snorkelling, with plenty of opportunities to get in the water straight from the resort.
Sahl Hasheesh
Sahl Hasheesh holidays suit couples and travellers after a quieter, more luxurious escape, in a spacious resort development. The area is dominated by high-end beachfront hotels, landscaped grounds and a broad seafront promenade, giving it a peaceful atmosphere away from the busiest resort strip.
There’s less emphasis on nightlife, but excellent Red Sea access, sandy beaches and nearby reefs make it particularly appealing for relaxed beach holidays and watersports.
More Travel Guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Hurghada Resort | Red Sea | El Gouna | Makadi Bay | Sharm El Sheikh
Our Hurghada holidays guide was last revised and updated in September 2026.
