Hotels in Red Sea

The 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. Tucked away in the depths of the turquoise waters are striking underwater coral gardens just waiting to be explored by eager divers; they’re awash with incredible marine life like pretty butterfly fish and glow-in-the-dark anemones.

As well as underwater experiences, the possibilities for family fun are virtually endless on Hurghada holidays, with everything from paddling in the shallow shores of white-sand beaches to diving in the deep, blue sea and sailing on a catamaran

What do I need to pack?

With the ‘Capital of the Red Sea’ sitting on the edge of the Sahara Desert, you can expect the sun to be strong, so be sure to take plenty of sunscreen on your holiday to Hurghada. Unlike other tropical climates, there’s little or no humidity, so cool and airy clothes made from natural fibres like cotton, linen or bamboo are perfect.

Egypt is a conservative country, so it’s advisable for women to cover up once they’re away from the beach. Pack long dresses, long-sleeved shirts and, if you’re thinking of visiting any religious sites, a headscarf is also a good idea. Similarly, men ought to pack some trousers as, even in modern cities like Cairo, too much flesh can cause unintended offence.

For those who want to bring gadgets with them, a plug adaptor is essential, and it can be helpful to have a portable power pack to hand.

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Hurghada 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.

Things to do

Visit Hurghada’s new marina to plan a sailing excursion out to the uninhabited Giftun Island, or go scuba diving in the crystal clear depths of the Red Sea. Pick a comfy spot on the soft, sandy beaches for a little relaxation, or get involved with the water sports; Hurghada’s beach has a reputation for great water skiing and kite surfing.

For family holidays, it’s well worth visiting one of the city’s nearby water sports like Makadi Water World, where you can cool off on a hot day at the slides and wave pool. The city has an energetic nightlife scene, with a buzzing waterfront lined with bars and clubs.

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Spread 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. It’s also one of Egypt’s premier diving and snorkelling locations, with fantastic excursion opportunities and plenty of fun sports and beach activities for kids.

Things to do

The resort’s sun-drenched waterfront has a hive of activity during the day. Pick your perfect spot on the picture-perfect beach and sunbathe on the white sand, before taking a dip in the turquoise water. If you’re eager to explore the Red Sea further, why not book a diving excursion and take a closer look? For golf lovers, there’s the 18-hole golf course, set against magnificent coastal scenery.

Memorable adventures are plentiful, too, including deserts safaris on quadbikes and jeeps. Head for the harbour to enjoy a fresh fish dish and all kinds of local specialties. You’ll also find stylish shops in this part of town. El Gouna holidays are ideal for kids too, with mini golf, go-karting and boat trips going on all year. 

Excellent beaches

There are a number of lovely beaches to spend time relaxing on sun loungers in the hot, Egyptian sun. Most beaches have white, soft sand that shelves gently into the stunning turquoise waters. The beach has a backdrop of fragrant shrubbery, adding a splash of colour to the desert landscape. If you want to relax in an upbeat atmosphere, head over to Mangroovy Beach. The sandy shores have a vast array of water sports available for you to try and it’s said to be the best location in the country for kite surfing and diving. All beaches have great amenities with shops, restaurants and cafés for a break out of the sunshine.

History and culture

The relatively new build was brought to life in the 1990s to ensure holidaymakers have everything they may need in one neatly placed paradise. The small town is home to over 22,000 residents and is spread across islands around cool lagoons. You’re able to explore Egypt’s historic wonders and archaeological treasures with the ancient temples of Luxor and Aswan within easy enough reach. Conveniently located 25 kilometres north of Hurghada, the airport is also easy accessible.

Vibrant nightlife

The picturesque resort is made up of All Inclusive complexes so you wont have to travel far as the majority of the nightlife is focused in the hotels. Enjoy a cocktail whilst sitting outside under the stars after dining in one of the restaurants and sampling traditional cuisines. You may find that the evening entertainment consists of live music, cabaret or dance shows, which can be enjoyed no matter what your age.

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Makadi 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.

Things to do

Explore Makadi Bay’s breathtaking Red Sea coast with a day’s sailing trip, either in a fishing boat, leisurely catamaran or glass-bottom boat tour. Keen divers can venture out to sea to experience the region’s wrecks and reefs, or snorkel in the vibrant waters surrounding Giftun Island. Next, head to the beach and pick a good spot on the silky, white sand wrapped around the turquoise bay. The water sports in Makadi Bay are excellent, with everything from parasailing to speed boat rides. If golf is your thing, then make a beeline for the resort’s championship golf course, with top-class facilities and magnificent scenery.

Excellent beaches

The beautiful coastline of Makadi Bay is made up of pale, golden sand that lies in a unique horseshoe shape. The beach is popular in the daytime, but you’ll still be able to find your own spot of paradise on the beach. If you fancy a more upbeat activity, there are a large variety of water sports to try, including jet skiing, windsurfing, paragliding and even pedal boats. Snorkelling is a must in Makadi Bay as the vibrant reefs are a haven for exotic fish.

Shopping

Shopping is popular in Makadi Bay as you are able to experience a mix of western and traditional culture in one afternoon. Enjoy haggling at the grand bazaars found in the heart of Makadi.

Purchase unique Alabaster statues and handcrafted art, including beautiful hieroglyphics and illustrations on ancient papyrus paper. Walk through the bustling bazaar and browse the fragrant stalls of specially made perfumes, oils and spices.

Nightlife

The Makadi Bay nightlife is fairly low-key with the majority of after dark activities focused in the resort hotels. Dine on a delicious meal and sip on a cocktail in the beautifully warm evening climate. Enjoy nightly entertainment from the comfort of your All Inclusive hotel in this purpose built resort. If you are in need of something a little livelier, just a short drive away is the bustling town of Hurghada where you’ll be able to find plenty of buzzing bars and clubs.

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One 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. As well as the diving, Sharm El Sheikh is the ideal place for desert safaris, where you can ride camels through the dunes and camp out under the stars.

Things to do

Start your romance with Sharm El Sheikh on the coast, where the miles of white sand are at your disposal for soaking up the sun, getting stuck into water sports or swimming in the warm sea. Diving excursions are a must, as the Red Sea is one of the finest diving destinations in the world. If you’re away with kids, spend the day at the local water park, which has a staggering 44 water slides and lots of swimming pools to enjoy. Explore the bustling souls in Sharm El Sheikh’s old town to pick up unique Bedouin souvenirs, or plan an excursion through the desert by camelback. 

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Perfect 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.

Things to do

Sharks Bay is all about its dazzling coast, so head down to the golden beach and prepare yourself for a little adventure. The water sports are fantastic, with parasailing and speedboat rides to keep you busy. Take snorkelling trip to experience the tranquil Red Sea or plan a scuba diving excursion further afield. Back on dry land, the desert is another part of Egypt ripe for exploration, with camel treks or quad bike excursions around the rolling dunes. Sharm El Sheik’s popular water park is a hit with kids for its choice of pools and slides, and while you’re there, browse the old town’s lively souks.

Mix up sun-drenched beaches with a cosmopolitan town bursting with restaurants, bars, and historic attractions to explore and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fun-filled Limassol holidays. Located on the south coast of Cyprus, it’s ideal if you want to do a bit of sightseeing alongside your classic beach holiday. It’s also a family-friendly place with lots on offer to keep the kids entertained. 

Things to do

Limassol is a great destination for shopping. Head to Agiou Andreou Street and you’ll find loads of local crafts on sale, as well as My Mall (the biggest in Cyprus), where you’ll find hundreds of shops under one roof including big-name brands like Adidas and Calvin Klein alongside highstreet favourites such as M&S. 

After a bit of retail therapy, make sure you delve deeper into the history of Limassol by wandering the maze of cobbled streets that run behind the Old Town. Start by admiring the Byzantine architecture around Agiou Andreou and make your way towards the Medieval castle, which sits near the Old Harbour. 

If everyone’s getting a bit hot and bothered, cool them down and take the kids to Fasouri Watermania Waterpark, with a range of slides and wave pools for a day of fun. Hit the beach and try one of the many water sports on offer. If you’re a more experienced diver, the MS Zenobia wreck, which is home to a rich and varied marine life, is close by.

There are plenty of restaurants in Limassol alongside cafés and bars, which is where most people head once the sun goes down. If you’re looking for a light bite, you’ll find a dozen places selling Cyprus’ answer to the doner kebab - gyros. Those craving something more substantial should hit Meze Taverna, whose chefs have 30 years’ experience. Do not leave here without trying the beef stifado, it’s delicious. 

Added to all that, there’s a reason that holidaymakers flock to Limassol year after year - it’s cheap! You can grab a pint of beer for around 3 euro, while a three-course set menu will cost as little as 20 euro, not to mention many of its top-rated attractions are free to enter.

Excellent beaches

A wide range of beaches cover the sun-drenched coast, so finding the right one for you is easy enough to do. You’ll be able to relax on soft, golden sand in Governor’s Beach, or for water sports, the Akti Olympion Blue Flag beach is perfect. Its clear, calm waters are great for activities such as learning to windsurfing or diving. But no matter which one you choose, all of the beautiful shores that line Limassol offer a relaxing setting with excellent views of the glistening, turquoise sea.

Fabulous shopping

As well as the beautiful beaches, Limassol is popular for its fantastic shopping opportunities. Only a short distance from the city centre is My Mall, the largest shopping mall in Cyprus. Browse in hundreds of boutiques, both designer and high street brands. If shopping isn’t for you, there’s lots of other entertainment to get involved with, including bowling and ice skating, plus plenty of restaurants to grab a bite to eat in.

History and culture

Limassol is an important city for Cyprus, as it’s the country’s main industrial port along the large Mediterranean trade route. This is what first made it such a popular holiday destination, well, that and the beautiful climate. There are lots of archaeological sites to see around the city including the ruined city of Kourion. Sticking to traditions of Cypriot life, the city hosts religious festivals throughout the year too.

Vibrant nightlife

The variety of bars and clubs that line the streets in the bustling city of Limassol will not disappoint. Head down to Limassol marina where you’ll find well-known places to enjoy a bite to eat at the start of your evening, such as Wagamama and TGI Fridays. There’s also a choice of traditional wine bars and restaurants here such as The Yacht Club, Crystal and Derlicious.

Dance under the stars along the beach in Guaba Beach Bar, where partygoers can dance all day and night to the latest summer music that’s playing from the sound system. For something fruity, make your way to one of the many cocktail bars to watch the bar staff flaunt their skills and enjoy a Mojito or two. Be entertained at a cabaret show, or take to the mic for karaoke; the nightlife is notoriously vibrant with something to suit all tastes. With the large amount of places open until the early hours, your hardest decision will be where to go first.

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For more than four centuries, this western part of India was a Portuguese colony, and you’ll still notice a distinctly European character here today. Expect historical churches and delicious cuisine, plus a 66-mile stretch of coastline running alongside the Arabian Sea, complete with unspoilt beaches.

Holidays to Goa will take you to a place where east meets west. Head for the north, and you’ll discover vibrant towns like Baga brimming with lively markets. It’s also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa, the former colonial capital that had its heyday during the 16th century. Then there’s the south, with its pure white sand, coconut groves and sophisticated hotels. No wonder this state is known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’!

Things to do

From north to south, this multicultural destination boasts so much more than action-packed beaches and stunning sunshine. Holidays to Goa are also about delicious cuisine, lively nightlife and fascinating culture. Foodies will love sampling this region’s unique Indo-European cuisine, which blends oriental spices with Mediterranean flavours. This part of the world is also known for its neon nightclubs and bustling bars where you can let your hair down.

A trip to Old Goa will take you to historic 16th-century ruins, and to the peaceful Mollem National Park within the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. And as for souvenirs, why not pick up some beautiful handmade textiles or tasty local spices? The markets are brimming with colourful goodies.

Thriving fishing villages surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, Algarve holidays have put Portugal on the map. This coastal region is one of the sunniest in Europe, which means you can soak up those Mediterranean rays long into autumn, that’s when you’re not surfing its Atlantic waves or teeing off on its top-of-the-range golf courses. From the nightlife haven Albufeira to wildlife sightings in Tavira and a touch of luxury in Vilamoura, the Algarve offers everything you could possibly want from Portugal getaways.

Things to do

Whether you’re looking for waterparks perfect for family day trips, century-old sites you can tick off with your other half, or big nights out spent dancing with your friends, there’s plenty of things to do in the Algarve. Spend a leisurely morning shopping for souvenirs in its beach towns, before hitting the coast for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. And when you want to pick up the pace, you’ve got watersports, golf courses and nature reserves at your fingertips. 

Beaches, beaches and more beaches 

It won’t be long before you run into a beautiful stretch of golden sand on your trip to the Algarve. This coastal hotspot is often described as one of Europe’s best beach destinations with a variety of shorelines boasting everything from incredible rock formations to limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves. Reached via a wooden staircase, nothing will prepare you for the dramatic beauty of Praia De Marinha. You could spend all day soaking up the sun under its steep cliffs - ideal for breeze-free sunbathing sessions, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for its unique ‘M’ shaped rock. 

Or, there’s Ponta da Piedade, which is another must-visit for its natural landscape. With a cluster of rock formations rising for 20 metres, you can’t miss it. And families won’t be able to resist the soft, lengthy sands of Praia da Rocha in Portimao. Thanks to its size it never feels overcrowded, while your little ones can enter the water under the supervision of a lifeguard. But you can’t leave without trying the watersports, with jet-skis, parasails, and kayaks all lined up for you. For more active days on the sand, Praia da Oura has more wet activities than you could squeeze into a week’s holiday.

Family-friendly attractions 

Visiting the Algarve as a family? You’re in luck! Just 30 minutes from Albufeira, days at Zoomarine should be at the top of your list. The smallest members of the gang will love its mini rides, which include a rollercoaster, drop tower and pirate ship. And that’s before they discover the zoological attractions. See alligators in their compound, visit a garden of butterflies or escape the heat at the 4D cinema. And there’s just as many wildlife sightings outside the park, whether you’re bird-watching in its nature reserves or dolphin-spotting in the Atlantic.

Looking for another alternative to the beach? Luso Aventura Albufeira promises a memorable day for all ages and abilities with three high-rope courses to choose from. You’ll also find a

Jurassic Park-themed mini golf course in Alvor, perfect for some friendly, family competition. But no holiday to the Algarve would be complete without getting soaked at Aquashow Park. Daring teens can head straight for the Watercoaster and Free Fall slide, while less confident swimmers may prefer to catch one of the bird or reptile shows. 

A happening nightlife scene

This buzzing region may seem lively during the day, but just wait until the sun sets. Parties are in full swing along Albufeira's iconic street of bars (also known as the Montechoro Strip). Cocktail spots, sports venues are among the after-dark hangouts. Not forgetting the famous Matt’s Bar with its mechanical bull and boat parties. But nightlife in the Algarve doesn’t end with Albufeira. 

Don’t let the relaxed pace in Lagos fool you. This laid-back town really gets going in the evening, find cobbled alleyways filled with dive bars, or head down Rua 25 Abril street, where you’ll find Grand Cafe whose doors stay open until 5am. Portimao's beach clubs have a great atmosphere whatever the time, starting with chilled cocktails in the sun and finishing with late-night dancing. Or, there’s always Vilamoura - the Algarve’s answer to Ibiza. Gaze on super yachts from its waterside bars or hit its loung style nightclubs to catch big-name DJs manning the decks.

Places to stay

The Algarve is full of great destinations, but Albufeira is at the heart of its action. Adored by holidaymakers of all ages for its family-friendly Old Town, bar-lined Strip and sweeping sands, everyone’s tastes are catered for. In the southwest of the region is the ancient fishing town of Lagos. History lovers will enjoy getting lost inside its medieval walls, while keen shoppers will love its handcrafted ceramics and marinaside markets. 

If you’ve come here to check out the area’s best golf courses, Vilamoura won’t disappoint. Home to six world-class greens, when you’re not teeing off, you could be sampling the high life at its swanky marina. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from the main crowds, Carvoeiro in the west has a small village charm with a stunning shoreline at its centre.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Albufeira | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lagos | Praia da Rocha | Vilamoura