Red Sea resorts in Egypt are known worldwide. While tourists used to primarily choose Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, they are now discovering new destinations. Each resort offers something unique for its guests. Expect rich excursion programs, pristine beaches, and an abundance of exotic entertainment.
Choosing a resort should be based on personal preferences. After all, some people prefer a lively vacation, while others value peace and quiet. Carefully study the list of the best recreational areas on the coast before making your choice. Rest assured, you will find exactly what you want.
Sharm El Sheikh
Occupying a significant area, this resort is located in the southern part of the country. It can be considered universal as it offers something for everyone. Diving enthusiasts explore the underwater depths along the coast, where the most picturesque coral reefs are located. Those who prefer to party until dawn stay in the center, where the nightlife is literally buzzing with bars, clubs, and discos—a haven for active youth.
Families or tourists with children often opt for beach vacations, particularly drawn to Nabq Bay. This is a long sandy strip with a gentle entrance to the sea, making it safe for children. Additionally, the city has several water parks where you can enjoy thrilling rides and feel an adrenaline rush.
Throughout the area, you will find shops, shopping and entertainment centers, restaurants, and cafes. An essential part of a Sharm El Sheikh vacation is the wide range of excursion programs available. Despite attracting a diverse crowd, it’s particularly convenient for young people, being a hub of fun and entertainment.
Hurghada
The second most popular Egyptian resort, Hurghada, appeals to those who appreciate historical values. The city is a treasure trove for those who can’t imagine a vacation without excursions. It is considered the oldest resort in Egypt, with the first hotel opened in the 1970s. Locals are well-versed in what tourists need for a satisfying holiday.
Hurghada’s main advantage is its abundant sandy beaches. Notably, the seabed here is also sandy, not covered with coral, making it comfortable for families with children. Youth typically come out in the evening when clubs, restaurants, and discos open, transforming the night into a lively scene with parties and dancing.
Generations of different ages coexist without interfering with each other. While children and their guardians retire to their hotel rooms, adults looking to have fun can leave their children under the care of a nanny—a service many hotels offer.
Makadi Bay
This resort is ideal for tourists seeking a secluded, peaceful vacation away from the hustle and bustle. Should you get bored, remember that Hurghada is nearby, offering nightlife and shopping opportunities. Local tour guides can tailor individual routes or group programs to showcase Egyptian landmarks.
You can also visit nearby cities and explore their surroundings. Prices in Makadi Bay are relatively lower, making it a budget-friendly option. Accommodation costs are significantly cheaper. Coral reefs near the shore offer a chance to explore the underwater world and meet marine life.
Ensure you have comfortable footwear, as the sand often contains reef fragments and sharp stones, making it unsafe to walk barefoot. Women especially praise Makadi Bay for its numerous beauty centers. SPA services are affordable, ensuring you return home refreshed and rejuvenated.
Marsa Alam
Diving enthusiasts from around the world flock to Marsa Alam, a resort known for its many new hotels. Although it gained recognition only recently, diving fans appreciate its opportunities and beauty. The beaches are not crowded, allowing you to find a secluded spot to sunbathe and swim away from the masses.
Hurghada is quite far away, so you won’t find noisy crowds here. The infrastructure mainly revolves around hotels, with most boasting their private beaches equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. The sandy seabed and gentle entrance to the sea ensure child safety. However, entertainment seekers should look elsewhere, as nightlife and clubs are found in Hurghada, which is about 300 kilometers away.
Soma Bay
Technically part of Hurghada, Soma Bay offers a peaceful and serene vacation due to its relative isolation. It boasts luxurious beaches with well-maintained, clean, and equipped shorelines, ideal for divers. The coral reefs here are among the most beautiful, perfect for observing marine life and taking stunning photos.
Cultural and historical attractions are outside the resort, explaining the lack of youth, who prefer Hurghada. However, Hurghada is just 30 kilometers away. You can visit any time of the year, with the tourist season lasting 365 days. Rain is rare, so expect sun, sea, and picturesque views daily. Moreover, you can always find entertainment a short drive away, immersing yourself in a bustling nightlife.
El Gouna
El Gouna, designed to resemble Venice, is crisscrossed with canals and built on islands painted in brown tones, blending seamlessly with the desert background. While it may initially seem dull, El Gouna is an ideal vacation spot, free from noisy tourists and annoying street vendors. Instead, it offers an abundance of golden sand beaches.
Summers here are scorching, making autumn or spring the best time to visit. Winter is perfect for exploring local attractions. Mostly families with children vacation here, as divers and youth opt for other resorts. However, you can still find suitable spots for diving or nightlife if desired. Hotels are primarily situated near the canals, providing swimming areas for guests, eliminating the need for beach visits.
Taba
Located on the border with Israel, Taba is ideal for those planning to explore the neighboring country. Even if you don’t plan to travel, there are plenty of attractions in Taba. The Pharaoh’s Island, Salah El-Din Fortress, and other historical sites will interest history buffs.
Guides offer individual routes for those wanting to see the main landmarks, such as Mount Sinai or the Colored Canyon. Taba offers diving, yacht trips, fishing, and dining on fresh catches. Accommodation options range from family-friendly hotels to business-oriented resorts, with the airport just 30 kilometers away.
Dahab
Dahab is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its constant winds. Beginners should head to the Lagoon to learn these water sports. The Blue Hole, a famous diving spot, attracts divers worldwide, comprising most of the tourists here.
The sea is not suitable for swimming with children, making it better for families to choose another resort. Dahab offers a rich excursion program, with nearby landmarks like Mount Sinai. Summers are hot, so visiting in autumn or spring is recommended, with winter ideal for long walks.
Accommodation is affordable, and rooms are cheaper than other popular resorts. Dahab provides an escape from city hustle and bustle, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
Safaga
Located 50 kilometers from Hurghada, Safaga is not for party-goers or shoppers. Instead, divers and those seeking a quiet vacation come here. The calm bay waters make exploring the underwater world a delight, where you can see dolphins and sea turtles. Equipment can be rented from your hotel.
Safaga’s beaches are its highlight, with fine sand and clean, well-maintained areas. The resort is sheltered from strong winds by mountains but enjoys a constant light breeze. Known as a health resort, Safaga’s sand is rich in beneficial elements, believed to have healing properties. According to legend, Queen Hatshepsut once vacationed here. Tourists come hoping to cure ailments like psoriasis and rheumatism, and many report improved well-being after their stay.
El Quseir
El Quseir is among the top places for exploring the Red Sea’s underwater world. It’s also an eco-friendly zone with numerous diving centers. Here, divers explore shipwrecks, coral reefs, and encounter unique marine life, including sea turtles.
El Quseir also attracts history enthusiasts with its many ancient landmarks. Visit the Suleiman Fortress, the Golden Mine, quarries, and ancient Roman port ruins. The beaches are equipped for relaxation, with many wild areas attracting couples. Accommodation is more expensive than Hurghada, but only in El Quseir can you observe dugongs, a unique marine species.
Nuweiba
Nuweiba is a hub of bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment centers, perfect for those who love to party and shop. Most tourists stay in beachfront hotels, close to the beaches. While there are no significant attractions, excursions to nearby sites like the Ain Khudra oasis, the Colored and White Canyons, and Petra in Jordan are available.
Nuweiba offers diving, snorkeling, dolphin beach visits, horseback riding, and beach relaxation. The coastline is clean with a gentle sea entrance, safe for children. Nuweiba-Tarabin is known for its clubs and entertainment, with hotels offering a range of accommodation options to suit any budget.
Sahl Hasheesh
Perhaps the most mysterious Egyptian resort, Sahl Hasheesh, was once the site of the city of Isis, now submerged under the Red Sea. Although unproven scientifically, the legend attracts tourists hoping to find the lost city. Today, Sahl Hasheesh, meaning “Green Valley,” is a beautiful area with abundant greenery.
The resort’s main advantage is its many Russian-speaking staff, ensuring no communication problems. Hotels typically have private beaches, well-maintained and equipped for comfort. The main attractions are artificial replicas of famous Egyptian symbols, yet still interesting to see. Divers explore the ruins of the submerged city, and although artificial, they remain a popular attraction.
Most entertainment is within the hotels, offering local cuisine, excursions, and evening entertainment. There are no crowded discos or clubs, making it a favorite for middle-aged visitors.
Ain Sokhna
One of the most expensive and prestigious resorts, Ain Sokhna attracts wealthy visitors with its ideal vacation conditions. Located on the Suez Canal, its proximity to Cairo makes it appealing to tourists who can easily visit the capital. Alexandria, 350 kilometers away, is also a popular excursion destination.
Previously only frequented by locals, the government has since made efforts to attract European tourists. Russian-speaking visitors are rare, as they tend to choose other resorts. Ain Sokhna has around 20 hotels, ranging from five-star to three-star accommodations, with ongoing construction to attract more visitors.
Ain Sokhna is known for its hot springs on Mount Gabal Ataqa, believed to have healing properties. The resort is perfect for those who prefer a quiet, serious vacation without noisy crowds.
Port Ghalib
A new resort, Port Ghalib, gained popularity immediately after the first hotels were built. This modern eco-center meets all tourist requirements, often hosting business meetings, conferences, and negotiations. Hotel owners create ideal business conditions, while Port Ghalib is also known as a luxurious resort.
It is a massive oasis filled with greenery, parks, gazebos, and pools, epitomizing luxury. The resort is suitable for year-round visits, with comfortable weather in both summer and winter. There’s no scorching heat typical of most Egyptian cities. Accommodation options are plentiful, but prices are high, with impeccable service.
Port Ghalib offers diving, snorkeling, yacht or boat trips along the coast, and guided excursions. Food lovers will enjoy the local restaurants, with reviews praising the culinary expertise of the chefs. Safari trips and shopping sprees at the Khan market are also popular activities. Port Ghalib deserves the highest praise, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and productive time.
Abu Dabbab
Abu Dabbab Bay is perfect for exploring the Red Sea’s underwater world, home to many sea turtles. The area’s beauty is appreciated by many Russians, with very clean water and the bay considered an ecological zone. Divers flock here for its pristine conditions.
The beach area is well-equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and rental points provide necessary equipment for water sports. Although a storm darkened the once white sand, the area remains attractive. Two hotel complexes, resembling villages, host various entertainment activities for guests.
The bay is less crowded, as youth prefer livelier resorts. Most visitors come to admire the underwater beauty and encounter marine creatures like electric rays or dugongs, requiring caution during dives.
Egyptian Red Sea resorts offer a wide range of options, ensuring you find one that suits your budget and service quality preferences. No matter your choice, you’re guaranteed sun, beaches, and picturesque views.