All You Need to Know About Hurghada, Egypt

Renowned for its pristine quality of service and style, and as an adobe for tourists, Hurghada has a preceding reputation of quality versus quantity.

Hurghada, also known as 'Al Ghardagah' by locals, is an Egyptian city and a popular tourist city.

Due to the fact that Hurghada is situated along the shores of the Red Sea, almost all developments are inevitably beachfront properties.

Hurghada lies on a promontory projecting into the sea, some 380 km to the south-east of Cairo. Once an isolated fishing village, Hurghada emerged as a key site early in the 20th century. From the 1980s, the city has expanded and flourished, and is now the leading resort along the Red Sea Coast.

Founded in the early 20th Century, Hurghada has been on a continuous growth spiral, so much so that Hurghada is now the leading resort destination along the Red Sea.

Presently, this former fisherman's village hosts 40 000 inhabitants. Divided into three main parts, namely: El Dahar (the old district, downtown); Sekalla (the modern district) and El Korra Road (the most modern district), Hurghada has plenty to offer its visitors and residents. For example: Sekalla is where one would find relatively modest Hotel quarters, whereas El Dahar is where one would find the town's largest bazaar, post office and bus station.

Property markets indicate that it is possible to fetch a luxury beachfront studio apartment in Hurghada for as little as £15 000, while a fully furnished turn-key apartment will have you looking at £20 000.

Stretching approximately 40km along the Red Sea coastline and not reaching too far into the desert, Hurghada is perfectly situated to enable a guarantee of luxurious relaxation at its best.

Many of Hurghada's beach resorts are all-inclusive, self-contained entities that satisfy the visitor's every need and desire. Amenities include discos, bars, playgrounds, swimming pools and small theatres.

Hurghada has its own international airport that receives many charter flights every day. Hurghada is well connected to Cairo and Luxor by bus. There are also ferries to and from the Sinai Peninsula.

Minibuses seat up to a dozen people, and are probably the cheapest means of intra-city travel.

Another option is car rental. Several international rental companies are represented in Hurghada.

Within Hurghada, public transport is good. Collective service taxis operate on a wide variety of routes. They are quicker than buses, and can depart (and arrive) at any given time.

Prices are on the increase, daily - as new developments are re-priced, on average, every quarter. The amounts of these quarterly-increases vary according to the exact locality of the development and the apartment position within the complex, but a ten per cent increase is the average quarter-hike for the best located development on the market.

Hurghada is known for its spectacular landscape, rich in canyons and mountains. The desert safari is a wonderful means of experiencing this colourful terrain. Several operators in Hurghada arrange such safaris, most of which last between 1 and 5 days. Participants may select from camels, horses, quads and 4x4 vehicles.

Hurghada Aquarium and Museum boasts a wide selection of Red Sea plants and animals. It is open from 8am to 8pm.
Remaining a popular holiday destination for residents of Cairo, the Delta and Upper Egypt, as well as gaining popularity as a package holiday destination for many European tourists (i.e. Russians, Germans, etc), Hurghada is on the rise in leaps and bounds.

Giftun Island provides a superb day outing for the whole family. Besides excellent snorkeling, one has the opportunity to view the Red Sea underworld from a submarine. The island is well populated with shops and boutiques, and there are also some interesting historical sites such as the Roman porphyry quarry remains.

El Gouna lies 20 km to the north of Hurghada. A purpose built leisure resort, it boasts a 10 km stretch of beachfront. Its water activity opportunities are excellent, and include facilities for water skiing, parasailing, snorkeling and windsurfing. For those who favour land-based activity, the 18-hole USPGA Golf Course offers a world-class game.

Safaga is slightly south of Hurghada. This port town comprises several tourist villages specializing in diving holidays, and is complete with outstanding hotels and seafood restaurants. The town's clean sandy beaches and stiff sea breezes make it an ideal location for windsurfing.

Other nearby islands is Shaab el-Erg, Shaab Abu Ramada, Abu Minquar, Careless Reef and Shadwan Island. All offer excellent swimming and diving conditions.

Sharm El Naga is a village located 40 km south of Hurghada. Its beach boasts the most beautiful reef cliff in the region.
The Hurghada Casino, at the Hurghada International Resort and Casino, provides an alternative night on the town. Games on offer include Black Jack, Poker, Roulette and slot machines.

Hurghada is a true party town. The night clubs are concentrated along the same main street as the hotels and, although they attract mostly young people, there is entertainment enough for everyone.