Things To Do In Hurghada
Hurghada is situated alongside the Red Sea and is recognized as one of Egypt’s oldest and most renowned beach destinations. Originally a modest fishing village as late as the 1980s, Hurghada has seen significant growth over the past three decades, transforming into a popular beach resort known for its top-notch coastal facilities, leisure activities, and cultural attractions.
Rich in natural beauty and resources, the name Hurghada is derived from a local plant, and it continues to attract visitors today for its vibrant coral reefs, upscale resorts, picturesque coastal getaways, and invigorating Red Sea experiences.
Nowadays, the modest fishing village has evolved into a spectacular resort destination, welcoming more than a million visitors annually.
Let’s dive into the exciting activities and attractions in Hurghada, Egypt, that you can’t miss when planning your trip.
Things To Do In Hurghada
1. Mahmya Island
Contrary to its name, Mahmya Island is not a standalone island; it’s merely a part of the larger Big Giftun Island, located in the Giftun Islands, situated along the coast of Hurghada’s Red Sea. Relax on the sandy shores; explore the coral reef through snorkeling from the beach or a boat; rent a “Sea-Spi’ glass-bottom watercraft; or enjoy meals and beverages at the local restaurants.
There are no direct ferry services to the Giftun Islands, making a tour the sole method of reaching Mahmya (also known as Mahmaya). You have the choice between early tours that return in the afternoon and later options that extend until early evening.
The majority of Mahmya Island tours come with hotel transfers, snorkeling equipment, and a guide, with some including an open buffet lunch and soft drinks. For those who love the sun, spending the entire day on Mahmya is an option; for those interested in coral reefs, Mahmya can be a stop on a snorkeling cruise.
Things To Do In Hurghada
2. Sand City Hurghada
Nestled on the outskirts of Hurghada, Sand City features approximately 60 massive sand sculptures in an open-air park. Crafted by skilled artists from around the world, these sculptures range from towering statues of ancient pyramids and pharaohs to detailed reliefs of mythical creatures and cartoon characters. The park also includes a kids’ sand-sculpture workshop area and souvenir shops, ensuring a delightful family experience.
At the sculpture park, take a leisurely walk through the Historical Art zone to marvel at the grand statues of the Great Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza, as well as famous personalities like Napoleon. Explore the Wonderland Art section to view carvings of beloved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Spiderman, and Shrek. Children can also participate in a simple sand-sculpting activity at the workshop.
A convenient way to visit Sand City is by arranging a private tour from Hurghada; these packages usually include tickets to enter the park and hotel transportation for pick-up and drop-off. Alternatively, you could choose a private tour of Hurghada that includes stops at Sand City, along with other highlights like Hurghada Marina and the Al Mina Mosque.
Things To Do In Hurghada
3. Senzo Mall
Situated just south of Hurghada, the Senzo Mall is home to approximately 85 stores and eateries, making it one of Egypt’s Red Sea coast’s largest malls. Surrounded by fountains with palm trees, it features a wide range of offerings, from high-end fashion stores to a variety of food options, attracting shoppers and visitors alike.
For a break from the sandy shores, Senzo Mall is a go-to spot for shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities. Wander through the cool, air-conditioned walkways to explore international fashion labels, browse through jewelry and home goods stores, pick up souvenirs at the duty-free shops, and grab a bite at the cafes, restaurants, or fast-food places. The mall also includes a hypermarket and a kids’ play area.
Since the mall is located outside the city, the majority of visitors opt for taxis or the Senzo shuttle bus. Additionally, you can arrange a private, tailored tour of Hurghada city or shopping that allows you to include a visit to the mall at other locations, like Hurghada Marina and the city’s traditional markets.
Things To Do In Hurghada
4. Hurghada Grand Aquarium
The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is dedicated to showcasing the underwater paradise that lies beyond the shore. Whether you’re an enthusiastic snorkeler or simply interested in discovering more about the world’s unique coral reefs, this aquarium broadens your understanding of the Red Sea’s ecological landscape, featuring a variety of marine life, including sharks and turtles, that inhabit it.
5. El Dahar (Hurghada Old Town)
Located north of Hurghada’s high-end resorts, the Old Town of El Dahar is home to the city’s most genuine eateries and boutiques. A standout feature of this area is a traditional Egyptian marketplace filled with vendors selling leather, copper, papyrus, spices, and shisha pipes.
Serving as the core of Hurghada, El Dahar is a must-see for sightseeing excursions, often combining visits to the marketplace and the Church of St. Mary. For an evening experience, consider a night tour that takes you through the brightly lit bazaar, followed by a traditional dinner and cultural performance for a full-day experience.
Things To Do In Hurghada
6. Makadi Water World
South of Hurghada in the Makadi Bay resort zone, Makadi Water World stands out as one of Egypt’s premier water parks. With fifty unique rides and slides, including twenty experiences designed for adults such as Twister, Kamikaze, Space Boat, Black Hole, and Turbo Tunnel, and twenty attractions for children, there’s something for everyone. The park also features a surf simulator, wave pool, and a lazy river.
Guests at hotels in Madinat Makadi, like Jaz Aquaviva and Sunwing Waterworld Makadi, enjoy complimentary access to Makadi Water World, with regular shuttle buses available. If you’re staying elsewhere in Hurghada, the cost of admission is comparable to that of water parks in the west, with the added benefit of unlimited food and soft drinks included. While tickets are not typically required online, booking packages that include transportation can simplify your visit, especially if you’re coming from a distance.
Things To Do In Hurghada
7. Embark on an Expensive Snorkeling Adventure
This lavish all-day excursion includes a boat journey to the open sea regions where dolphins are present, allowing you to observe these incredible animals up close.
Enjoy the splendor of the coral reefs, or simply swim or snorkel with these magnificent sea creatures.
8. Hurghada Marina
Established in 2008, Hurghada Marina serves as the leisure center of the Red Sea resort. Situated around a 200-berth harbor, it is surrounded by the Marina Boulevard—a pathway lined with palm trees, parks, and shops and homes painted in ochre. This marina offers a wide range of activities including shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Most Red Sea cruise ships begin their journeys from the marina. Choices vary from snorkeling adventures to trips to the Giftun Islands; tours that allow you to see the ocean floor, submarines, and dolphins; water sports; and diving excursions.
The marina is a popular starting point for desert safaris and is also a stop for many tours of Hurghada city, which usually offer opportunities to explore and shop. Other popular activities from the marina include shows inspired by the Arabian Nights and dinner-and-dive packages by the water.
Things To Do In Hurghada
9. Careless Reef
Located in the open Red Sea waters, about an hour’s drive from Hurghada, Careless Reef is thriving once more after recovering from the damage caused by the crown-of-thorns sea star. Its clear waters, shallow reefs, and rugged cliffs with caves and overhangs make it an ideal spot for divers, including the opportunity to encounter large fish.
You won’t have to pay a fee to explore Careless Reef, a popular spot for divers, which is always accessible through a dive boat run by one of the Hurghada dive schools. However, since the location is open, diving there can become challenging or even impossible on days with strong winds, so the operators might not be ready to arrange a dive until they’ve assessed the weather conditions on the day.
Careless Reef is ideal for experienced scuba divers at every skill level. The majority of dive packages offer two dives, gear rental, a dive instructor, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages during a break on the boat.
Things To Do In Hurghada
10. Giftun Islands
Giftun Islands, Giftun Kebir and Giftun Sughayer, are among the nearest to Egypt’s resort town of Hurghada and are part of a marine reserve in the Red Sea known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors come here for activities like snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the islands’ clean, protected beaches.
The majority of tourists heading to the Giftun Islands come on a planned day journey from Hurghada, Egypt’s coastal area. Participate in a full-day adventure that involves snorkeling over the vibrant coral reefs, enjoying a leisurely swim and relaxation on a beach with white sand, and spotting dolphins during the return journey.
Things To Do In Hurghada
These day trips usually offer lunch and provide all the required snorkeling gear. Experienced scuba divers are welcome to arrange a guided dive to explore coral reefs, sea turtles, skates, and various sea creatures.
11. Explore the extensive underwater world at the Hurghada Aquarium.
For those eager to observe the stunning Red Sea aquatic fauna and the captivating sea animals, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a must-visit destination!
For individuals who don’t swim but are fascinated by marine life, this should be among the top activities in Hurghada, Egypt.
Consider reserving a spot for a guided tour in advance to prevent any inconvenience.
Things To Do In Hurghada
12. Embark on an Thrilling Desert Jeep Adventure to the Sahara Park
As the city is renowned for its sandy shores and aquatic pursuits, it’s easy to overlook the stunning desert landscapes.
Off-road biking and jeep journeys are among the city’s top outdoor attractions, offering opportunities to discover and delve into the expansive desert terrain.
13. Explore the Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque
Also known as the Grand Mosque, this architectural wonder rises high, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and everyday activities of Hurghada, Egypt.
Things To Do In Hurghada
The traditional Islamic architecture and the detailed patterns could be appealing to many. Free clothing for women to wear is provided close to the mosque’s entrance. It’s important to be completely covered, including your head.
