Things to do — Hurghada

Hurghada organises around four main activity poles.

Diving and snorkeling are the flagship activity. The Giftun Islands (Big Giftun and Small Giftun, declared a national park in 1995) are the classic site for boat days: 30-45 min navigation from Hurghada, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, snorkeling reefs accessible directly from the boat. Count €30-50 all-inclusive snorkeling day (transport + gear + buffet lunch onboard), €70-110 for a 2-dive day. Sha'ab El Erg and Dolphin House in the north are famous for their wild spinner dolphin populations (protocol mandatory: no more than 30 minutes with the animals, respectful distance). Iconic wrecks of the region include Abu Nuhas (4 cargo ship wrecks sunk in the 19th-20th century on the same reef) and Abu Galawa Soraya. Advanced divers can board live-aboard cruises of 7 nights to the Brothers Islands (two isolated offshore reefs, vertiginous drop-offs, possible hammerhead sharks), the Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone — some of the world's finest diving.

Resort life represents the majority of stays at Hurghada. All-inclusive hotels offer infinity pools, groomed beaches with included loungers and parasols, children's animation (mini-clubs up to age 12) and adult animation, evening shows, varied buffet dining (often 3-4 specialised restaurants in 5-star hotels), sometimes included water activities (paddle, kayak). The best family hotels: Steigenberger Aldau Beach, Sunrise Crystal Bay, Pickalbatros Aqua Vista (with water park).

El Gouna, 25 km north, deserves a full day's exploration even if you don't sleep there. This lake-city built in 1989 by businessman Samih Sawiris is one of the Middle East's finest examples of integrated beach urbanism: artificial canals, turquoise lagoons, 17 upscale hotels, marina with yachts, 18-hole golf course designed by Karl Litten, international private hospital. The downtown (Marina Square) groups restaurants, bars, shops and international atmosphere. Several boat tours let you discover the canals and lagoons from the inside.

Land excursions open a cultural dimension to the stay. The star is the day excursion to Luxor: 4-5 am departure, 4-5h bus drive across the desert (secured escort), visit to Karnak, Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, return to Hurghada around 9 pm. Long and tiring but allows discovering the pharaonic dimension of Egypt without changing hotel base. Count €60-110 per person. Other excursions: quad and Bedouin desert (€40-70 for a half-day), 4WD safari in the Eastern Desert (€50-90 day), Cairo in 1 day excursion with domestic flight (€250-400).