Hurghada
The Red Sea coast on the eastern side of Egypt offers another excellent beach destination in addition to the Sinai. The Eastern Desert is not nearly as rich as the Sinai in its potential for safaris, but still offers some opportunity for desert excursions and Bedouin dinners. One of the main advantages of this coastal region over the Sinai is its proximity to the Nile - just 3 hours' drive from Luxor - which makes it ideal for a beach extension after a Nile cruise without the need for extra domestic flights.
MAJOR RESORTS ON THE EAST COAST
Hurghada
Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and until a few years ago remained a small fishing village. Today, it has become the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports, fishing and diving. Scores of resort hotels to suit all budgets line the coast, and the area is still under development. The nearby local town has shopping malls, traditional souks and internet cafés. Hurghada has a busy nightlife, with discos and bars in all the major hotels, as well as "Arabian Nights" style restaurants and nightclubs.
El-Gouna
El-Gouna is a sophisticated resort town around 40 minutes north of Hurghada, with excellent 5-star hotels and some characterful 3-star and 4-star properties, as well as a PGA-standard golf course. A yachting marina and central district with bars and restaurants ("El-Kafr") form part of the development. is a sophisticated resort town around 40 minutes north of Hurghada, with excellent 5-star hotels and some characterful 3-star and 4-star properties, as well as a PGA-standard golf course. A yachting marina and central district with bars and restaurants form part of the development.
Sahl Hashish and Soma Bay
Just south of Hurghada are two large and beautiful bays, Sahl Hashish and Soma Bay, home to several excellent hotels. In Soma Bay is the best links golf course in Egypt. Just south of Hurghada are two large and beautiful bays, and , home to several excellent hotels. In Soma Bay is the best links golf course in Egypt.
KEY ATTRACTIONS ON THE RED SEA COAST Desert Excursions
4x4 excursions and camel rides can be arranged from any of the East Coast resorts, as well as Bedouin teas or dinners in the desert.
Diving & Snorkelling
Prolonged over-development of the coastline in Hurghada has permanently damaged some of the reef. However, good areas for snorkelling and diving can be found further out from the coast towards areas such as Giftun Island, or to each side of Hurghada in El-Gouna and Soma Bay.
Watersports Activities
Hurghada, El-Gouna and the other major Red Sea resorts offer a full range of watersports including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, catamaran, water-skiing, and more. All 5-star hotels have their own watersports centres, and activities can be booked on the spot.
Golfing
Egypt's east coast boasts two superb championship links courses, one in El-Gouna and one in Soma Bay - both around 40 minutes' drive from Hurghada.
