Holidays in Hurghada
In a nutshell, Hurghada can be described as a diver’s paradise on the Red Sea, but there are other reasons to recharge your batteries in this Egyptian resort town. Known as the Red Sea Riviera, Hurghada was once a quiet fishing village. Egyptian authorities have since worked to develop this town into a destination worthy of visitors from all over Egypt and tourists from Europe.
What’s the draw? Well, for starters, Hurghada is a balmy climate when other areas are buffeted with snow and ice, and so this mild weather is a refuge for winter-blasted visitors. Hurghada, like many other diving destinations par excellence, offers lots of surf, sun and sand… But how many other dive havens also are in close proximity to historical sites dating back to antiquity?
Water sports are plentiful in Hurghada, with opportunities available for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, windsurfing, swimming, deep-sea fishing, and sailing. The Red Sea near Hurghada boasts crystal-blue, warm waters, and divers can enjoy a rich variety of fish and coral living on world-famous reefs. Not only is Hurghada a premier diving spot for the region, but the town also is a launching point for exploring uninhabited islands farther away from the coast. Giftun Islands, a marine reserve, is but 45 minutes away from Hurghada by boat.
Those visitors interested in all things marine but are just not up to a snorkel or diving experience, will find that a submarine or glass-bottom boat tour is available. The Titanic Aqua Park, as part of the Titanic Beach Spa property, features more than 20 water slides, a wave pool, and a rafting river.
Visitors that move away from the lure of the water will find that the Sahara Desert, and the mystique of the past, is also intriguing. Hurghada is comprised of three parts: the old town, El Dahar, situated downtown and home to the largest bazaar; the modern section, also known as El Memsha; and the city centre, Sekalla, which is where most tourists stay.
Tours of the Sahara Desert, via camels, quads, or 4-wheel drive jeeps, can be arranged here. Opportunities include dining in the desert, or a chance to enjoy tea with local Bedouins.
History buffs will enjoy the ancient site of Mons Claudianus, an authentic glimpse into a far-flung outpost of the Roman Empire. Mons Claudianus showcases a garrison’s fortress complete with stables, baths, and outlying workshops.
Also with a long-reaching claim to fame is Al Quseir, a trade town dating back to the time of the pharaohs, and seeing service as a port town for Ptolemy, the Romans, and the Ottomans.
In their quest to conquer Egypt, the Romans also utilized the town of Al Kadima as a port facility. Visitors can also soak up the history of the following buildings, each being more than 300 years old: the Senousi, Al Qenawi and Al Farran mosques, and the Ottoman fortress.
By contrast, the recently built town of El Gouna, dubbed as “Egypt’s Venice,” offers a variety of modern amusements, including shopping and golf.