Hurghada
Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century,
and until a few years ago, remained a small fishing village.
But today, it has gone on to become the foremost tourist resort
of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic
sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here:
windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but, above
all, snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore
are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst
divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of
rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through
glass bottom boats. This area has many fine accommodations,
usually offering warm and efficient service. Restaurants are
mostly along the main road. While in Hurghada, don't miss the
museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora
and fauna of the Red Sea.
Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among
Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins
at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs. They are particularly
frequented by the young, but certainly many others of all ages.
One may often find a rousing party centered around the visitors
from a tour group taking over the action of a particular bar.
They are easy to find along the main street, along with loads
of inexpensive and expensive hotels.
One of the Local Evening Hot Spots just a bit
still too Early
Small Pubs, Restaurants and Internet Cafes line
the Main Street
It is also a beach resort, where thousands of
older Europeans and others come with their families to enjoy
the sun and fun of private resort beaches, some all inclusive.
Many of these hotels offer so many activities and facilities
that one may never need to leave the resort. Often, the larger
resorts have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools
and even small theaters.
Hurghada is also a city under development. Many
new hotels and construction are taking place, and we can expect
to see some great new hotels, restaurants and other facilities
in the near future. Actually this is a busy section of the Red
Sea in general. Safaga is just south of Hurghada, and Soma Bay
with its beautiful Sheraton is even closer to the South. To
the North is El Gouna, a highly organized resort community.
Together, these communities and resort areas offer just about
everything a visitor might wish for, from raucous parties to
isolated scuba diving, with golf, bowling and fishing in between.
 
Islands near Hurghada offer all kinds of fun and
excitement. Take a day trip to Giftun Island for snorkeling
and a fish barbecue, or view the Red Sea from a submarine! When
you're not in the sea you can shop in the boutiques, relax in
the luxury holiday villages or visit the Roman Mons Porphyrites
(mountain of porphyry) remains at nearby Gebel Abu Dukhan (Father
of Smoke). Day-trips or safaris to explore the Red Sea Mountains
by camel or jeep are also available. Other nearby islands and
destinations include the Shadwan Island (Diving, snorkeling,
fishing but no swimming), Shaab Abu Shiban (Diving, snorkeling
and swimming), Shaab el-Erg (Diving, fishing and snorkeling),
Umm Gammar Island (Diving and snorkeling), Shasb Saghir Umm
Gammae (Diving), Careless Reef (Diving), Abu Ramada Island (Diving),
Shaab Abu Ramada (Fishing), Dishet el-Dhaba (Beaches and swimming),
Shaab Abu Hashish (Beaches, diving, snorkeling, swimming and
fishing), Sharm el-Arab (Diving, swimming and fishing and Abu
Minqar Island (Beaches and swimming).
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